Expanding Access. Staying True to One Stone.
One Stone is exploring the process of opening an innovative public charter school, returning to our tuition-free roots and continuing the student-driven experience that defines us.
One Stone has always been rooted in the idea that learning should be student-driven, meaningful, and connected to the real world.
We’re now taking a step toward expanding that vision.
We are exploring the possibility of opening an innovative public charter school. This would allow us to remove financial barriers, reach more students across Idaho, and strengthen our long-term sustainability.
This direction reflects not only our mission, but the voices of our community. More students in the Treasure Valley deserve access this type of education. The One Stone board, made up of more than two-thirds students, voted unanimously in support of exploring this path.
What This Means
This is the beginning of a thoughtful, multi-month process, with an expected decision in January 2027.
If approved, this transition would:
Remove financial barriers for families
Expand access to more students across Idaho
Strengthen long-term sustainability
Create opportunities to scale One Stone’s model more broadly
Importantly, the core of the One Stone experience, student-driven learning, real-world engagement, and a strong community, remains unchanged.
What Would Change
One Stone is continually evolving with the needs of our current students and the world. If this transition is approved, some structural elements would evolve:
A new organizational structure
A lottery-based admissions process
Expanded student support services, including SPED
State-aligned standardized testing
Certification pathways for coaches
What Will Always Stay the Same
At its core, One Stone will not changing because of this. This step allows us to expand access and strengthen how we deliver on our mission.
Students will continue to:
Drive their own learning
Work on real-world, purpose-driven projects
Build meaningful relationships with coaches and peers
Our values, culture, and commitment to helping students discover purpose will remain at the center of everything we do.
Why Now
This is a path we’ve explored before to expand access to innovative education.
Recent changes in Idaho’s education landscape have created a more viable opportunity to pursue a public charter model in a way that aligns with our mission. At the same time, we’ve at a point where we’re ready to expand access to more students and communities.
This step allows us to return to our roots as a tuition-free model, while reaching more students across Idaho for years to come.
In Partnership with Bluum
We are pursuing this work in partnership with Bluum, an Idaho-based nonprofit that supports the development of high-quality public charter schools.
As part of this process, Executive Director Celeste Bolin has been selected for Bluum’s School Fellowship, a year-long program that provides guidance, expertise, and support to help ensure a strong and sustainable charter school model.
Be Part of the Process
We always put learners at the center of everything we do, so this process will be collaborative and transparent with students and families.
Virtual Town Hall for current families: Click here to register in advance
April 9 at 5:00 PMListening and input sessions
Ongoing throughout the spring and summerContinued updates and communication
We will share progress, decisions, and opportunities to engage along the way
Your perspective matters, and it will help shape what comes next.
Learn More
We know you may have questions.
