Our family loves Peace Valley Charter School! We currently have a 7th Grader and a 4th Grader there. Our eldest daughter graduated Peace Valley over a year ago. This is our fourth year at the school. I believe that Peace Valley embodies what is best about Waldorf education. There is a strong community spirit and a focus on relationships. My son had the same teacher from 1st to 3rd Grade and that provided him with a secure setting as he transitioned from morning kindergarten into full-time school. His teacher got to know him very well and was able to see his strengths and also areas where he struggled, at a deeper level than would have been possible had she only been with him for one academic year. Our children get to spend a significant amount of time outside. They have gardening and movement classes and their need to move as young energetic beings rather than sit for hours at a desk is respected and welcomed. The school encourages them to develop a close relationship with nature. My kids enjoy and are excited about what they are learning. My seventh grader is learning about the great explorers of the world and as a way of embodying this learning they are doing weekly trips into their local environment so that they can explore where they live in more depth. Associated with all projects are writing and drawing activities and presentations. I appreciate that the teachers are very nurturing and caring. At the end of the academic year, we get a several-page report from their class teacher detailing our child's progress over the year. The amount of information given in the report illustrates how much attention is given to seeing, appreciating and supporting each child. Our eldest daughter graduated from Peace Valley in 2022 after a very happy two years there. Previously our children were at a Waldorf Charter in California. She is now at Bishop Kelly High School in Boise and is doing very well academically with a 4.0 GPA. We appreciate that Peace Valley prepared her to succeed in high school not only academically but also by supporting her in developing an inner confidence and a strong sense of self. As a psychologist, it's important to me that my children are in an environment that supports their ability to focus and be fully present in the moment. Technology has the potential to hijack this ability and I appreciate that Peace Valley guards against this by minimizing the use of technology in the classrooms. I also feel that Peace Valley creates an environment where it is safe for children to be themselves rather than feel pressure to conform to societal trends. Above all, Peace Valley provides an environment where childhood is protected and children can play and grow up in a more old-fashioned way than is available at other schools. read more

We've been part of Peace Valley Charter School since our son started kindergarten, and he's now a proud 3rd grader. Over the years, we've experienced a lot of change -- in administration, teachers, and students -- but one thing has remained constant: the heartbeat of this community. The people who stay through the transitions, who believe in what makes this school special, are what keep it thriving. A Waldorf education is a rare gift -- especially in the public school system. What is often a $30,000-per-year private education is offered here tuition-free in the Treasure Valley. When we discovered this was an option, we didn't hesitate, and we've never looked back. The reason is simple: Waldorf education honors and respects a child's natural developmental process. In a world where traditional education often pushes academics too early and too hard, Peace Valley offers something different. Many schools are unintentionally waging a "war on childhood," keeping kids indoors, glued to screens, and detached from hands-on, heart-centered learning. Peace Valley brings balance back. Despite the funding challenges all charter schools face, they continue to offer music, movement, eurythmy, handwork, cooking, and gardening. Here, children learn through their head, heart, and hands -- not through memorization and pressure. Our son has faced learning and developmental challenges, yet at Peace Valley, he has never been overlooked. Every teacher knows him -- not just his name, but his needs, his gifts, and his potential. The staff meet him exactly where he is and help him grow from there. He is happy to go to school and happy when he comes home, and that alone is priceless. The school does rely heavily on family support through volunteering and donations, and like any community, it has faced its share of challenges. But through those challenges, we've grown stronger than ever. Sita, our current administrator, has been an absolute rock star -- pouring her heart, energy, and soul into rebuilding and revitalizing this school. The progress she's made in one year has been extraordinary. No school is without its imperfections, but if you value an education that nurtures curiosity, creativity, and a genuine love of learning, Peace Valley is truly something special. This school isn't for those who want to rush childhood -- it's for those who want to honor it. And in our experience, that makes all the difference. read more

