It's been said that "no man is an island." Embracing this truth, we affirm the benefit of being connected to others who are committed to home schooling. Organizations exist throughout the Treasure Valley to address a variety of needs and interests. Following is an annotated listing of Treasure Valley organizations including their stated purpose and contact information.

Community Resources
Curriculum
Fine Arts
Guided Instruction
Sports/Teams and Group Activities
Support Groups

Community Resources

Ada Community Library

The Ada Community Library provides a wide range of services to the general community including: reference service; books; videos; CDs; books on tape; parent/teacher resources, etc.; reader's advisory; research databases; programs; meeting rooms; internet access and computer use; volunteer opportunities and much more.

All About Health Wellness & Education Center

As a Wellness Professional and Homeschool Mom, I understand the natural healing power of the body, and the power of homeschooling. We offer many natural health care classes and services, focused on teaching children and parents how to unleash the healing power of their bodies and be healthy – physically, mentally and emotionally! Check out our Homeschool Health Program! Never underestimate the power of YOUR body to heal

Boise Basin Museum

The "City" of Idaho City was once the largest city in the Northwest, and was a major supplier of gold during the Civil War, having an integral part in its outcome. The Boise Basin Museum and the Idaho City Historical Foundation, preserves, displays, interprets, and educates the incredibly rich history in our own "backyard"! We provide family and/or school tours of the Museum, Historical Buildings/Town, and the Pioneer Cemetery. Contact the Museum at (208) 392-4550.

Boise Public Library

The Boise Public Library provides a wide range of services to the general community including: reference service; books; videos; CDs; books on tape; parent/teacher resources, etc.; reader's advisory; research databases; programs; meeting rooms; internet access and computer use; volunteer opportunities and much more.

Boy Scouts of America

The Boy Scouts of America endeavors to develop American citizens who are physically, mentally, and emotionally fit; have a high degree of self-reliance as evidenced in such qualities as initiative, courage, and resourcefulness; have personal values based on religious concepts; have the desire and skills to help others; understand the principles of the American social, economic, and governmental systems; are knowledgeable about and take pride in their American heritage and understand our nation's role in the world; have a keen respect for the basic rights of all people; and are prepared to participate in and give leadership to American society.

CHOIS - Christian Homeschoolers of Idaho State

CHOIS is a Christian non-profit, volunteer organization that seeks to encourage and equip parents to educate their children at home. CHOIS hosts an annual homeschool convention which includes: nationally recognized speakers, 30 workshops, children's programs, teen programs, and a forum where curriculum and service providers can answer questions and sell products. CHOIS also has a quarterly publication, The CHOIS Connection.

Congressional Award

The Congressional Award Program is a non-competitive, goal-oriented program designed to challenge youth between the ages of 13 and a half to 24. The only award given by Congress, participants set goals in 4 program areas: Voluntary Public Service, Personal Development, Physical Fitness, and an Expedition / Exploration. The Bronze, Silver, and Gold awards are an awesome way to be involved in your community, expand your horizons, better yourself, and it looks great on college and job applications. Join today!

Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge

Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge provides environmental education free of charge to students of all ages. Our services include: Reading at the Refuge, Field trips, in-class programs/experiments, and our Visitor Center with a multi-media room, mounts, kidspace, and wildlife viewing room. Please call 467-9278 for details.

Discovery Center of Idaho

Explore, Imagine and Experience the Discovery Center of Idaho where families learn together! Additionally, we offer a variety of classes to members and non-members. Members are invited to exclusive behind the scenes exhibits and special member nights. We are open 7 days a week. Visit or become a member and visit us as often as you'd like.

Educational Therapy and Consultation

As a Board Certified Educational Therapist, I provide educational assessment and remediation for a range of learning problems, including: dyslexia, reading and spelling, writing, attention deficit disorder, language processing, comprehension, memory, organizational and study skills, and auditory processing. Specialized one-to-one instruction significantly improves each student's academic competence and self-esteem. Contact Barbara Rand at 336-2317.

Garden City Library

Each public library has its own set of classes, books and materials to help you home educate your child. The librarians love to support your homeschool choices. Please visit our website for details for our library.

Girl Scouts

Girl Scouts discover the fun, friendship and power of girls together. Girl Scouts pursue music, sports, theater, science, travel, art, camping and many other activities. Girl Scouts adds an extra dimension to these pursuits: a safe, exciting and educational all girl environment. This is an organization by girls, for girls and of girls devoted to building self-esteem, strong values and a social conscience.

