• Category 1

    Selected in 2023

  • Grades: pre k - 5
    School Setting: urban
    Town Population: 240,713
    Student Enrollment: 269
    Student Demographics:

    Black/African American: 11.3%
    White/Caucasian: 70.4%
    Hispanic: 7.9%
    Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0.4%
    Asian: 4.6%
    Native American: 0%
    Other: 5.4%

    Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:18
    % Reduced Lunch: 31%
    % ELL Learners: 18%
    Founded: 1980
  • PRINCIPAL:
    Katie Rutan
  • CONTACT:
    11851 W. Musket Dr.
    Boise, ID 83713
    208-850-4190
    rutan.katie@westada.org
Frontier Elementary School
Boise, ID
Frontier is more than just a school; it's a close-knit family that extends to our broader community.
2. Talk about the greatest contributing factor(s) that promoted positive change in your school.
One of the primary catalysts for our positive transformation lies in the unwavering dedication of our school's committed staff. With minimal turnover within the building, we've harnessed the power of continuity, enabling us to amplify our impact progressively, akin to the compounding effect of interest over time. This stable foundation allows us to build upon successes from one year to the next, enhancing our overall influence.

Several other pivotal factors contribute to our positive trajectory, including our steadfast commitment to Professional Learning Community (PLC) collaboration, the cultivation of shared leadership, the implementation of Visible Learning principles, the alignment of our instructional practices, and the establishment of building systems that champion data-driven decision-making. Additionally, our focus on empowering students to take ownership of their learning has played a crucial role in shaping the positive change we continue to experience.





3. How has ESEA funding supported the school's success?
Through ESEA funding, we've strategically organized our staff to provide comprehensive support tailored to meet the diverse needs of all students within our building. Additionally, we've allocated funds to ensure that our teachers receive proper training in essential aspects of their profession. Recognizing the pivotal role of collaboration in student success, our leadership team is dedicated to ensuring that all certified staff undergoes thorough training in PLC @ work. We have expanded this to other trainings that target specific areas of learning for our strategic plans.

To enhance the effectiveness of our leadership, we are utilizing funds to increase their dedicated time for impactful guidance and focus. Taking the necessary time to craft a shared Mission and Vision has provided our entire school with a clear direction. Our students benefit from a daily focus that is not only articulated but also actively modeled and ingrained into the fabric of our school life.
4. What professional development activities were used to improve teaching and learning?
The primary driver of our professional development within the school is our Instructional Coach, who wields a significant impact. Engaging directly with our teachers, she collaborates with them, working side by side to enhance their capacity. Over the years, our teachers have assumed leadership roles within the building, contributing to the growth of our teacher efficacy.

Guided by the insights of our Instructional Leadership team, we have formulated our professional development plans. Leveraging our ESEA funds, we have intensified our training efforts, providing both comprehensive and conference-level training sessions in various areas over the years. Importantly, all our professional development endeavors are meticulously aligned with our building goals, as well as our school's mission and vision. This ensures a direct and purposeful connection between our ongoing development and the overarching objectives of our educational community.
5. Talk about the cultural shift leading up to your school's success.
A profound cultural transformation occurred years ago under the leadership of the former principal, Rhonda McDonough. She introduced a no-excuses mentality, emphasizing that all students could achieve high levels of learning regardless of their circumstances. The staff abandoned the habit of making excuses for their challenges and failures, recognizing that they were the variable influencing outcomes. Every adult in the building took responsibility for the success of Frontier students. Upon my arrival, I leveraged and expanded upon this mindset, employing shared leadership to establish a pathway where learning became the central focus in all our endeavors. The foundation laid by Rhonda's approach allowed us to concentrate exclusively on advancing learning, creating a cumulative effect that continues to build impact.
6. How has community involvement strengthened your success?
Frontier is more than just a school; it's a close-knit family that extends to our broader community. Our parents play a vital role in this community, familiar with our school, teachers, and staff. Many families have been part of our community for an extended period, emphasizing the importance of cultivating strong relationships with parents for the success of our students. When families trust the school, we observe reduced absenteeism, fewer conflicts, and increased participation.

We've witnessed a positive shift in community involvement, with a growing partnership forming with local non-profit organizations dedicated to supporting our school and students. These groups focus on providing assistance to families and children in times of need. Observing the reciprocal impact, it's evident that our school positively influences the community, while the community, in turn, contributes significantly to the well-being of our school and families.
Stats
  • Category 1

    Selected in 2023

  • Grades: pre k - 5
    School Setting: urban
    Town Population: 240,713
    Student Enrollment: 269
    Student Demographics:

    Black/African American: 11.3%
    White/Caucasian: 70.4%
    Hispanic: 7.9%
    Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0.4%
    Asian: 4.6%
    Native American: 0%
    Other: 5.4%

    Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:18
    % Reduced Lunch: 31%
    % ELL Learners: 18%
    Founded: 1980
  • PRINCIPAL:
    Katie Rutan
  • CONTACT:
    11851 W. Musket Dr.
    Boise, ID 83713
    208-850-4190
    rutan.katie@westada.org