It has been a wonderful place for my children. I love how they include the arts in school. Theatre, orchestra, music, art, gardening/botany, and of course the main subjects are taught as well. Waldorf teachers are taught stages children go through at different times in their life and what children's brains are doing, how they are changing and developing. I love this and think it is so important for teachers to know and utilize this knowledge as they teach and guide certain grades. I have 3 children attending and plan to put my younger 2 in as they get older! Our family loves this school; my children love going to this school. I am so excited to see how the new principal Mr. Stumph adds to the community and guides the school to even greater excellence. I want to add as well that one of my children was bullied a couple years ago, but I worked with the teacher and the old principal through it. The bully was physically and emotionally abusive. They said they could not legally tell me what they did; however, that child stopped coming to school for a period of time. He came back for a time and after that was gone (within the same year). He isn't at the school anymore and the entire class is better off for it. I am pleased with how the situation was handled. I also am very confident the new principal will do an even better job with this type of situation. He has a zero tolerance policy for any type of bullying and that is showing to be effective with a new bullying situation that has come up with another of my children. I am very happy with how it is being handled so far. School should be an enjoyable place to be. And this school still is for my children. They are happy there. And I love that. Bullying happens at every school; whether the parents hear about it or not. Whether it is posted in a review or not. And years ago, when I was a new teacher I saw bullying go unnoticed by people who should have resolved the situation and I watched more "experienced" teachers stand in denial about a child they liked bullying another child, I am very pleased with how the teachers I've worked with and the principals have handled these situations at Peace Valley. read more

Peace Valley is a charter school in the Waldorf style. What that means is your child will be happier there than any other public or private school. They focus just as much on music, art, language, and other skills as they do on academics. I love this school, because my child loves this school. The class sizes are small, the teachers are great, the parents are involved, and the entire experience is completely unlike what you would get at say, Challengers school. It's so awful to have to watch the love of learning be beaten out of your child at a regular school. This school is not that. Here, my child is engaged and doing all the extra credit activities, not because he's a type-A go-getter, but because they're fun and he wants to. It's truly a blessing to have this school as an option, and you should definitely send your child here. You'll notice the difference in their attitude about school immediately and you'll wonder what took you so long to discover Peace Valley. I know there are negative reviews of this school here on yelp, but this is Ms. Chiang's second year as principal, and she has brought an incredible energy and vibe to the school. Ignore those negative reviews. Ms. Chiang is the best principal this school has ever had and she's showing up seven days a week to create an incredible environment for your child. The school is so much better off with her as principal, just ignore the negative reviews, come down to the school for a tour, and you'll see what I mean. Also, do yourself a favor and read the "not recommended" reviews. If you're not a regular poster on Yelp, your review gets shoved into this "not recommended" space that implies it's fake. They're not fake, they're from people I personally know, but who don't regularly post reviews on yelp. And they give a much more balanced picture than just the few "recommended" reviews of the school. Yelp has been irrelevant for a long time, and pulling stuff like these "not recommended" reviews is why. read more

We absolutely love peace valley and the staff there! I have a first grader who is a big feeler. When he was in kinder Mrs Sherburne was MORE than we could've asked for our first school experience. She is truly magical!! First grade is a big step up but there is still so much magic in first grade and how they teach the students through stories. My kids assistant teacher Mrs Elvidge is the absolute sweetest and I am so grateful for her comfort and care for my child during his hard times at school. I am so thankful for the nature of this school and how each staff member truly cares for the students. An example that I always remember is Mrs Dee (dawndra...not even a first grade teacher or assistant) saw my kid crying in the hall and stayed with him to comfort/encourage him that it's ok to feel the range of emotions even when we don't know why we feel them. This kind of emotional support is what keeps us at peace valley. I need to know my kid is safe and through the support of principal Chiang and the staff I believe he is. That is the best feeling for a parent. Waldorf education is unique and through the school helping us learn more about it and how they approach learning and everything it has helped my family fall more in love with this philosophy of learning and we can't ever go back to traditional schooling. I highly recommend for anyone seeking a well rounded education for their children. Picture of the Advent spiral: remembering the light within us as the days grow darker. I love how peace valley integrates seasons and makes it a memorable experience for the students. read more

We have been at Peace Valley for 4 years. I am amazed by my daughter and what she has learned at school. Not just from the knitting, painting, reading and academics. But also who she is becoming, as a nature lover, a deep imagination and ability to empathize with others. Waldorf is truly a holistic education, that develops a love of nature and imagination without the distraction of technology and subjects beyond their appropriate age levels. With a 100 year old curriculum, I can see my daughter being curious about nature, colors, animals and the love of all things simple and magical in the world! As a Boise native, I went through all my elementary schooling in Idaho and I am so amaz that the treasure valley has a FREE Walford charter school. As a newer school, it has had some challenges, but watching my daughter thrive, we have hope that Peace Valley will be a staple for the future generations to come! And boy are we lucky for that!!! read more

