History of TVCS

Planning for the Teton Valley Community School began in the late 1990’s. In 1999, TVCS became a non-profit independent school with a strong commitment to providing financial aid, after being denied charter status by the State of Idaho. At that time, there where very few charter schools in Idaho, and the local school district was concerned about impacts to their budget if a charter school was started in Teton County.

The Teton Valley Community School first opened its doors at Sweet Creek Ranch (the original campus) in 2002. That year, there were 15 students in Kindergarten through 5th grade attending classes in what was essentially a one-room schoolhouse. After 3 years at Sweet Creek, enrollment exceeded the capacity of the old ranch buildings, and the school was moved to its present location at a former residence on West Birch Street in Victor (2005).

The Center for Early Learners (CFEL) was opened in 2006. Due to a high demand for TVCS’s innovative early childhood program, an additional preschool class was added to the CFEL in 2007. Sixth grade was added in 2008 and 7th grade was added in 2009. Eighth-graders will be admitted for the 2010-2011 academic year, which will complete the school’s goal of an innovative pre-K through 8th grade program. Current enrollment is approximately 90 students with planned capacity being approximately 130 students.

Due to consistent enrollment increases and associated space constraints, the school has renovated a former garage to accommodate 2 pre-school classrooms, constructed a yurt to serve as the combined 3rd/4th grade classroom, and rented a small house down the road for upper school students. The future of TVCS involves implementing the campus master plan and constructing our international award-winning classrooms, moving closer toward the ultimate vision: To nurture and inspire life long learners by providing a state of the art learning community.