Grades K-8 • PYP + MYP
Alturas
North
Alturas North is an IB World School where students grow as curious and compassionate learners. Through the Primary Years and Middle Years Programmes, they investigate real-world concepts, collaborate with peers, and develop the skills needed to think critically and act responsibly in their community.
Resources
Alturas North
Academics
Alturas is an IB-accredited public charter network committed to rigorous, inquiry-based learning. Through multi-age classrooms and small instructional groups, we teach students at their true academic level. This fosters meaningful growth, strong peer relationships, and a learning environment where curiosity, confidence, and critical thinking are continuously cultivated.
INTERNATIONAL
BACCALAUREATE
Alturas offers Southeastern Idaho’s only full IB program pathway, providing academically rich programs that develop internationally aware, reflective learners from elementary through high school.
PRIMARY YEARS
PROGRAMME
The PYP nurtures young learners through concept-driven learning that builds curiosity, foundational skills, and meaningful connections across subjects and real-world ideas.
MIDDLE YEARS
PROGRAMME
The MYP develops creative, critical, and reflective thinkers by helping students explore big ideas, examine global perspectives, and connect their learning to real-world challenges.
Alturas North
Team
ADMINISTRATORS
Michelle Ball
Chief Executive Officer
michelle.ball@alturasacademy.org
As an educator, I deeply understand how important it is to build a strong community for students to learn in an environment that is safe, collaborative, and engaging. I believe all students have unique talents and gifts to share, and it is the sharing of those gifts that enhances their lives as well as the lives of others to create a better and more understanding world. My goal and why as an educator is to have every student embrace that life and learning are full of challenges and it is the struggles that help us grow, find, understand and appreciate each other gifts and contributions.
l have been an educator for over forty years. For twenty-two years, I taught in a multi-aged classroom where students were taught at their instructional levels in small groups. Best practices were continually researched and implemented. This program of incorporating best practices in education is the foundation of Alturas which allows students to receive instruction tailored specifically to their needs and provided them opportunities to reach their academic potential. As an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, our students are inspired to be lifelong learners, critical thinkers, and global citizens.
Through my educational journey I had the privilege of receiving a Fulbright to Czech Republic to explore Eastern Europe and develop curriculum for students to explore a global community mindset. I have also published a series of books. “Wake Up Brain”, is a series of 6 books with brain-stretching challenges in math, geography, and language arts. “Brown Bag Science”, is, a series of 16 books supporting grades 1 st through 6 th in exploring science through hands on learning activates.
My family is an immense support in my life. Doug, my husband of over forty years, and I enjoy cross country skiing, hiking, snowshoeing, running, and biking. Our dogs, Ellie and Rosie, love to go on all our sport adventures. We are the proud parents of three children, Conrad, Rebecca, and Patrick who all have master’s degrees. Our family is even more enhanced by their spouses, Melissa, Tim, and Priya. Our four grandchildren Jameson, Gavin, Emma Michelle, and Kira are tremendous joy beyond words in our life.
Julie Schiner
Vice Principal
julie.schiner@alturasacademy.org
Julie Schiner was born and raised in northwest Iowa. She moved to Idaho Falls in August 2021. She lives with her husband, Brit, daughter, Elsie, and their two dogs, Cherry and Belle. In her free time she enjoys being outdoors running, biking, hiking, and rafting. Before moving she was a coach for Girls on the Run and enjoyed hosting and participating in local fun runs.
Julie graduated from Buena Vista University in 2005 with a degree in Physical Education and coaching. She added her early childhood PK-K endorsement in 2013. She has been an early childhood director and preschool teacher at the Spencer YMCA for over 13 years.
Julie’s goal as an educator is to create a space where children feel secure to explore their own curiosity, imagination, and creativity. She strives to build a classroom community that embraces personal strengths while also celebrating individual differences. She is excited to be a part of the Alturas Academy North team and she is looking forward to meeting and connecting with the students and families as well as the surrounding community.
Sarah Browning
Director of Special Education
sarah.browning@alturasacademy.org
Sarah Browning is the Special Education Director at Alturas Academy, bringing 19 years of experience supporting students across K–12. A Shelley, Idaho native, she studied Exceptional Child Education at Idaho State University. She also spent over 15 years volunteering with the Girl Scouts of Silver Sage, shaping her practical, community-focused approach to helping kids and families. She and her husband, Jerod, are proud parents of two college-aged daughters pursuing big dreams. Off the clock, she’s reading, listening to indie music, grabbing tacos, catching a movie, or heading outdoors to camp, fish, or watch baseball.
Jennifer Bishop
Administrator
jennifer.bishop@alturasacademy.org
Jennifer Bishop serves as an Administrator at Alturas Academy North. She brings years of experience in education and has been with Alturas since it opened. Before teaching, she mentored under Michelle Ball, developing a strong foundation in student-centered instruction. Her professional interests include creating engaging learning environments and supporting teachers in their professional growth. She is passionate about helping students discover that they can achieve greatness through hard work and perseverance. Mrs. Bishop holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a Charter Administrator endorsement. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and soaking up the sun.
TEACHERS
STAFF
Show Some School Spirit
Show your Alturas pride with school spirit apparel and accessories. From shirts and hoodies to hats, water bottles, and more—our online store has everything you need to support your student and our community.