Boise School District News
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Boise School District’s Class of 2026 is making an impact long before graduation caps are tossed into the air.
Across the district, graduates are earning millions in scholarships, enrolling at colleges and universities across the nation and around the world, completing career technical certifications, entering military service, and preparing for careers that will strengthen Idaho’s future workforce and communities.
From Ivy League admissions and nationally competitive scholarships to trade programs, military appointments, STEM diplomas, and workforce certifications, Boise School District students are proving there are many pathways to success.
Highlights from the Class of 2026 include:
- More than $7 million in scholarships and grants reported across several high schools
- Students attending colleges in more than 34 states and multiple countries
- Hundreds of Career Technical Education certifications and workforce placements
- Military enlistments and a U.S. Naval Academy appointment
- National Merit Scholars, Seal of Biliteracy recipients, AP Capstone Diploma recipients, and nationally recognized scholarship winners
These accomplishments matter because today’s graduates are tomorrow’s nurses, engineers, educators, entrepreneurs, tradespeople, military leaders, and community volunteers.
Read the full story to learn more about how Boise School District graduates are preparing to make a difference in Boise and beyond.
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As a community, we have so much to celebrate in the Boise School District Class of 2026. From scholarship recipients and future military leaders to graduates entering college, technical training, and the workforce, these students represent the bright future of Boise and beyond. Explore graduation highlights from schools across the district below. |
Explore photos and available ceremony recordings from the Boise School District Class of 2026:
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Boise School District student-athletes delivered exceptional performances at the 2026 Idaho 6A State Track and Field Championships, earning individual and relay state titles while showcasing the talent, determination, and school pride found across Boise’s high school athletic programs. |
- Boise High School junior Quinton Williams (pictured) led the way on the boys side with two individual state championships, capturing first place in both the Mens 6A Varsity 200 Meters finals and the Mens 6A Varsity 400 Meters finals. His dominant sprint performances established him as one of Idaho’s top track athletes this season.
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- Boise High also celebrated another boys state champion as William Studebaker II (pictured) earned first place in the Mens 6A Varsity 110-Meter Hurdles finals, adding to an outstanding weekend for the Braves.
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- On the girls side, Boise High’s Audrey Orme (pictured) captured the state championship in the Womens 6A Varsity 3200 Meters finals, delivering a remarkable distance-running performance to earn first place against the top competitors in Idaho.
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- Boise High’s girls relay team of Reese Kindig, Lucy Spiess, Belen Hoobing, and Audrey Orme (pictured) also earned a state championship by winning the Womens 6A Varsity 4x800 Meter Relay finals. Their first-place finish showcased outstanding teamwork, endurance, and determination throughout the race.
- At Capital High School, Elliot Schrack claimed a state championship in the Mens 6A Varsity Javelin finals with a first-place performance against the state’s top throwers. Capital High also celebrated another boys state champion as Nick Loufoua captured first place in the Mens 6A Varsity Triple Jump finals.
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- Capital High’s Eden Francis (pictured) delivered one of the meet’s most impressive all-around performances, earning three individual state championships. Francis won first place in the Womens 6A Varsity 100-Meter Hurdles finals (see photo at top of article), captured the state title in the Womens 6A Varsity Javelin finals, and added another championship by winning the Womens 6A Varsity Long Jump finals.
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- Capital High’s girls relay team of Alena Garrison, Eden Francis (pictured), Grace Russell, and Christine Huckins also captured a state championship, earning first place in the Womens 6A Varsity 4x100 Meter Relay finals. Their winning performance highlighted the Eagles’ depth, teamwork, and speed on one of the state’s biggest stages.
- Timberline High School also celebrated an individual girls state champion as Nadja Burholder earned first place in the Womens 6A Varsity Triple Jump finals. Her championship performance added to another strong showing for Timberline athletes at the state meet.
- Athletes from Borah High School also delivered strong performances throughout the championships (in the women's Javelin, Biombe Ramadhani took 2nd and Dawnley King took 4th), contributing to another successful season for Boise School District schools.
Beyond medals and podium finishes, the championships reflected the perseverance, teamwork, leadership, and sportsmanship Boise student-athletes demonstrate both on and off the track. Their accomplishments continue to inspire younger students and bring pride to schools and the broader Boise community.
