Our Strategies
In 2007-2008, 78.6 percent of Idaho charter schools achieved annual yearly proficiency status, as compared to 54.8 percent of non-charter schools, according to the Idaho State Department of Education. In recognition of that achievement, JKAF is committed to providing grant support for charter schools. JKAF provides $100,000 to newly appointed, qualifying charter schools — allowing more charters to open with fewer financial barriers, allowing them to better serve and meet the needs of their customers. The goal: One school choice option available in every region of Idaho, allowing more students to find educational choices that fit their needs.
Only 12 percent of Idahoans say a regular public school is their top choice for their child’s school. The foundation is helping to address this problem by providing funding for school choice projects, allowing more schools of choice to be able to open and expand. The foundation hopes that such projects will lead to reduction in the 7,000-student waiting list for charter schools that Idaho currently faces.
Of course, part of making the correct decisions about education includes being up to date on the choices available in Idaho. That’s where the Educational Choice Directory, a publication produced by the foundation, comes in. The Educational Choice Directory is a first-of-its-kind tool to help Idaho students and parents find the best educational options. It’s the only complete listing of every education option in the state — virtual, traditional, charter, and more. The publication is free and available to everyone through jkaf.org.