We are starting our first year here for my 1st grader and kindergartener. The communication and friendliness of the staff has been amazing. I am so excited for the kids to start school because they value the children, not the test scores. Everything about this school nurtures what children naturally have: curiosity, inept ability to absorb the world around them, and the need to be part of something bigger than oneself. They have set up the year with multiple opportunities for all grade levels to interact together, work together, and be part of each others learning. They are very family focused and have ample opportunities for families to be in school and aware of/involved in what the children are learning. I don't feel like an outsider here. They described teaching the children and creating the environment as "holding" them and I really just adore how personal and loving that feels. read more

We love the emphasis on creativity and imagination at Peace Valley, it has turned learning into a magical journey for our children. The teachers are incredibly passionate and infuse every lesson with joy, making education a beautiful form of self expression. Grateful to be part of a community that understands the magic of learning. We've been at the school for five years and our children (currently 5th and 3rd) are thriving. We love the direction the school has gone with our current principal. The children develop problem solving skills, creative thinking, and learn through projects vs studying for a test. We are so grateful to have Peace Valley in our lives. read more

Peace Valley is the only Waldorf school in the Treasure Valley, and it truly stands out. Over the years, the school has expanded learning opportunities in incredible ways, but under Ms. Chiang's leadership, the community has really come together. We've met amazing souls, seen tremendous growth, and feel so excited about the future. It's a testament to what's possible when everyone shares a vision for good. The environment at Peace Valley is warm, nurturing, and inspiring. The staff goes above and beyond, truly listening to children, parents, and each other. We are so grateful to be a part of this wonderful school community! read more

Welcome to Peace Valley, where the students are little sh*ts and the staff are rude and hold zero accountability! Unless you want your child to turn out to be a foul-mouthed, disrespectful animal abuser, please don't send your child here because that type of behavior is acceptable with the principal, who doesn't even seem to be able to honor his own commitments or make amends for not doing so. I have never seen any school, let alone a charter school, show such little empathy for the community around them and I truly feel sorry for the parents who have placed hope, and the care of their children in this place. read more

We absolutely love Peace Valley Charter School. Our child has been attending since kindergarten and she loves going to school everyday! Our child also has an IEP, and the special education team has supported her in every way. Waldorf education emphasizes the arts and learning about the natural world around you. The teachers and the staff are kind and compassionate and truly excited about teaching and engaging their students. They teach without the use of computers/screens. If you are interested in a Waldorf education for your child, don't hesitate to check out this school! read more

We have had a great experience with Peace Valley, unlike public schools this charter school uses the Waldorf curriculum which allows kids to actually enjoy school and learn at their own pace. Having my child learn without being glued to a computer or tablet has been very refreshing! The teachers and other staff are so supportive and caring of all the students. The new principal seems to also be very caring and compassionate to the students and parents he has met as well. We are excited for this new school year and can't wait to see how it goes! read more

The teachers care deeply & the community created here is very special. My son has gone to Peace Valley for 2 years. Ms. Ruth gives her heart and soul in Eurythmy, the whole school comes together throughout the year to honor the changing of the seasons through festivals, and they start each day by giving thanks. "Blessings on our day, and each other." The Harvest Faire is a day of live music, games, booths, and family fun - open to the community! I am very grateful for peace valley and the culture of reverence, song, and community here. read more

Exceptional Waldorf charter school! From the moment my daughter began, we were captivated by the warm and nuturing environment. The dedication of the teachers is truly unmatched, fostering not just academic growth, but also a sense of creativity, curiosity, and compassion in each student. What sets Waldorf apart is its holistic approach to education, seamlessly blending arts, music, movement, and academics into a harmonious curriculum that nourishes the mind, body, and spirit. This school is a breath of fresh air! read more

This school has been a home for our children since 2019. They nurture children in a whole body approach that nurtures their spirit in a way that traditional public school was unable to. I love the colorful classrooms in the school and have seen the school undo massive growth in the past 3 years. I look forward to watching my children continue to bloom at Peace Valley Charter School. read more

We've enjoyed so many fun things at Peace Valley like Thursday adventure days where we get to walk to the park and feed the ducks, Harvest Faire, Lantern walk, baking in class, Michaelmas festival and Feats of Courage! read more

my son has been at Peace Valley now for three years. My son used to struggle with enjoying school. he now loves school. He has an amazing teacher. I highly recommend Peace Valley. read more