Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Discover Community School: Leading K-12 Education in Idaho
Community School has been dedicated to transformative education since 1973, offering a pre-kindergarten through twelfth-grade curriculum rooted in critical thinking, collaboration, and outdoor exploration. Our faculty, committed to personalized mentorship, fosters academic excellence while nurturing students' emotional and social growth. Accredited by NAIS, NWAIS, TABS, and Cognia, we maintain rigorous standards in both classroom and experiential learning. With a 6:1 student-teacher ratio, we ensure individualized attention, preparing graduates for top colleges and lifelong leadership. Our programs integrate academic rigor with outdoor leadership, arts, and service learning, creating a holistic educational environment.The school's commitment to inclusivity and innovation is reflected in its diverse student body and 100% parent and faculty participation in annual fundraising. Located in Sun Valley, Idaho, our 42-acre campus serves as a foundation for global citizenship and environmental stewardship. We emphasize character development alongside intellectual growth, empowering students to make meaningful contributions to society. Our alumni network spans 11 countries, demonstrating our international impact and educational excellence.
Services
Lower School
Middle School
Upper School
College Counseling
Outdoor Program
Boarding Program
Summer Program
Teacher Training Academy
Learning Support Services
School Counseling
Details
- Year established: 1973
Highlights and features
- We maintain a 6:1 student-teacher ratio for personalized attention
- Our outdoor leadership program integrates wilderness experiences with academic learning
- 100% parent and faculty participation in annual fundraising demonstrates community commitment
- College counseling program achieves 80% senior acceptance into first or second choice colleges
- Accredited by four leading educational organizations ensuring rigorous standards
Associations and certifications
- NAIS
- NWAIS
- TABS
- Cognia
What people say
Transformative outdoor experiences
Supportive learning environment
Strong teacher-student relationships
Excellent college preparation
Vibrant community culture
Services
Lower School
Our Lower School program (pre-K-5) combines foundational academics with character development in small, nurturing classrooms. Certified teachers use hands-on learning approaches that foster curiosity and critical thinking. The curriculum emphasizes literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies while integrating arts and physical education.
Middle School
Middle School (grades 6-8) bridges elementary learning with high school preparation through interdisciplinary studies and specialized faculty. Students engage in collaborative projects, leadership opportunities, and outdoor education while developing analytical thinking and communication skills in a supportive environment.
Upper School
Our Upper School (grades 9-12) offers college preparatory curriculum with advanced placement courses and personalized academic advising. Students participate in rigorous coursework, competitive athletics, and creative arts while receiving comprehensive college counseling for university placement.
Outdoor Program
The Outdoor Leadership Academy provides year-round wilderness experiences that build resilience, teamwork, and environmental stewardship. Students participate in 18 days of outdoor trips annually, connecting classroom learning with real-world challenges in Idaho's natural environment.
Boarding Program
Our boarding program offers a structured residential experience for students in grades 7-12 with modern facilities and 24/7 supervision. The program includes academic support, cultural activities, and leadership development while maintaining strong connections to local families and the Sun Valley community.
People
Travis Vandenburgh
Co-Director Outdoor Program
Outdoor education expert with extensive wilderness experience, leading programs that integrate nature with academic learning and character development for students at all grade levels.
Jessica Wasilewski
Upper School Head
Experienced educator and 1998 alumna guiding Upper School operations with a focus on college preparation, academic excellence, and student leadership development in Sun Valley's high school program.
Dave Kerber
Middle School Head
Middle school administrator dedicated to creating engaging learning environments that bridge elementary education with high school preparation through innovative teaching methods and outdoor experiences.
Janet Salvoni
Elementary School Head
Early childhood education specialist overseeing Lower School curriculum with emphasis on foundational skills development, social-emotional learning, and nurturing students' natural curiosity in pre-K through fifth grade.
Annie Kaiser
Parent
Representative parent voice highlighting the school's family-like atmosphere where students receive personalized attention and develop strong relationships with teachers and peers throughout their educational journey.
Questions
What grades does Sun Valley Community School serve?
We serve students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade in both day and boarding programs.
What makes your outdoor program unique?
Our Outdoor Leadership Academy integrates wilderness experiences with academic learning across all grade levels.
How does your college counseling program support students?
Our college counseling program achieves 80% acceptance into students' top two college choices with personalized guidance.
Are there financial aid options available?
Yes, we offer need-based financial aid and 100% of families participate in our annual fundraising efforts.
What accreditation does the school hold?
We are accredited by NAIS, NWAIS, TABS, and Cognia, ensuring the highest educational standards.
Do you offer boarding options for students?
Yes, our boarding program serves students from 11 countries with modern residential facilities.