Gem Prep Academy breaks ground on new K-12 charter school in Rexburg
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REXBURG — Gem Prep Academy, an Idaho-based network of public charter schools, celebrated the start of construction at its future Rexburg facility with a groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday.
With a planned fall 2027 opening, administrators plan to enroll 370 students in kindergarten through 9th grade during the first school year. They plan to add more grades and pupils each year until they eventually serve up to 574 students in grades K-12 at the Rexburg campus.
The new facility will be the ninth Gem Prep Academy campus, with others already operating in Idaho Falls, Pocatello, Twin Falls, Meridian, and Nampa, as well as a handful of “Learning Societies” that give online students opportunities to gather in learning environments with peers. Administrator Todd Hale said Gem Prep is also the top online charter school in Idaho.
According to Idaho code, charter schools are required to “provide parents and students with expanded choices in the types of educational opportunities that are available within the public school system.” Hale says Gem Prep’s niche is college preparedness and that they “do it a little differently than other schools,” with 50% of students graduating with an associate’s degree and 100% with some college credit. He says the school’s focus is on both hard and soft skills that prepare students to succeed in college, careers, and life in general.
Gerald Love is the principal at Gem Prep’s recently opened campus in Idaho Falls. He touted the school’s unique educational philosophy of “earned autonomy,” which encourages students to take ownership of their own education as they learn communication, time management, and other skills that set them up for success. He says students learn to track their own time instead of being directed by bells throughout the day, and that those who have achieved certain academic milestones are given freedom to work independently and in small groups.
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“We think we give students a well-rounded set of skills that will set them up for the rest of their lives,” Love said.
In her remarks at the ceremony, Idaho Charter School Association Executive Director Nanette Merrill lauded the organization for its contributions to education in the state.
“For families, school choice is about having options,” she said. “It is about being able to find a school that aligns with their child’s needs, their family’s values, and the way they believe their child will learn best. Gem Prep continues to fulfill that charter promise with each school it opens.”
Merrill noted that Gem Prep will be the first public charter school in Rexburg, which is something she said is worth celebrating. She thanked Idaho legislators, including Idaho Sen. Doug Ricks, who was in attendance, for their support of school choice.
“Because of thoughtful decisions and continued support for educational opportunity, students across Idaho, including right here in Rexburg, have more options than they did before,” Merrill said.
Rexburg Mayor Jerry Merrill attended the ceremony and expressed his hope that the new charter school and the traditional public schools will work together toward their shared goal of providing quality educational opportunities in Rexburg. He praised Gem Prep’s focus on student autonomy and teaching students to contribute to their communities and society by living with intention and engaging in civic service.
Gem Prep Academy’s Rexburg campus will be located at 331 South 12th West. While charter schools are not part of the local public school districts in their areas, they are publicly funded, so there is no tuition. The school will open lottery registration in January. To join the interest list or to peruse the school’s FAQs, visit the Rexburg location’s website here.