Healthy Community * Healthy Youth

The Healthy Community * Healthy Youth Initiative of City of Boise Parks and Recreation exists to cultivate in all residents the shared expectation that everyone contribute to the character and competence of our children and youth by fulfilling the Five Promises via increasing the 40 Developmental Assets in the lives of all young people. A sampling of our programs available include: Leadership training, Youth Speakers Bureau, Teen forums, Youth on City boards and commissions, Community Service projects, Youth in Media (Idaho Statesman and Television). We also have mini-grants available. Please check our website for further details.

Idaho Coalition of Home Educators (ICHE)

The purpose of the Idaho Coalition of Home Educators is to protect the right to home educate within the state of Idaho. We provide: (1)Annual Standardized Testing on the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills (ITBS) and the Tests of Achievement and Proficiency (TAP) at testing sites throughout the state; (2) Legislative Day: At an annual reception at the Statehouse, ICHE testing data and student projects are displayed. Legislators and other public officials interact with students and parents concerning the excellence of home education; and (3) E-mail Legislative Alerts: Information concerning pending legislation which directly relates to home education is disseminated to current ICHE members via posting on this web site with notification by e-mail. This includes Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA) updates and alerts.

Idaho Home Educators Association (IHEA)

Website serving the entire state of Idaho, lists homeschooling groups, co-ops, and resources for easy access to homeschooling support and information.

Idaho Homeschool Graduation

Idaho Homeschool Graduation provides a formal cap and gown graduation ceremony for Homeschool seniors who meet a few minimum requirements. There are 2 ceremonies due to the amount of space and graduating seniors.

Idaho Museum of Mining and Geology

Our mission is to provide earth science education and preserve Idaho's mining history. Founded in 1991 the museum is all volunteer and receives funding entirely from programs and community support. The museum offers school field trips during the year for traditional classrooms, home school groups, scouts and other interested organizations.

Idaho Public Television

We offer monthly themed content packages with interdisciplinary activity ideas, TV programs and online resources for your children. Printable resources, tips and suggestions expand the monthly theme being taught.

Osteopath Doctor, Deb Roman

As an osteopathic physician and homeschool mom, I hope to share holistic approaches to health and healing. We draw from conventional and alternative medicine as we work together to stimulate the body's innate healing mechanisms. Please contact Deb Roman if interested at 859-5055.

Treasure Valley Clinic of Chiropractic

We are a homeschooling family dedicated to preventative health. Through our office, we believe it is in every family's best interest to create a solid foundation of education and health when children are young. We support that by offering specialized treatment plans for all ages and conditions. We offer special discounts to all homeschooling families. Please call 938-8828 for further information or visit our website.

Treasure Valley Family Magazine

Since 1993, Treasure Valley Family Magazine has been the exclusive, parenting resource for families of the Treasure Valley. Every month, Treasure Valley Family Magazine supports and encourages healthy, happy and strong families through its focused editorial: family fun, education and parental involvement.

Treasure Valley Homeschool News

We are a homeschooling family committed to providing timely, local information to the Treasure Valley. We include sports, music, fine arts, field trips and many other types of details to support local homeschoolers. We have monthly articles written by local families outlining their individual experiences with the homeschool process. We support you homeschooling in activity, heart and mind.
Please contact Nicole Derion at tvhomeschool.com@yahoo.com or (208) 343-4711 for more information.

Advertisers, for information on how to advertise in TVHN and prices, please contact Nicole Derion at tvhomeschool.com@yahoo.com or (208) 343-4711 for more information. The deadline is the 17th of each month.

Zoo Boise

Come discover adventure and experience the wonders of wildlife in the middle of Boise. Located in beautiful Julia Davis Park, Zoo Boise is home to over 201 animals from 83 various species. From the tiny walking stick to the Majestic Amur tigers, the zoo offers a unique educational experience unlike any other offered in the Treasure Valley.

Curriculum

The Aspen Grove

We are a Christian Discount Supply store located in Ontario, Oregon. We have homeschool books, Bibles, music, videos, software and much more. Please visit our website for more information.

Curriculum Cottage

We are a veteran homeschooling family (over twenty-five years), and it is our goal to help children, by assisting parents in whichever choice they have made for their children's academic needs.

