Boise, Idaho to provide free, full-day kindergarten for all next year

The Boise School District will offer free, full-day kindergarten starting at the beginning of the 2022- 2023 school year.

Currently, BSD only offers tuition-based full-day kindergarten at 20 of the district’s 32 elementary schools. Board members voted unanimously this week to expand full-day kindergarten across the district and to make it free.

“This is one of the most rewarding votes I’ve cast since joining the board,” said Dave Wagers, Board President. “The evidence is clear that full-day kindergarten is much more effective academically than half-day kindergarten. This investment in early childhood education will ensure an equitable and accessible kindergarten program for families across our district.”

District administrators estimate the move will cost $2.7 million to implement. BSD says it will be paid for with local and state funding sources, and a one-time donation from the Micki and Dan Chapin Education Fund.