New STEM charter school to open

The region's third brick-and-mortar charter school is ready for its very first - first day of school.

North Idaho STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) Academy will open its doors Sept. 4 in Rathdrum.

"We're very excited. This has been three years. It's a lot of work, a lot of fun, and it's really exhilarating," said Scott Thomson, who with his wife, Colleen, co-founded the academy.

Parents' interest in a school that focuses on getting their kids excited about STEM subjects has been great.

There are 264 students enrolled in the academy, with every kindergarten- through eighth-grade class filled to capacity and another 240 students on a waiting list.

When the school's charter was initially approved by the Idaho Public Charter School Commission, the plan was for North Idaho STEM to offer grades four to eight.

"We changed our charter. Parents really wanted the younger kids coming to the school," Thomson said. "It's kind of neat because it's good to get kids involved in this early and keep them interested in it further down the road."

The school will be the only kindergarten- to eighth-grade charter school in the region. Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy is open to students in grades six to 12, and Kootenai Bridge Academy, also in Coeur d'Alene, is open to high school students.

North Idaho STEM was discussed at the state charter commission's July meeting. Staff members reported they had visited with the Thomsons and another school board member. Meeting notes indicate commission staff members found a strong board, engaged parents and a qualified staff in place at the academy.

Board members include: Dan Tesulov, chair; Darrell Richardson, vice-chair; Lorna Finman, Cathy Richardson and Scott Thomson.

Colleen Thomson is the school's curriculum director.

Scott Thomson and Colleen are both longtime educators who worked for the Lakeland School District until recently.

"I think the one thing that really sets us (North Idaho STEM) apart is that our kids will actually be doing projects every day, applying the things they learn," Thomson said. "We're just excited to watch what the kids are going to be able to do."

North Idaho STEM Academy is located on four acres on Meyer Road, behind Super 1 Foods in Rathdum.