Congratulations to all Boise School District student-athletes who competed at the 2026 Idaho 6A State Track & Field Championships. Your hard work, dedication, and sportsmanship were on full display throughout the meet. To view complete team and individual results, click the button below to visit the official championship results page.
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The Boise High School boys tennis team capped off an outstanding season by winning the 2026 Idaho 6A State Boys Tennis Team Championship on May 16 at the Appleton Tennis Center.
The state title reflected a total team effort from the Braves, whose depth, consistency, and determination carried them to the top of Idaho’s largest classification.
Leading the way was freshman Duncan Kennedy, who captured the 2026 6A State Championship in Boys Singles in dominant fashion.
Kennedy did not lose a single set the entire season and dropped only five games during district competition and eight games at the state tournament on his path to the individual state title.
His undefeated season and championship performance helped power Boise High to the overall team victory, giving the Braves both the team and individual boys singles state championships.
Kennedy said he is proud to be part of the Boise High boys tennis team and the championship culture the team built together throughout the season.
Together, the Braves showcased the teamwork, dedication, and excellence that continue to define Boise School District student-athletes. Congratulations to the Boise High boys tennis team and Duncan Kennedy on an unforgettable championship season.
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The Borah High School girls tennis team has been named the 2026 6A Girls Tennis Academic State Champion by the Idaho High School Activities Association after earning the highest cumulative GPA among Idaho’s 6A girls tennis programs this spring. The team posted an impressive 3.961 cumulative GPA.
Adding to the team’s successful season, Head Coach Sam Stafford was named the 6A SIC Girls Tennis Coach of the Year for his leadership and commitment to student success on and off the court.
Members of the team include Isabelle Bourgeau, Alexandria Cook, Lily Gibbons, Lucy Gray, Ariana Kilborn, Lana Cerimagic, NorahLyn Fife, Melanie Merrell, Ashtyn Orr, Kylee Wallery, Emmery Orr, and Zena Larracoechea.
The Academic State Champion award recognizes varsity teams with the highest cumulative GPA in each classification and sport across Idaho.
Congratulations to the players, Coach Stafford, families, and supporters on this outstanding achievement.
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Thirty-two students from Boise, Capital, and Timberline high schools represented the Boise School District at the 2026 DECA International Career Development Conference (ICDC) in Atlanta, Georgia, April 25–28.
The event brought together more than 26,000 students, advisors, and business professionals from around the world to compete in business, finance, hospitality, tourism, and marketing events while participating in leadership and networking opportunities.
Among those earning international recognition was Fiona McGrath of Boise High School, who received a Top Exam Score Medal in the Personal Finance Literacy event.
"We could not be more proud of all of our members and how they represented our school at the competition," said Boise High DECA advisor Scott Moore.
DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in business through hands-on learning, leadership development, and real-world competitive experiences.
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Five Boise School District seniors have been named recipients of 2026 National Merit $2500 Scholarships, one of the nation's highest academic honors. Recognized students include Anna Li and Thoren Honcik from Boise High School, Divya Danesh and Tessa Houston from Capital High School, and Alex Atalla from Timberline High School.
National Merit $2500 Scholarship winners are selected from among the nation's top students based on academic achievement, leadership, school and community involvement, essays, and recommendations.
Congratulations to these outstanding students on this remarkable achievement.
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Congratulations to two talented students from Boise High School’s Video Broadcasting program for earning top honors at the 2026 Idaho Teen Film Festival, held May 2 in Idaho Falls.
Both students received $300 awards in recognition of their outstanding work and creative storytelling.
Their success highlights the talent, dedication, and real-world media production skills being developed through Boise High’s Video Broadcasting program. Congratulations to Maliah and Kate on this impressive achievement!
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Boise High School Video Broadcasting students recently earned top honors and prize money in two statewide competitions celebrating creativity, public service, and environmental stewardship.
In the 2026 Idaho Public Television Unaltered State PSA Video Competition, Senior Justin Sultemeier, Junior Maliah Clawson, and Sophomore Jonathan Trolinger shared first-place honors, each earning $500 for their winning public service announcement videos. Junior Calvin Carter was recognized as an Honorable Mention recipient, earning $240.
