For the 2026 school year, there are 7 public schools serving 821 students in Boise County, ID (there are 1 private school, serving 35 private students). 96% of all K-12 students in Boise County, ID are educated in public schools (compared to the ID state average of 94%).
The top-ranked public schools in Boise County, ID are Idaho City High School, Basin Elementary School and Horseshoe Bend Middle/sr High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Boise County, ID public schools have an average math proficiency score of 34% (versus the Idaho public school average of 41%), and reading proficiency score of 48% (versus the 55% statewide average). Schools in Boise County have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Idaho public schools.
Minority enrollment is 9% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Idaho public school average of 28% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Boise County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Idaho City High School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
100 Centerville Road
Idaho City, ID 83631
(208) 392-4183
Idaho City, ID 83631
(208) 392-4183
Gr: 7-12 | 126 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: #22.
Basin Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
101 North Elk Creek Road
Idaho City, ID 83631
(208) 392-6631
Idaho City, ID 83631
(208) 392-6631
Gr: PK-6 | 173 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #33.
Horseshoe Bend Middle/sr High School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
398 School Drive
Horseshoe Bend, ID 83629
(208) 793-2225
Horseshoe Bend, ID 83629
(208) 793-2225
Gr: 6-12 | 86 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: #44.
Horseshoe Bend Elementary School
(Math: 30-39% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
398 School Drive
Horseshoe Bend, ID 83629
(208) 793-2225
Horseshoe Bend, ID 83629
(208) 793-2225
Gr: PK-5 | 84 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Rank: #55.
Garden Valley School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1053 Banks Lowman Road
Garden Valley, ID 83622
(208) 462-3756
Garden Valley, ID 83622
(208) 462-3756
Gr: PK-12 | 220 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Rank: n/an/a
Horseshoe Bend Alternative School
Alternative School
398 School Drive
Horseshoe Bend, ID 83629
(208) 793-2225
Horseshoe Bend, ID 83629
(208) 793-2225
Gr: 5-12
Rank: n/an/a
3484 Banks Lowman Road
Garden Valley, ID 83622
(208) 259-3333
Garden Valley, ID 83622
(208) 259-3333
Gr: PK-6 | 1 student Student-teacher ratio: 1:1
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Boise County, ID?
The top-ranked public schools in Boise County, ID include Idaho City High School, Basin Elementary School and Horseshoe Bend Middle/sr High School.
How many public schools are located in Boise County?
6 public schools are located in Boise County.
What percentage of students in Boise County go to public school?
96% of all K-12 students in Boise County are educated in public schools (compared to the ID state average of 94%).
What is the racial composition of students in Boise County?
Boise County public schools minority enrollment is 9% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Idaho public schools average of 28% (majority Hispanic).
Which public schools in Boise County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Boise County include: Idaho City High School vs. Garden Valley School, Garden Valley School vs. Idaho City High School, Horseshoe Bend Middle/sr High School vs. Garden Valley School
Recent Articles
Gifted, Honors, and Advanced Tracks: Are They Accessible or Just Advertised?
Learn how to evaluate gifted, honors, and advanced academic programs in public schools, including admission criteria, equity, and the questions every parent should ask.
Algebra Readiness: What Parents Should Ask Before Middle School
Discover how to determine if your child is ready for algebra before middle school, including the questions parents should ask and the skills students need to succeed.
How to Evaluate Reading Instruction in Your Zoned Elementary School
Learn how to evaluate reading instruction in your neighborhood elementary school by recognizing effective literacy practices, asking the right questions, and understanding what quality reading instruction looks like.