Boise, Idaho — [August 13, 2024] — During the Boise School Board's regular monthly meeting on August 12, 2024, trustees officially approved the transition of Owyhee Elementary School into a new early learning center, serving Pre-K children (ages 3-5), beginning in the 2025-2026 school year. This change reflects the District’s ongoing commitment to expanding early childhood education opportunities and ensuring a strong educational foundation for the youngest members of our community.

Next Steps and Support for Families

To ensure a smooth transition, the District is committed to supporting families throughout this process:

• Current Programs Unchanged for 2024-2025: Early learners ages 3-5 will continue participating in their current educational programs at Owyhee Elementary and other elementary schools (with the exception of the new Lincoln Early Learning Center - see information below) through the 2024-2025 school year, with no changes until the 2025-2026 school year.
• Transportation: Starting in the fall of 2025, transportation will be provided to all early learners within the designated bussing zones for the new Early Learning Centers.
• Boundary Information: In the coming months, the District will provide detailed information to teachers and families regarding the boundary lines for both the Owyhee Early Learning Center and the new Lincoln Early Learning Center.
• Support During Transition: As preparations for the 2025-2026 school year progress, the District will share additional information on how it will support students and families as they transition to the new Early Learning Centers.

Transition and Boundaries Committees 

To further support a smooth transition for Owyhee families, the Boise School District will establish two committees:



• Transition Committee: This committee, involving parents and principals from Owyhee and nearby neighborhood schools (i.e, Hawthorne, Hillcrest, Whitney), will focus on making the transition to a new school as seamless as possible for students and families.
• Boundaries Committee: Comprised of parents, administrators, and school staff, this committee will study and propose new boundaries for the nearby neighborhood schools. The committee will consider factors such as enrollment, transportation, and other services to ensure the most effective boundary changes.

Background Information

Boise School District has a long-standing commitment to early childhood education. For about 20 years, the District has operated an Early Learning Center on the north side of the District (Madison Early Learning Center). Earlier this year, the District announced the relocation and expansion of this center to the Fort Boise location, which has previously served as a swing space for elementary schools during bond construction projects. This new facility, named the Lincoln Early Learning Center, is currently being remodeled and equipped specifically for Pre-K students and will open at the beginning of this school year (2024-2025 school year). Research shows that inclusive learning environments, such as the District’s commitment to these early learning centers, help children with and without disabilities. 

Celebrating Owyhee Elementary’s Rich History

As part of the transition, the Boise School District will be exploring ways to celebrate and honor the rich history of Owyhee Elementary School, ensuring that its legacy as a traditional elementary school (K-6) is remembered and cherished even as it evolves into an early learning center.

State-of-the-Art Facilities and Experienced Educators

The new Early Learning Centers (Lincoln and Owyhee) will feature state-of-the-art amenities and age-appropriate resources, designed to create an optimal learning environment. The District will continue to provide experienced educators who are passionate about fostering early childhood development.

Ongoing Communication

Boise School District is committed to maintaining open lines of communication throughout this transition. Families of early learners ages 3-5, are encouraged to reach out with any questions or concerns. For more information, please contact Student Services Administrator Cherise Longoria at 208-854-4132.

About Boise School District

Boise School District is dedicated to providing high-quality education to all students. The District serves over 22,000 students across 50 schools and offers a wide range of educational programs to support academic excellence and community engagement. Learn more at boiseschools.org

Additional Resources

Board Presentation Regarding Owyhee Early Childhood Learning Center 

Early Education Program Overview (Ages 3-5)

Lincoln Early Learning Center