Teaching World

Teaching World Resource Center is the most progressive retail school supply store in Idaho. We feature a full line of classroom enhancement for the public/private/homeschool classroom as well as creative curriculum resources. We have a variety of children's toys, literature, and hands-on learning materials for ages 1 to 101. We also offer private tutoring and informative workshops.

Fine Arts

Capital City Ballet Center

Capital City Ballet Center specializes in the teaching of classical ballet to ages 4-adult. We have been teaching in Boise since 1983 and all of our staff are former professional dancers. Our home schooling program is growing each year and we hope to augment our program yearly. Home schoolers are a joy to work with!

Guitar Lessons

Teaching beginning and intermediate students to read music (standard notation and guitar tablature), play chords and riffs, accompany singing and play along with favorite recordings. Michael Straight is an experienced guitar instructor who has taught adults, teens, and children (including those with special needs) in a variety of styles: praise and worship music, hymns, rock, pop, blues, folk and classical. Available for homeschoolers during the day in Nampa. Contact Michael at 461-8173

Idaho Art Center

Idaho Art Center is an Art Studio and Gallery that offers Art Lessons to beginning and intermediate Artists in a FUN and educational atmosphere. 20+ years experience teaching young children and an Art Teacher for a private school in Boise gives owner and artist Angela Silva-Sheppard a unique teaching style using tested curiculum. Please call Angela for details: 353-1941

Irish Dance Idaho

Irish Dance Idaho is deeply committed to the difficult and technical art of show-style and traditional Irish Step Dance.The teachers: Rebecca CCI, Heidi and Spencer Ingram, have been taught by the leads of Lord of the Dance and various Irish Step Dance teachers from England, Ireland, and Scotland, among others. The teachers have grown up in the Treasure Valley and are dedicated to preserving and sharing the beautiful art of Irish Dancing in a fun and friendly atmosphere. IDI teaches students ranging from 5 to adult. To learn more about Irish Dance Idaho, visit our website or call 323-7590.

Musical Note Private Piano Lessons

Teacher in West Boise with 12 years of experience. Has limited openings for students, from beginning to advanced. Positive reinforcements through charts, stickers and rewards for an excellent atmosphere. $35 - for first student. Discount for multiple family members. Contact Alicia at 377-9429.

Arts West Youth Conservatory (AYC)

Besides private instruction for most instruments, AYC can add social interaction for homeschoolers with their choir and ensemble programs. The school would also be interested in organizing a homeschool band. Contact Mary at 938-4144 for more information.

Tiernan Irish Dancers

Tiernan is a traditional Irish dancing group where individual excellence, teamwork, and a sharing of our gifts with the community are all held in equal regard. It is a program that can help develop strong values, work ethic, self confidence, humility, character, excellence, and skills for encouraging others. Tiernan is as much about the journey as it is about the end result.

Young Rembrandts

Young Rembrandts teaches drawing to children ages 3 1/2 to 12. Our curriculum combines what children need to learn with what they love to draw. Drawing is a learnable skill. Classes are fun, encouraging, informative, nurturing and always positive.

Guided Instruction

Biblical Worldview Learning Center

We provide educational services in all academic areas as well as Biblical worldview training and materials

Covenant Academy

Covenant Academy is a private Christian school that provides part-time enrollment for homeschooling families. The block scheduling at Covenant Academy allows the homeschooler to attend classes only twice a week and still get the benefit of the full course materials. This program produces students well grounded in a full-orbed Biblical Worldview as demonstrated by Nehemiah Institute PEERS test for Biblical Worldview.

Discovering Languages

At Discovering Languages, we offer foreign language immersion programs for children. We currently have Spanish and French programs. Our mission is to provide a fun, interactive, and developmentally appropriate language immersion program where children will learn foreign languages through PlayImmersion and, at the same time, gain a skill that will enrich their minds, multicultural awareness, and future career opportunities. Our foreign language program uses an "early immersion" methodology where children are completely immersed in another language through songs, games, storytelling, drama, experiential play, nursery rhymes, crafts, dancing, and computer programs, and thus, acquire a second language through a natural developmental approach. Our class sizes are small and interactive. For more information, please call Natalia at 208-412-8492 or e-mail: info@discoveringlanguages.com

Foundations Academy

Education is more than training children for a vocational career. Education establishes the lens through which a student sees the world. Using the classical method creates thinking, articulate, and honorable students as a result of our deeper approach to learning. By focusing on developing the mind, our students will be better prepared for life, including higher education in their chosen career field. The classical method is unique, but it is no experiment. Please join us as we enrich K-12 education in Boise, Idaho.

