Boise School District Celebrates AP Capstone Award Students for Excellence and Achievement
The Boise School District is proud to announce that students across our high schools have once again achieved national distinction through the College Board’sAdvanced Placement (AP) program. This year, 46 students earned the AP Capstone® Diploma and 18 students earned the AP Seminar and Research Certificate, demonstrating outstanding performance in college-level research, writing, and presentation skills.
In total, Boise students earned 1,013 AP awards in 2025, including 405 AP Scholars, 170 AP Scholars with Honor, and 373 AP Scholars with Distinction, along with one AP International Diploma. These achievements highlight the District’s deep commitment to academic rigor, opportunity, and student success.
Setting a National Standard for Excellence
The AP Capstone program challenges students to conduct original research and present findings on topics of global importance — skills often developed in college or beyond. To earn the AP Capstone Diploma, students must complete AP Seminar, AP Research, and four additional AP exams with scores of 3 or higher.“
These results reaffirm the strength of our schools and our community,” said Lisa Roberts, Superintendent. “Boise’s commitment to rigorous, high-quality education is preparing students to thrive in college, career, and life. This success reflects the dedication of our students, teachers, and families.”
Boise’s four comprehensive high schools continue to perform well above state and national averages, demonstrating that excellence and access can go hand in hand.
Recognizing Student Achievement
To celebrate these achievements, the District is introducing a new tradition: AP Capstone Diploma recipients will receive a special graduation cord signifying their achievement in college-level research and academic excellence.
Why It Matters
Boise’s AP success is more than an academic milestone—it’s a reflection of a community that values education and opportunity. Each award represents hard work by students, guidance from teachers, and support from families and taxpayers who believe in the power of public schools.
For students, these honors mean college credit, tuition savings, and stronger college and career readiness. For our community, they affirm that Boise’s investment in education is helping young people thrive and lead.
“Our students’ accomplishments in AP Capstone and across the AP program show what’s possible when a community stands behind its schools,” Roberts added. “This success belongs to everyone in Boise.”
Celebrating Boise’s AP Scholars: Faces of Excellence and Achievement
Meet the Boise School District students who earned the prestigious AP Capstone Diploma and AP Seminar & Research Certificate — a reflection of their hard work, curiosity, and our community’s shared commitment to academic excellence.
Timberline Girls Soccer Captures 6A State Championship 🏆⚽️
The Timberline High School girls varsity soccer team clinched the 6A state championship on Saturday afternoon, October 25, 2025, with a 1-0 victory over Rocky Mountain High School. The win marks Timberline’s first state title since 2008.
Led by head coach Maison O’Neill and assistant coach Maggie Gropp—both Timberline alumni—the Wolves capped an outstanding 16-1-4 season with the top defense in their classification, allowing just eight goals all year. Junior Reese Vachek scored the decisive goal off a corner kick from Maya Atkinson, securing the championship for the top-seeded Wolves.
Congratulations to the Timberline Wolves players and coaches on an exceptional season and a well-deserved state championship!
The Timberline Wolves celebrate their 1–0 victory over Rocky Mountain High School to capture the 2025 6A Girls State Soccer Championship — the program’s first state title since 2008. Congratulations to the players and coaches on an incredible season and a well-earned championship! 💙🐺 #BoiseSchools #TimberlineWolves #StateChamps
Where Are They Now: Borah Grad Aden Attao Competes on the World Stage
2023 Borah High School graduate Aden Attao continues to make his mark in the world of wrestling. On October 20, 2025, Attao represented Team USA in the U23 Greco-Roman World Championships in Novi Sad, Serbia, competing in the 130 kg division.
A former two-time Idaho 5A state champion and standout from Boise’s Suples Wrestling Club, Attao has quickly become one of the nation’s top young Greco-Roman heavyweights. After earning a bronze medal at the U20 World Championships, he advanced to the U23 level this fall, defeating his first opponent 8-0 before falling in the quarterfinal round.
While a medal eluded him this time, Attao’s continued rise on the international stage is a powerful example of how Boise School District graduates are achieving great things beyond high school—representing their community, state, and country with determination and pride.
Read more about the 2025 U23 World Championships at flowrestling.org.
Students, Staff, and Community Take Flight to Protect Boise’s Birds
At East Junior High School in Boise, students partnered with staff, the Golden Eagle Audubon Societyand the City of Boise’s Youth Climate Action Fund to turn their school into the district’s first bird-safe campus. According to the Timberline Paw Print article, more than 420 birds per year were colliding with the building’s windows due to its location near the Boise foothills.
With a $5,000 grant, the student-led “Project Skyward” team installed adhesive white “dot” film across every first-floor window, reducing bird-window collisions by approximately 95 %.
Beyond protecting local wildlife, students learned hands-on skills in data gathering (measuring windows and monitoring collisions), collaboration, and community activism.
This is a powerful example of what happens when our young people, school staff, local nonprofits, and city leaders come together with commitment and vision.
To read the full story and learn more about the project’s journey and goals, click here:
Boise High School junior Scarlet Fields carefully applies bird-safe window film at East Junior High School as part of Project Skyward, a student-led effort to protect local wildlife and reduce bird collisions on campus.
