Anser Charter School

Anser is terrific! It is everything you want in a school for your child. As an Expeditionary Learning School it focuses on academics through indepth and hands on projects. They also grow your child's character in a positive way.
—Submitted by a parent

There are much much better schools than Anser. Don't buy the line of talk about this being the premier school in the Treasure Valley. The school does some interesting things but doesn't prepare most students for the rigors of high school and college. Of course there will be the student or two or three who does well. That is to be expected in any school. My point is, it's not because of Answer. The problems with the culture of the school are very troubling. Other than individuals in the inner circle, it is a hateful, uptight place for students and parents alike.
—Submitted by a parent

The PR this school gets is out of control. Its spin machine tells a story much different than the reality of the school. Caution. Boise public schools are excellent, and this charter school isn't all it's cracked up to be. Don't worry if your kid doesn't get in the kindergarten lottery (most don't). Consider it a blessing in disguise.
—Submitted by a parent

I was a student at Anser for four years, grades 5-8. My review is, horrors! Not warm & fuzzy! My parents aren't rich, elected officials, or business leaders. I came in late. 5th grade. I am and was not weird, delayed, "special needs" or dumb, just a 10 year old kid looking to be accepted in a new school. Silly me. These students were stuck like glue together since they were 5 years old. They were superior to the kids who came later (well, the pretty and handsome kids were accepted right away of course). Their parents were elitist, too. I saw parents who came in late. Like me. They and their kids looked as left out as I ALWAYS felt EVERY DAY at this school for four years. Coming in to this caste system at 10 years of age was horrifying. Why does everyone think anser is so tolerant, warm, understanding? The teachers and staff like to think it is, so it must be. They never paid serious attention to those of us who were outside of the main groups. They never chose to do anything about how those popular kids ignored us at recess, before school, on field trips, CBC, electives (which were a nitemare for an unpopular kid so I was ":sick" a lot on those days) & at morning assembly.

I just read the other super-dee-duper-rah-rah reviews. The parents who said that they like it so much because kids are taught to respect each other. Wow. Don't you parents really see what's going on? I mentioned electives. Worst afternoon of the week for kids like me, because of how disrespectful and MEAN the other kids in my class were to those of use who werent cool or popular. A couple of parents would drive us to elective. The popular kids groaned but not loud enough so parents and teachers could hear, if they got stuck in a car with an unpopular kid like me. The minute we arrived the popular kid would bolt out to meet his popular friends. Then when we had to pair up, it was like choosing teams and always getting picked last every day. But worse. My question for Suzanne and Theresa and the junior high teachers and all the others who think Anser is so respectful is this: Where were you when these kids were snubbing the ones outside their social group? Someone will say now that this is not true. Believe me, it most certainly is & my parents have the therapist bills to prove it. I still have nightmares and night shakes when I think of having to go to that elitist school again.

We are in year 6 as part of the Anser community, and keep discovering more qualities that make us love our school. My primary reason for loving this school is that all people are taught to respect one another's gifts and uniqueness. Everyone has something to contribute, and something special to be celebrated. The academic standards are outstanding, supporting even struggling students to reach beyond average. My son is a student at Boise High School and easily transitioned to all accelerated and AP courses, and for him this was normal because of the standards everyone works toward at Anser. I would liken it to a "GATE" program for all students, where they are taught according to their skill level and learning style. It is an innovative environment, often cutting edge use of technology and methodology. Parent involvement is huge, and I love that I know my children's friends from coordinating their parent-led elective programs. My children's teachers are the parents of my children's friends too. And a great variety of people of backgrounds, except for one constant: everyone is there because they want to be.
—Submitted by a parent

You will read mainly glowing reviews of this school. We agree with the quality of teacher instruction, principal leadership & curriculum. However, the quality of child-to-child interaction and the healthiness of teacher intervention of negative child behavior are both substandard This school is full of cliques which exclude children. It is NOT an inclusive environment. If a child comes in who is "cute" or has popularity potential, then the child is welcomed. If the child is shy, has some type of learning disability or is not as attractive as others, then God help that child. Our children are not included in the "popular" group and have not felt integrated in the school for any of their years here. The teachers stand by, helpless, saying they really shouldn't intervene unless there is a dangerous situation. But there is. One of our children comes home in tears or with an upset stomach at least a few times a week because of being neglected or ignored by other kids. Even in these hip "CBC" classes in the community, the cliques continue. And if children feel they are excluded, they don't and can't learn very well. Anser needs to address this. It is a serious serious problem.
—Submitted by a parent

Hello! I am actually a student at Anser Charter School, and it is a very good school to send you JH kid to, for it really provokes the imagination, creativity, think-outside-the-box, kind of spark, and lights it into a wildfire.

I have three children at Anser and there is no other school in Boise I would want them to attend. Anser has formed a wonderful community based on education and respect. Super teachers, involved parents and expeditionary learning make this one of the best schools in the state.
—Submitted by a parent

ANSER's expeditionary learning style and community based curriculum allow this school to stand out from others in Boise, Idaho. The staff (and other parents) are incredibly supportive and the teaching practices foster an inquiring minds and critical thinking skills from kindergarten on. I can't think of a better public school to send my children to.
—Submitted by a parent

We had all three of our children in this school. Our oldest got in on lottery for his seventh grade. It was a transition from Adams Elementary school but once the adjustment was made he flourished. Diane is a very intuitive teacher, met my son were he was at and helped develop his writing skills. Kelly is a great science and math teacher. She built a strong base then added information for the next levels. My son 'graduated' from the eighth grade with a presidential award and a security in his knowledge base. Our other two got in the following year from their older brother and they enjoyed the community based curriculm and community feel of the school. They went through 3rd to 6th. We unfortunately had a job change and had to move out of state or we would still be there!
—Submitted by a parent

Anser has been a godsend to our family. It has fostered inquisitivness and responsibility in our 7th grade child.
—Submitted by a parent

ANSER is a public charter school whose shared philosophical vision encompasses the whole child approach to education and the building of community within each classroom and the school itself. ANSER's collaborative program considers students' academic, emotional, physical, and social needs in a cooperative and supportive environment. ANSER Charter School offers an innovative approach to teaching and learning, using Expeditionary Learning Outward Bound to provide the framework for a rigorous and challenging academic curriculum. Members of the entire staff and community are steadfast in building a culture that is purposeful, conducive to powerful teaching and learning, and open to new possibilities. ANSER's effective and engaging instructional program is guided by teacher inquiry and research. It is driven by student data gathered by staff members and used to make informed decisions about pedagogy, curriculum, instruction, assessment and student services.
—Submitted by SUSIE LEEPER, a parent