Idaho & Ada County 4-H Program

4-H has over 100 experiential curriculums that are project based and focused on learning life skills, critical thinking, and problem solving. Call 208-377-2107 for more information about 4-H Special Interest, Club, and Afterschool programs.

Idaho Junior Master Gardener (JMG) Program

Five JMG curriculums (K -8) focus on plant science, soils, water, ecology, landscaping, gardening, nutrition, wildlife, life skills, and career exploration. Fun, hands on activities tied to Idaho Achievement standards help children grow! Contact Kevin Laughlin, Idaho JMG Coordinator & UI Extension Educator 208-377-2107.

A New Leaf

We offer Master's prepared educators to work with your child. Services provided are one-on-one tutoring, small group, educational workshops, special education support, and curriculum planning. We also offer a curriculum planner designed for all your homeschool needs.

Vineyard Christian Family School

The Vineyard Christian Family School is an important part of the Family Ministries at Vineyard Boise's. We currently have classes for students from pre-school through the six grade with 7th grade being added in 2004-2005. Their families pay tuition to support the part-time teaching staff, principal, and cover operating expenses.

Sports/Team and Group Activities

BSU College of Engineering

Please visit our website for more information or contact Leandra Aburusa-Lete at (208) 426-4432.

Idaho ATA Martial Arts

Idaho ATA Martial Arts is a martial arts school specializing in promoting the spirit of Songahm Taekwondo. At our local ATA Taekwondo school we strive to provide the best in quality of instruction, both physically and mentally. We believe in teaching these physical techniques that prove to be most practical in our society and even more importantly, to mix the American philosophical approach with our traditional way of instruction . . . to be respectful, courteous, honest, loyal and persevering. Students will experience the dynamic spirit of marital arts as they learn the techniques of self-defense in Taekwondo. For the adult, it includes the confidence and determination to succeed in your chosen profession. For the child, it provides the focus and concentration to excel in school and the courage to say "No" to those who corrupt the principles learned at home.

Boise Yoga Center

We are pleased to offer Yoga classes for kids at the Boise Yoga Center with our well trained instructors. Watch your children grow and learn in this supportive environment that promotes self confidence, non-violence and inner strength. We welcome your input about class times and what will work for you.

Bronco Elite Arts & Athletics

Bronco Elite provides field trip and physical education to Homeschool groups throughout the valley. Bronco Elite specializes in swimming and gymnastics lessons.

Central Boise Homeschool PE Co-op

CBH PE provides a weekly opportunity for physical fitness and the development of sport skills for home schoolers of all ages. Activities have included: swimming, ice skating, gymnastics, bowling, and track and field. This group meets on Tuesdays from 1:00pm - 2:30pm. Dues are $10 per month per family, with a $10 registration fee for new members. Since it is a cooperative, parents must volunteer in some capacity. If interested, contact Karen Parr at 378-1099 or at parrhomegirl@gmail.com

Chess Anyone? Chess Academy/ Masters Academy

Please visit our website or contact Julie at 378-8022 for more information

Field Trip Co-Operative

We are a group of Homeschoolers who meet twice monthly to attend various Field trips throughout the Treasure Valley. Attendance is not mandatory. Currently, we have over 120 families involved with over 200 children (including a variety of ages). We are email only. No phone calls are used to distribute information. Come join us! Contact Lee Anne at lahtanaka@wwdb.org

Future City Competition

The Future City Competition is a program for 7th and 8th graders, where teams of students design and present their vision of what a city of the future should look like. The teams work with teachers and engineering mentors, and create their city using SimCity software, taking into account factors such as energy needs, traffic density, pollution levels, and other real-life design considerations. They also must build a model of a portion of their city, write an essay on a designated topic, and present the whole package to a panel of judges. The preparation starts in August. Homeschoolers took 1st in State in 06! Come join us!

Gem State Gymnastics

Located in Boise, we are the only local Gymnastics location to specifically provide Homeschoolers with various levels of gymnastic classes. Homeschool classes are provided throughout the week at a reduced cost. Please visit our website or call for details on Homeschool classes: 853-3220.

