Whittier Elementary School

301 North 29th Street

School District

Boise Independent District
Grade

PK, K-6
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:14
Type

public

School Map for Boise Independent District

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by parent on November 29, 2022

We open enroll at Whittier for the dual language program. My kids range from typical to mild special needs and they love going to school here thanks to the dedicated and talented staff and diverse student body. It's also a community school, meaning there is extra support for kids' learning needs, and after school child care right on site. It's a shame this website gives Whittier 2/10 based on arbitrary test results. It's a solid 10/10 in my book!
Submitted by parent on June 24, 2019

I love this school so much. It is diverse, has a dual language program for k-8. One important thing to understand about the test scores is that many children come from low income backgrounds, other languages (other than English). Thus testing can be a struggle while learning English. As a parent of a white child, it is important to me she is surrounded by diversity, language, culture, and strong academics that supports her needs. This school does all of this. Do not let the test scores scare you! I am so proud to have my child in this school. Her math and reading is above grade level and she is soaring! I can’t say enough about this incredible school.
Submitted by parent on August 30, 2018

I'm a parent of a dual language program first grader at Whittier. Communication from the school is great, he loves all his teachers and looks forward to school every day. We don't live nearby but open enroll for the program.
Submitted by parent on February 28, 2011

I am a parent of a second grader at Whittier Elementary. My Son has been enrolled in the dual language program for three years and I am very pleased with the individual attention, small class size, exposure to diverse cultures, spanish emersion learning, and of course the amazing teachers. The list really goes on. This is a great program and comes highly recomended from a mom of three (and a preschool owner).
Submitted by parent on February 01, 2011

I have a daughter in first grade in the dual language program. This is our second year at Whittier and we are so glad to be there. Our home school is only a block away but we are happy to drive the five miles to Whittier to be part of the dual language program. We are pleased with the staff and the programs offered at Whittier. My daughter has great friends, great teachers and great learning opportunities. The school is safe and provides a large amount of diversity that only adds to her educational experience. I would definitely recommend Whittier and am so glad we made the decision to attend there.
Submitted by parent on January 20, 2011

I am the parent of a 1st grader in the Dual Language Program at Whittier. We could walk to our home school, Highlands, but the idea of my child being bilingual by 6th grade is why we go to Whittier. Other benefits include a truly diverse student body: over 13 languages spoken at Whittier. Also, because it's a Title 1 school, there is extra staff. My son had an amazing reading specialist in Kindergarden, even though he was one of the stronger readers. He now reads at a 4th grade level. His teachers are strong, smart and very caring. The last principal turned the school around over the last 7 years. My understanding is that the scores were very low. Now, they are at par or above the local schools. Whittier was one of two schools in all of Idaho to receive The Distinguished Schools award by the Idaho State Board of Education this past year. The new principal is following the same path as the last and is open to parents and keeps close communication with the faculty. The neighborhood is safe, the school is safe and my son's friends are delightful. Whittier is a school on the brink of greatness. I'm thrilled to be a parent t at this school.