From left: Akshara Nataraj (Project Skyward Survey Coordinator, Boise High sophomore), Charlotte Meng (Project Implementation Leader, Timberline High sophomore), and Scarlet Fields (Youth Engagement Coordinator, Boise High junior).
South Junior High Turns Old Floors into a Lesson in Sustainability
When South Junior High School replaced its flooring this summer, the project became much more than a renovation—it became a statement about Boise’s commitment to a sustainable future. Instead of sending nearly 22,000 pounds of old carpet to the landfill, the school partnered with Shaw Contract and Dillabaugh’s Flooring America to recycle every tile through Shaw’s re[TURN]® program. The reclaimed material will be turned into new carpet, creating a full circle of reuse and responsibility.
This effort reflects the Boise School District’s 2025–2030 Sustainability Action Plan and demonstrates how our local schools are taking real action to protect the planet our students will inherit. For the Boise community, South Junior High’s project shows that every decision—even something as simple as new flooring—can inspire a culture of environmental stewardship and pride in our public schools. Learn more...
Existing EcoWorx® carpet tile is removed from the school renovation and checked to ensure the material contains no excess adhesive, vinyl or asbestos.
The flooring dealer removed the old carpet at South Junior High and transported it to their warehouse. From there, Shaw Contract picked up the material and shipped it back to Georgia where it entered the re[TURN] program to be transformed into new EcoWorx carpet tile.
Growing Leaders: Boise’s Green Team Inspires Statewide 4-H Service Expansion
The University of Idaho Extension is expanding its 4-H AmeriCorps program to bring hands-on learning and community service to even more Idaho youth. Among the inspiring examples featured in the statewide initiative is Boise’s own Green Team, led by AmeriCorps member Julia Sanderson.
Through school gardens, seed-saving projects, and student-run produce donations to local food pantries, Julia and the Green Team are showing how sustainability, service, and science come together to grow both healthy communities and young leaders.
The expansion, supported by AmeriCorps and the University of Idaho Extension, will nearly double the number of members serving in schools, after-school programs, and youth organizations across the state.
Faith Reader Recognized as a "Blue Turf Thinker" for Advancing Literacy in Idaho
Boise School District’s Literacy Supervisor, Faith Reader, was recently recognized on Boise State University’s world-famous Blue Turf during the Oct. 18 football game as part of the “Blue Turf Thinkers” series. The honor celebrated her leadership and partnership with Boise State’s College of Education to strengthen literacy and dyslexia support for Idaho students.
A longtime champion for literacy, Reader has guided Boise educators in implementing evidence-based practices in reading and writing and has been instrumental in aligning district curriculum with state priorities for early literacy and dyslexia screening. Her recognition reflects Boise School District’s ongoing commitment to ensuring all students develop strong foundational literacy skills.
Boise State’s College of Education praised its community partners—including Reader and the Boise School District—for their dedication to supporting educators, developing literacy programs, and improving outcomes for Idaho learners. Learn more...
Reader (pictured far right in the photo) joined Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield (pictured far left in the photo) and Boise State faculty on the field, spotlighting collaborative efforts to improve reading instruction and teacher professional development statewide.
Take Action Today to Support Student Well-Being
Please opt your student(s) in to the Student Well-Being Survey (Communities for Youth) by logging into Infinite Campus, the Boise School District’s secure online student information system where families can manage attendance, grades, and permissions.
Due to the nature of Infinite Campus, any prior consents will be rolled over as an active consent or non-consent for this school year. Parents/guardians are encouraged to review their current selection and update it if needed.
About the survey:
The survey is confidential and voluntary.
It helps schools and communities better understand the real-life experiences of teens regarding their health and well-being.
The more students who participate, the more accurate and useful the data becomes for identifying supports and improving student well-being.
The survey will take place October 27 – November 7, 2025 (each school selects its own date).
Idaho Superintendent of Public Instruction Debbie Critchfield encourages districts to participate, noting the survey was developed in Idaho with input from educators, counselors, legislators, and the Idaho Department of Education. Responses are anonymous; students may answer all, some, or none of the questions.
to learn more about how this survey supports student well-being.
💙 Communities for Youth representatives will host information tables at select parent-teacher conferences—focusing on schools where additional outreach can help increase participation. Families can stop by to ask questions, learn more, or update their consent in person.
💬 Be Sensitive, Be Brave: Virtual Suicide Prevention Training – Nov. 3
Community members are invited to participate in Be Sensitive, Be Brave, a free, culturally inclusive suicide prevention workshop designed for teens and adults.
Led by Shannon Decker, Executive Director of The Speedy Foundation, this two-hour virtual training helps participants recognize signs of suicide, ask sensitive questions with confidence, and connect individuals to support in culturally responsive ways.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 for free, confidential, 24/7 support.
Free Webinar: The Impact of Nicotine on Youth Mental Health
The American Lung Association will host a free webinar on Tuesday, October 28, from 1:00–2:00 p.m. MST, exploring the impact of nicotine use on youth mental health.
Participants will learn how nicotine affects learning, emotional well-being, and addiction, and gain practical strategies for supporting and responding to youth. The session also highlights free resources for parents, educators, and youth-serving professionals.
