High Desert

High Desert is an alternative high school located in Shoshone, Idaho, on the Lincoln County border. Situated along US Highway 24, this rural setting offers a peaceful and serene environment for students. The school serves grades six through twelve with a small enrollment of just 34 students, providing a close-knit community where teachers can give individualized attention.

High Desert focuses on student development beyond traditional academic metrics. With an overall MySchoolScout rating of 2.9 out of 10 and a state ranking in the bottom 5% of Idaho schools, it's clear that there is room for growth academically. However, the school aims to support students who may not thrive in conventional educational settings by offering alternative learning approaches.

While test performance data shows only 25% proficiency in both ELA/Reading and Math, High Desert emphasizes a holistic approach to education, which includes social-emotional learning and practical skills development. The rural setting of Shoshone provides a unique backdrop for students to connect with nature and community resources. High Desert is nestled in the heart of a small, tight-knit rural community where personal relationships are strong and support systems are readily available.

With an enrollment of 34 students, High Desert is a smaller school where families often find a close-knit community atmosphere. Smaller settings can mean more individual attention from teachers and staff, though they may offer fewer extracurricular options than larger schools.

Located in a rural area, High Desert may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.