In the Classroom and Beyond: How Sage International School Nurtures Global Citizens Article

From humble beginnings holding classes with a handful of students in a local park, to serving over 1,000 students on their campus on Parkcenter Blvd in the heart of Boise, Sage International School has crafted a rare learning opportunity in Idaho, one that is replicated in only a handful of other schools in the world.

With the support of Bluum and a community of invested parents and teachers, Sage Boise opened its doors in 2010 as a tuition-free public charter school with just over 200 students.

“We wanted a school that offered a high-quality International Baccalaureate (IB) program in a public setting, for everybody,” says Andy Johnson, Executive Director of the Sage International Network of Schools, which includes campuses in Boise and Middleton. “And these are the only two public schools in Idaho that offer a globally recognized, college preparatory program to every child that attends.”

Today, Sage Boise boasts over 1,000 students and offers the full K-12 IB World School curriculum. The Middleton campus opened in 2019 and supports learning for over 400 students. Both schools are free and open to the public as part of the Boise and Middleton School Districts.

What Sets Sage Apart

While the four-day school week is certainly unique, it’s the world-renowned curriculum, which is offered tuition-free, that elevates Sage when compared to its traditional public school counterparts. Invested in creating a rigorous learning environment that fosters critical thinking, thoughtful problem-solving, and a well-rounded education, Sage Boise is an accredited International Baccalaureate World School, meaning it “engages students within an inclusive International learning community, challenging all members to take risks and contribute locally and globally through open-minded inquiry.”

What exactly does this mean? It means in addition to being prepared for life academically, students are met where they are, encouraged to be curious thinkers, caring humans, and community-minded citizens of the world.

“Not only are children prepared for college, they are superbly prepared to join the armed forces or learn a trade, and live a life of purpose and meaning,” says Andy.

Students are guided by the IB learning profile, where they strive to embody the 10 key IB attributes valued by all IB world schools. They strive to be inquirers, knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, principled, open-minded, caring, risk-takers, balanced, and reflective.

Andy has helped build a team of leaders at Sage that work hard to ensure the IB attributes remain at the forefront of their teaching. “I think any leaders that you hire into a school should really be attached to the mission and what the professed values of the school are.”

When asked about his favorite IB attribute, he says it’s being a risk-taker.

“I love to learn new things, and being willing to take a risk in learning new things is critical. We have to be willing to “not know” or to ask others “how?” and to keep trying. I would have loved to have had teachers who embraced this value and ensured that their classrooms promoted it.”

Sage teachers also strive to build meaningful relationships with their students by meeting them where they are and empowering them to succeed.

In the words of Sage teacher Ashley Henderson, “Wherever you’re at, we’re going to find you, meet you, and push you. You don’t have to be gifted to be here, you just have to be excited about learning.”

Students First

While students may not even realize the quality of education they’re receiving at Sage, what they do notice is the caring teachers, the small class sizes and personalized learning, and the creative freedom they have in designing their learning pathway.

As one student, Lillian, puts it, “The teachers get to know you really well, so it feels like they actually care about you as a person, not just as a student.”

“I like the challenge and the variety of things we study,” says another student, and, “I think the IB is a really special program that is preparing me for a really cool future.”

It’s no coincidence that students feel this way. The Sage community is designed to support the whole student, including their social, emotional, and physical well-being, in addition to academic growth.

Ashley Henderson notes, “the teachers and students have this beautiful relationship. We really do a good job as a team making kids feel challenged and safe.”

Jordan, a parent of a Sage student, agrees. “Your teachers know your kids’ ins and outs. They are there to support them.”

Beyond Academics

Learning and community-building extends beyond the classroom at Sage, through programs like eSage, Sage Expeditions, sports and clubs.

eSage is an extracurricular program that takes place after schools, on Fridays, and over school breaks. It offers parents extra support while giving students the opportunity to enjoy indoor and outdoor guided activities and life skills programs. eSage field trips include Boise attractions like the Natatorium, the Zoo, the Discovery Center, and even an annual outdoor campout.

Sage Expeditions is an outdoor program that encourages students to step out of their comfort zones, try something new, and learn about the outdoors. Day and multi-day expeditions include camping, backpacking, rock climbing, hiking, biking, skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, fly fishing, and more.

“Our goal is to take kids outside, teach them how to recreate in different spaces responsibly, and learn and grow together to build a really strong sense of belonging,” says Sage Expeditions Coordinator Megan Furois.

Megan emphasizes the importance that outdoor activities have on the students even after the expedition is over. Not only do the kids learn things they can use in their everyday lives – like how to “leave no trace” when camping or how to work together to put up a tent or build a fire – but they’re building confidence at the same time.

“The experiences we’re giving them have practical skills that the kids can take and do on their own. We’re also hoping to support kids and their confidence. The change that you’ll see in a kid who just did something they didn’t think was possible really boosts their self-esteem, and that translates into the classroom. If they’re feeling more confident or making new friends, they’re going to be better behaved and achieve greater outcomes in the classroom.”

Team sports are also available at Sage, including cross country, ultimate frisbee, skiing/snowboarding, and mountain biking. The school also boasts over 20 clubs, and students can even create their own.

A Sense of Community

Whether you’re a parent looking for a more challenging academic environment for your child, a teacher hoping to guide the next generation of global thinkers, or a middle-schooler looking for a sense of belonging, there’s a place for you at Sage.

“I just like how much of a community it is. It doesn’t feel like just teachers and students, it’s a community and it’s just a comfortable space and environment to be in,” says a middle school student.

Andy Johnson concludes, “Sage schools emphasize the arts, a second language, literature, wilderness adventures and life sports in addition to foundational subjects – the types of things that make for a rich and interesting life long after an elementary or secondary school experience.”

To learn more about the Sage International Network of Schools, visit sageintl.org.