The Boise School District is committed to supporting the health and well-being of every student. As part of that effort, parents and guardians are invited to attend an upcoming Virtual Vaping Prevention Webinar hosted by trusted public health experts. This free online session will explore the risks of vaping, how nicotine affects developing brains, and effective strategies families can use to talk with their children about making healthy choices.
See the flyer below for registration details and join the conversation to help keep our students safe and informed.
Explore Career Pathways at DTEC’s Fall Open House
Families of students in grades 6 and up are invited to attend the Dennis Technical Education Center (DTEC) Fall Open House on Thursday, November 13, from 5:00–7:00 p.m.
This is a great opportunity to explore the many hands-on learning experiences available through Career Technical Education (CTE). Visitors can tour classrooms and labs, meet instructors, and learn about programs that prepare students for college, career, and life after graduation.
From health sciences and information technology to construction trades and culinary arts, DTEC programs connect classroom learning with real-world experience—helping students discover their passions and build valuable skills for the future.
Join us to see how learning by doing can open doors to new opportunities!
Saturday, November 1, 2025 • 9 AM – 5 PM • Capital High Aux Gym
Kick off the holiday season with festive fun, community spirit, and one-of-a-kind shopping at the Jolly Holly Holiday Bazaar! 🎁🎅
✅ Free Admission – Bring the whole family!
📸 Photos with Santa – Skip the hectic mall lines and capture a holiday memory!
🎟️ Raffle Prizes – Enter for a chance to win great gifts!
This annual event brings together students, families, and community vendors from across the Boise School District to sell handmade goods, crafts, treats, and more — all while supporting local student clubs and organizations.
💙 A True Community Effort:
The Holiday Bazaar is hosted by Capital High DECA, with all vendor fee proceeds supporting their program. Every participating school club and organization — including Career Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs) such as DECA, HOSA, FCCLA, and SkillsUSA — keeps 100% of their profits to fund their activities, competitions, and service projects.
From elementary to high school, groups across the District join in to make this event a joyful kickoff to the holiday season and a powerful opportunity for students to learn, lead, and give back.
✨ Shop. Celebrate. Support Our Schools.
Mark your calendar and join us for a day of holiday cheer at Capital High!
2025–2026 Boise School District Sports Start Dates
The Boise School District is excited to kick off another great year of high school athletics! Below you’ll find the official start dates for the 2025–2026 school year’s sports seasons, including tryouts and the first day of practices.
We encourage all interested student-athletes to contact their school’s athletic office for details on specific tryout dates, times, and locations. Requirements such as physicals, eligibility paperwork, and registration deadlines may vary by sport and school.
This is another example of how the Boise School District offers a comprehensive public school education — one where all students can thrive, grow, and succeed both in the classroom and on the field. Whether you’re competing at the varsity level, joining a junior varsity squad, or supporting your team from the stands, athletics help build teamwork, resilience, and school pride.
We look forward to a safe, spirited, and successful season for all our student-athletes!
The City of Boise is seeking input from families and community members on how federal housing funds will be invested over the next five years. This work stems from the Community Health Needs Assessment, which identified housing as a top priority for community well-being.
Families are invited to participate in two ways:
Community Survey – Open now through November 2. Your feedback will help the City prioritize how housing dollars are spent on services, infrastructure (like sidewalks and playgrounds), and new housing construction. 👉 Take the Community Survey
Community Focus Groups – Two sessions will be held in mid-October to gather deeper feedback. For details on how to participate, please see the flyers: English Flyer; | Spanish Flyer
Since housing directly impacts the families we serve, we encourage you to take part in shaping Boise’s housing priorities.
Want to know more about how our schools work behind the scenes? Beyond the Bell is a new publication from the Boise School District that offers an inside look at the financial, operational, and policy decisions shaping public education in our community.
Each issue dives into key topics like budgeting, strategic planning, student safety, and our instructional approach—providing timely insights for parents, employees, business leaders, elected officials, and anyone invested in the future of our schools.'
Boise School District uses ParentSquare to keep families connected—with district, school, and classroom updates all in one place. To make sure you get the right information the way you want it, take a moment to customize your notification settings.
You can:
✅ Choose instant alerts or a daily digest
📩 Select email, app, or text notifications
⚙️ Set preferences for different message types
🚨 Limit to emergency alerts only
It only takes a few minutes—and makes a big difference!
November 10: Boise School Board regular monthly meeting, 6:00 p.m., District Services Center, 8169 W. Victory Rd., Boise. Public is invited to attend. Agenda will be posted online, when available.
November 24-28: Autumn Break - No School Pre K-12
December 8: Boise School Board regular monthly meeting, 6:00 p.m., District Services Center, 8169 W. Victory Rd., Boise. Public is invited to attend. Agenda will be posted online, when available.
December 19: End of First Semester - Early Release K-12 to work on Report Cards, No School Pre K
December 22 - January 2: Winter Break - No School Pre K-12
January 5: Pre K-12 No School; Teacher Directed Day/Professional Development
Boise School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities and provides equal access to all individuals. Learn more...