Adding to the celebration, Maliah Clawson (pictured) also captured first place for her video PSA in the Veolia Water Conservation Contest, earning $1,500 for Boise High’s Video Broadcasting classroom. Maliah is now a back-to-back winner in the competition, an impressive achievement that highlights her talent and commitment to impactful storytelling.
Congratulations to these outstanding students for representing Boise High School with creativity, excellence, and purpose.
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The Boise School District is celebrating the outstanding achievement of Avyakt G. Nataraj, a talented Collister Elementary School 3rd grade student who recently earned a top-10 finish at the Scripps National Spelling Bee Region One competition.
After advancing through his school spelling bee and successfully qualifying through the Regional Qualifier Test, Avyakt became the only student representing the Boise School District at the prestigious regional event.
Competing against students in grades 3 through 8, Avyakt demonstrated remarkable skill, composure, and determination throughout the competition. His top-10 finish is especially impressive given that he was among the youngest participants in the field.
Avyakt’s accomplishment reflects not only his dedication and love of learning, but also the supportive educational environment provided by his school and the Boise School District community.
“We are incredibly proud of Avyakt and all that he has accomplished,” his family shared. “We are grateful for the learning environment, encouragement, and support he receives at school, which have helped him continue to grow and participate in opportunities like this.”
Congratulations to Avyakt on this outstanding achievement and for representing the Boise School District with excellence on the regional stage.
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Dear Boise School District Families,
As we wrap up another school year, I want to take a moment to thank you for your partnership, support, and trust in our schools.
This year has been filled with countless moments of learning, growth, creativity, resilience, and celebration for our students. While it’s impossible to capture every success story, what stands out most is the incredible community that continues to surround and support our children each and every day.
Our teachers, staff, families, and community partners all play an important role in helping students feel safe, welcomed, challenged, and supported. Together, we are helping prepare students not only for success in school, but for success in life.
Thank you again for being part of the Boise School District community. I wish you and your family a safe, relaxing, and enjoyable summer.
Warm regards,
Lisa Roberts
Superintendent
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Celebrating Excellence Across Boise Schools
The Red Apple, Green Apple, and Golden Apple Awards recognize the exceptional work of Boise School District teachers, administrators, and classified staff. From inspiring students in the classroom to leading schools and supporting daily operations, these dedicated professionals make a lasting difference in the lives of students and families.
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Boise School District community members interested in serving on the Boise School Board — or helping support the upcoming election — can now find important dates, candidate information, absentee ballot details, and volunteer opportunities on the District’s 2026 Trustee Election webpage.
Three trustee positions will appear on the Tuesday, September 1, 2026 ballot, including two six-year terms and one four-year term. Candidate filing opens June 15 and closes June 26 at 5 p.m.
Community members may also apply to serve as election poll workers or chief judges for the upcoming election.
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The Boise School District is embarking on a comprehensive Facilities Master Planning process designed to create a long-term roadmap for our school facilities. This planning effort will help guide future decisions about improving facility conditions, aligning enrollment with building capacity, and creating learning environments that support both current and future educational programs.
To help guide the discussion, we have prepared a State of the Schools Report that includes enrollment trends, facility conditions, and other data that will help inform this planning process.
As part of this public process, we are seeking feedback from our staff, families, students, and community members. Your input is important and will help inform recommendations and future decisions regarding district facilities.
Following a review of the State of the Schools Report, please take a few minutes to complete our Facilities Master Planning Survey and share your thoughts about the future of Boise School District schools and facilities.
Thank you for helping us plan for the future and ensure our schools continue to provide high-quality learning environments that support student success for years to come.
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Boise School District is transitioning to a new athletics registration platform for the 2026–2027 school year. Beginning in May, Rank One will replace Aktivate as the District’s system for managing student athletic registration and required Physical Education physical forms.
As part of this transition, families of current secondary student-athletes who already have a physical on file for next school year (including students entering 8th, 10th, and 12th grades) are asked to log in to Aktivate now and download a copy of their student’s physical so it will be ready to upload when Rank One launches.
Students entering 7th, 9th, or 11th grade athletics will need a new physical dated after May 1 to participate next year, in accordance with Idaho High School Activities Association and Boise School District requirements.
Once Rank One launches, families will upload forms directly into the new system and will also be able to access participation documents, team schedules, and athletic updates in one convenient place. 🏃♂️📋
Additional instructions and support resources will be shared soon.
