Challenger School - Meridian - Meridian, Idaho

Gina J.

Choosing Challenger was the best decision we made for our kids.

Academically, no one in the area even comes close. After a terrible experience at a local IB/International school in Boise, we did the rounds and toured every school we could think of. It was clear from the interview process on that Challenger's academics were truly incomparable.

On a day to day basis, when I need more information, Ms Lori at the front desk has an answer. If I want to schedule a parent teacher conference, I'm in within 24 hours. The communication with parents is outstanding.

My inbox isn't spammed with 5 school emails a day that have nothing to do with my child's class (we've been there) and they don't have other parents- or anybody for that matter- calling you every month asking you to donate money for who knows what (been there too!).

Our kids strive to hit their academic goals all on their own and throw themselves into beating out their classmates on a more creative level too (they have annual Halloween Pumpkin Decorating & Cartoon competitions to name a few).

No school is perfect but 2 years later, we are still impressed by Challenger, and happy we made the move!

Gerald R.

Excellent school for academics. Our 2 kids have been here for 4 years after we moved from California and are thriving. All of the administrators and teachers communicate well with the parents and students. Highly recommend.

Antonina C.

Challenger School of Meridian continues to amaze us with its exceptional educational standards, especially in the kindergarten program. It's remarkable to see how much our son has learned in just half a year. The leap in his reading skills is particularly astounding – he is not only reading fluently but is now delving into chapter books with ease. His understanding of reading rules and his ability to apply them is a clear indicator of the high-quality teaching at Challenger School. The dedication and expertise of the teachers have fostered a deep love for reading and learning in him. We are incredibly impressed and grateful for the solid educational foundation our son is receiving here. The progress he's made is a true testament to the exceptional curriculum and the nurturing environment that Challenger School provides.

Tahirah R.

Our boy has been in Challenger for 2 years now, as a mother I'm highly particular about schools for our son. I've researched all the schools around, their education style and philosophy.
He was in a public school back in Seattle for Kindergarten which I volunteered weekly for. A Catholic private school after finding out about some of the programs that were being implemented in Public Schools which was made aware of by a friend. I wrote to the school and the Superintendent to no avail, so we pulled him out of the Public School System.

What we love about Challenger are:

Trust and transparency - We can trust the school with our child and feel safe that there are no hidden agendas apart from a good solid education.

Education - It's not for every family or child, this is an advanced school in terms of the level of education. The level of grammar being taught in the third grade there is high school level or even college level for Public Schools. The math I think about 2-3 grades ahead. It's a rigorous program that require discipline, a good solid routine and a habit in finishing homework is a must. It's a great program for kids who needs such challenge.

Values - We love that they teach critical thinking and encourage dialogues and different ideas in the classroom, they teach facts/truths in history and not sugar coated. They don't push agendas and say one is wrong or the other is right. They are teaching great independent thinkers.

The tuition is the tuition - No push for fund raising or volunteer time, it's completely up to each family. Every private school I know push for fund raising and volunteer time. This is the only private school that does not do that at all. You can volunteer if you like and when you have time.

The interview system - Maybe not for everyone but I personally love that they interview the family and child prior to accepting a student, the kids in the classroom all get along and on the same wave length when it comes to learning.

The teachers - These teachers work hard, they have great teaching methods, the skills taught in Challenger will be beneficial throughout their life in terms of how to study and accountability. The only school that was open during snow days, no snow days at Challenger.

It's not perfect, but as far as education goes, it's a great school if your child has the personality and the right fit.

Richard D.

We love Challenger. Our son has attended preschool and kindergarten here and he has excelled. Full blown reading at age 5. Our daughter just turned 3 and she will start going here as well starting in a week. The staff is amazing and there are zero complaints.

Ion G.

Our son have learned a lot during his Pre-K class. Teachers are amazing, Miss Yule and Miss Windy are great teachers, with a lot of patience and very dedicated! They started with learning letters and ended the year reading fluently! What a great progress! All the staff members are very professional and polite! We love Challenger School ! ❤️💪

Bethany W.

Love this school. I used to teach here, and I’ve always been so impressed with how they teach children to take personal responsibility and to think for themselves to do what will make them happiest in the long term instead of blindly following rules. I learned so much about healthy boundaries working here. My son started in the two day program right after he turned 3 and by Christmas, he was reading! So impressed.

Jeff P.

Challenger Meridian has amazing teachers, and that's it. The Headmaster and the staff are unprofessional and unwilling to work with children with learning disabilities. They want to try and fix your child, even though they do not have the professional background to do so. Be aware they are more concerned about getting paid, which Challenger is extremely expensive, than working with your and providing your child the best learning environment.