Alturas International Academy

Alturas is an IB-authorized public charter network committed to rigorous, inquiry-based learning. The school emphasizes a growth mindset, encouraging students to embrace productive struggle and take ownership of their learning. By utilizing multi-age classrooms and small instructional groups, the school teaches students at their true academic level to foster meaningful growth and strong peer relationships.

The school offers the full International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum: the Primary Years Programme (PYP) for grades K-5, the Middle Years Programme (MYP) for grades 6-10, and the Diploma Programme (DP) for grades 11-12. The PYP focuses on transdisciplinary units of inquiry, while the MYP emphasizes interdisciplinary learning and a Personal Project. The DP provides a rigorous, college-level pathway including Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay, and CAS, alongside a traditional high school diploma option. Spanish language instruction is integrated into the curriculum across these stages.

The school aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring learners who are prepared for a changing world. Graduates of the Diploma Programme are well-positioned for university admission, with many institutions recognizing the rigor of the IB curriculum for college credit and scholarship opportunities. Students are encouraged to become lifelong learners who demonstrate critical thinking, collaboration, and leadership skills.

The school provides free special education and 504 services to students who meet federal and state requirements. A dedicated team, including a school counselor, school psychologist, speech-language pathologists, an occupational therapist, and a physical therapist, works to ensure equitable access to learning. The school maintains a supportive environment with personalized feedback to assist students with diverse academic, social-emotional, and behavioral needs.

The school utilizes an online application and lottery system managed through SchoolMint. Applications for the upcoming academic year open in mid-January and must be submitted by March 31 to be included in the lottery, which is held in early April. Admission priority is given to returning students, children of full-time employees and founders, siblings of currently enrolled students, and residents within the charter-defined district. Students must be five years old by September 1 to be eligible for kindergarten.

The academic year typically begins in August or September. The lottery application window runs from mid-January through March 31, with the lottery drawing held on the first Friday following March 31. Specific yearly planning calendars for each campus are available on the school's website.

The network operates three campuses: Alturas International Academy (Grades K-5) in Idaho Falls, Alturas Preparatory Academy (Grades 6-12) in Idaho Falls, and Alturas Academy North (Grades K-6, expanding to 8th grade by 2028) in Rigby. These facilities are designed to support inquiry-based learning through multi-age classrooms and small instructional groups.

Students engage in a variety of activities that support the IB framework, including service learning and project-based initiatives. The Diploma Programme (DP) requires participation in Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) experiences, such as organizing sports teams, leading community gardens, or designing creative projects. Additionally, students may participate in student leadership teams and clubs, such as the ski club.