White Pine Charter School to build new STEM Academy
AMMON, Idaho (KIFI) – White Pine Charter School will soon welcome more students in grades sixth to twelfth with its new STEM Academy.
The new facility is set to include classrooms, a tech space, a gymnasium, lockers, a soccer field and more. They say the new building and amenities will help improve and better support middle and high schooler's education.
With construction for the new academy will also bring improvements to the existing elementary school. Plans include enhancing the cafeteria, kitchen, faculty work space and office. They say this will help the elementary school function more effectively and safely.
Construction for the new facility is expected to begin this summer and anticipated to be finished and operating by fall 2024.
The current White Pine STEM Academy operates on leased property, that lease will be up next year. Right now, the school is using portable classrooms for their students, they are excited to be able to give these kids and their program a more permanent location to teach and learn.
Funding for the facility will mostly come from state funds, but the school has plans to hold a capital campaign to further support them. The goal is to cut costs so they focus more of their funds on their programs. They also hope to interact with their community and build relationships through the capital campaign.
Lottery for the 2023-2024 school year enrollment has already been drawn, but the school still encourages parents and guardians to reach out about options. Registration for the 2024-2025 school year, when the new facility is expected to be up and running, will take place early next year.
Charter schools are free, public schools, but they do not belong to a district. White Pine says they take a lot of pride in teaching academics, but also building up their students to be well-rounded citizens.