Idaho Christian Running Club

The Idaho Christian Running Club (ICRC) provides the opportunity for the homeschooler to learn the skill and benefits of running from a Christian perspective. Both a Spring Track and Field season and a Fall Cross Country program are offered. Although competition is available, the primary goal is personal development and improvement. Each program involves a 10-week session in which the participants learn proper warm-up, stretching, conditioning, and strength training. Parents are greatly encouraged to be involved with their children. Contact David Barrett at tmi@integrity.com

Imagymnation

We offer classes in gymnastics, cheerleading and tumbling. We also host Friday Night Fun twice a month so parents can go out on a date. Our indoor playground is a great place for field trips. We are Clean, Caring, Consistent.

N.L.S.I. (No Limit Skateboard Instruction)

No Limit offers private skateboard lessons and hosts Birthday Parties all year long. In the summer, No Limit offers a summer camp to help keep kids busy all summer long. Contact Justin Pickford at 724-0225 or by email at nolimitskate@yahoo.com.

NNU Challenge Course

Character building through interactive Challenge Course group activities. Building trust, self-worth, respect, and teamwork through interactive games, initiatives, and low and high ropes course elements.

Rollerdrome

Rollerdrome, located in Nampa, is a Homeschool friendly environment to roller skate or roller blade. We offer Homeschooling days every 3rd Thursday of the month-including the summer! We have car load specials on Sunday. You can rent skates and roller blades or bring your own. Call us for details: 466-9905

Vellotti's Chess Kids

Welcome to the dazzling world of chess! After winning several state and national chess titles, I opened up my own chess training academy in Boise. As a former homeschooler myself, I recognize the inherent value of the flexibility of a homeschool schedule. One of my favorite programs to teach is my Homeschool Chess Program - offered every Wednesday, year round from 9am to 11am.

Support Groups

CHEER (formerly Chem-K)

CHEER (formerly called CHEM-K & Beyond) is a Treasure Valley Christian support group aimed at encouraging and resourcing homeschool families. Those who are led by the Lord Jesus Christ to home educate their children are welcome to attend monthly support group meetings, field trips, and bi-monthly co-op classes (i.e. choir, science, art). The monthly support group meeting is designed to keep home educators focused on the Lord, provide encouragement (through prayer, fellowship, and devotions), and help resource one another (through the use of a well established library, speakers, discussion groups, and videos) Contact: 345-0670

Deseret Homeschool Association

The purpose of the Deseret Homeschool Association to is to share resources, activities, and learning opportunities that edify and motivate parents and their children (students) in the homeschool process throughout the Treasure Valley. Our group provides two monthly field trips, monthly Mothers’ Meetings, free monthly email newsletter, opening and closing socials for the family, couple's dinner twice a year and a yearly conference in August.

Gem County Christian Homeschoolers (GCCH)

We meet monthly from September through May at Calvary Chapel of Emmett (498 W. Idaho Blvd.) Children participate in activities and crafts. There is a planned topic for all monthly meetings. Snacks are provided for children and mothers. Activities such as field trips and group classes have been provided outside of monthly meetings. For more information contact Barbara Chambers at 398-9868.

Haven Homeschoolers

Haven Homeschoolers is a support group in Mountain Home, Idaho for Christian families who have chosen to educate their children at home. Our main objectives are to provide family activities, informative parent meetings and social/academic events for children. We encourage our parent-teachers to adhere to Idaho laws and to support those organizations who protect the right to home educate in the state of Idaho. Visit our website or call Anissa at 587-9410.

Hidden Springs Homeschool Group

We are open to all residents of Hidden Springs that homeschool or are considering homeschooling their children. We are a diverse group with varied perspectives on homeschooling, yet we support each other and enjoy sharing ideas about learning at home. For information, please contact Carolyn Neves at jcneves@ctcweb.net

Idaho LDS Home-Educators

The Idaho LDS Home Educators is a state wide program. Its mission is to listen and follow the guidance of the Spirit in order to provide nurturing encouragement to families who are inspired to teach their own. To strengthen and support the family and to enrich and edify the mother in her noble role. We provide a yearly home educators conference with vendor exhibits, a mother's retreat, and mini conferences throughout the year.