Idaho Charter Market Analysis: Exploring Growth Opportunities for Idaho Charter Schools

Idaho faces a twin challenge in the market for public school students. With only 40 percent of students proficient in math and 55 percent proficient in reading across all grades statewide, the state needs higher-quality schools to give all its students access to great educational options. Added to that, Idaho was the second-fastest-growing state over the past decade, with a 17.3 percent growth rate--an increase of more than 270,000 residents. This dramatic growth highlights an opportunity to explore the market for new, high-quality charter schools across Idaho. This statewide analysis seeks to understand the market opportunity for new Idaho charter schools in two ways: (1) a population growth projection analysis to estimate future growth in school-age populations in each county and the state overall; and (2) a quality seats analysis to identify areas in Idaho with the greatest need for high-quality school options. [This report was co-published by Bluum.]