BONNERS FERRY — After years of planning and months of construction, North Idaho Classical Academy is ready to become more than a building. 

The new tuition-free public charter school will welcome about 240 students from kindergarten through seventh grade on the first day of class Thursday, Aug. 27. 

“That’s where it really becomes a school when you put people in it,” Jacob Francom, NICA head of school, said during a tour of the nearly completed school. “Building is one thing, but when you actually have the kids show up, that’s more important.” 

The opening marks the culmination of a process that began six or seven years ago with a group of local mothers looking to create another educational option for area families. As the group explored different educational models, they found an opportunity to create a classical school and connected with Hillsdale College, which Francom said provides curriculum and instructional support. 

The school faced a significant change in plans along the way. An earlier proposed location at Boulder Creek ran into difficulties getting sewer and water approved, forcing organizers to look elsewhere. 

The school ultimately purchased the former Idaho Forest Group property in December and began construction in January, leaving only months to transform the former mill site into a school. 

“It was a very, very aggressive timeline,” Francom said. 

During a March tour of the construction site, classrooms were still being framed and crews were working on plumbing, electrical systems and other major portions of the building. 

Now, classrooms are furnished, teachers are preparing lesson plans and only final construction and cleaning details remain. 

Some of the property’s history remains visible throughout the new school. Rather than removing the original mill’s concrete floor, crews polished and incorporated it into the building. Marks from equipment that once occupied the site remain visible in places. 

Francom said retaining those pieces of the building’s past gives the school character and may bring back memories for community members who once worked at the mill. 

The completed school includes classrooms, an art room, music room, science lab, literacy and special education spaces, a commercial kitchen and commons areas. NICA also offers transportation, special education services and free and reduced-price meals.
The school will begin with kindergarten through seventh grade and plans to add one grade each year until it serves kindergarten through 12th grade. Francom said enrollment will eventually grow from about 240 students to approximately 400. 

Academically, North Idaho Classical Academy follows a traditional classical education model emphasizing what Francom described as two primary pillars, “training the minds and improving the hearts.” 

Students will use a phonics-based reading program and a math program that focuses on problem-solving, with art and music twice a week and physical education nearly every day. Spanish instruction begins in kindergarten, while students begin Latin in sixth grade. 

Character education is also incorporated throughout the curriculum, with an emphasis on six virtues: courage, courtesy, honesty, perseverance, self-governance and service. 

The school also takes a traditional approach inside its classrooms. Instruction is teacher-directed and highly structured, students wear uniforms and, although internet and technology are available throughout the building, students will not routinely use technology as part of classroom instruction. 

Francom said the goal is for students to understand that school is a place for learning and hard work. 

From the moment visitors walk through the doors, the school’s focus is on display. A large American flag greets visitors at the entrance, while another flag hangs in each classroom. 

“First thing you come in, you see our American flag and the focus that we have on creating the next generation of American citizens,” Francom said. 

The flags throughout the school, including those for the classrooms and flagpole, were donated by local VFW and American Legion members.  

The building will also house Play Smarter daycare and Riverside Learning Center in several currently unused classrooms, providing childcare and preschool options in the same building. 

Although the school had initially planned an earlier start, Francom said the opening was delayed a few days while contractors finished the final details. Teachers have spent the remaining time setting up classrooms, training and preparing lessons. 

North Idaho Classical Academy held an open house Tuesday, Aug. 25, ahead of Thursday’s first day. 

Francom said seats are still available and community members are welcome to visit the school and learn more about its approach, whether or not they have children who may attend. 

“We want taxpayers to be aware of what we’re doing,” Francom said. “We want people to know what the difference we’re trying to make in our community and our country.” 

    North Idaho Classical Academy classroom.