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Boise School District’s Food and Nutrition Services Department is once again offering free summer meals for children at several school and park locations across Boise. Meal sites will operate throughout June, July, and early August, helping ensure students continue to have access to nutritious meals while school is out.
Free breakfast and lunch will be available at select Boise School District schools, including South Junior High, Grace Jordan Elementary, Morley Nelson Elementary, Whitney Elementary, Whittier Elementary, and Hawthorne Elementary. In addition, free lunches will be served at several Boise city parks through August 7.
Families can find meal times, locations, and additional information on the district’s summer meals flyer or by contacting Boise School District Food and Nutrition Services at 208-854-4090.
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The Boise School District is offering a Get Ready for Kindergarten Summer Camp for students entering kindergarten this fall who may benefit from extra support with early literacy, math, and social-emotional skills.
The program runs June 3 through July 2, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Breakfast, lunch, and transportation from neighborhood elementary schools are provided. Families are asked to commit to regular attendance throughout the program.
View the following flyer for location details and registration information:
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Boise School District families are encouraged to take advantage of the new Youth Ride Free summer pass program from Valley Regional Transit and the City of Boise.
From May 1 through August 31, 2026, anyone age 18 and younger can ride VRT buses, VRT On-Demand, and VRT Access paratransit services free of charge.
The program helps connect youth to summer learning opportunities, jobs, recreation programs, libraries, parks, and community events throughout the Treasure Valley.
Learn more and sign up at:
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In the video, district leaders Robb Thompson, Rebecca Severson, and Becca Anderson explain why the Boise School District is transitioning to Standards-Based Reporting, what the new reporting scales mean, and how this approach will provide clearer information about student learning and progress.
The presentation also covers:
- How grades will be determined
- What “Beginning,” “Progressing,” and “Achieving” mean
- How habits of work will be reported separately
- What implementation will look like in elementary schools
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As the Boise School District celebrates the accomplishments of students, staff, and families during the 2025–2026 school year, planning is already underway for a strong start to the 2026–2027 school year.
While summer break is now upon us, district and school staff will continue working throughout the summer months to prepare classrooms, finalize schedules, support student enrollment, organize transportation, and ensure schools are ready to welcome students back this August.
The first day of school for students in grades K–12 will be Wednesday, August 12, 2026, with an early release schedule. Pre-K and Early Childhood Special Education programs will begin on Monday, August 17, 2026.
Families are encouraged to review the 2026–2027 School Opening Information document for important dates and details, including school office opening dates, elementary school “Sneak Peek” events, secondary registration schedules, back-to-school nights, and other school-specific information. Additional updates regarding school supplies, transportation, meal services, athletics and activities, and more will be shared throughout the summer.
The Boise School District remains committed to providing safe, supportive, and engaging learning environments where every student can thrive. As one school year comes to a close and another begins to take shape, the district looks forward to continuing its mission of “Educating Today for a Better Tomorrow.”
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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.
Beyond the Bell – Latest Edition 🔔
Stay informed on key issues impacting Boise School District, including legislative updates, research on our Free Breakfast for All initiative, progress toward Standards-Based Reporting, and the timeline for developing the 2026–2027 district budget.
🛎️ Don’t miss out—
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ParentSquare is introducing Smart Notification Delivery to simplify how messages are received and reduce duplicate alerts.
What’s changing:
- 📲 Most updates will arrive through the ParentSquare app first
- 📱 Text messages will be used only as a backup
- ⏱️ Urgent alerts and Direct Messages will still go to all selected methods
- 📩 Email notifications remain the same
What you need to do:
- ✅ Already using the app? You’re all set
- 📥 Prefer more control over how you receive messages? The ParentSquare app makes it easy to customize your notification settings
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Follow us for stories, celebrations, and updates from across the Boise School District!
Join the conversation and show your #BSDProud! 💙
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May 22: Last Day of School - Early Release K-12
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June 2-26: Secondary Summer School - Semester 1 (18 days)
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June 19: Juneteenth - No Summer School
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June 30-July 23: Secondary Summer School - Semester 2 (18 days)
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July 4: Independence Day - No Summer School
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August 12: First Day of School - Early Release K-12
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August 17: First Day of School - Pre K and Early Childhood Special Education Programs
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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...
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