Educate the whole child in a collaborative learning community where individuals are inspired to be self-motivated and to feel a sense of connection and responsibility to the world.
Located in Garden City, Idaho, Anser Charter School is a free public K–8 charter school that offers a challenging, engaging learning environment where students grow as motivated learners through a rigorous Expeditionary Learning (EL) Education curriculum. At Anser, students are supported to flourish both academically and personally—building knowledge, character, and confidence so they can step into life with purpose and a strong sense of who they are.
In the spring of 2011, Anser was named an Expeditionary Learning Mentor School, a distinction shared with only 17 schools nationwide. The award recognizes Anser Charter School as one of the top performing schools in Expeditionary Learning’s national network of 165 schools in 30 states.
At Anser, we focus on the whole child—combining academic learning, character growth, and real-world experiences through hands-on learning expeditions where students engage in active inquiry and participate in fieldwork. Students share their learning through presentations during their Celebrations of Learning, showcasing high-quality work with families and the community.
In the late 1990s, a group of Garfield Elementary teachers, families, and community members—known as the “Dream Team”—came together around one question: What would a dream school look like? Despite early setbacks, their shared passion, research, and commitment to reimagining education led to the founding of Anser Charter School in 1998. Inspired by the lessons of geese—working together, supporting one another, and sharing leadership—Anser was built as a place where students, staff, and families grow together, take on challenges, and make a meaningful impact. That original spirit lives on today, as the Anser community continues to evolve, dream, and work together to create a school where every student can thrive.
Free, public, and open to all, public charter schools welcome every student,through an annual lottery taking place in February.
