Opinion: PCSD25 — The best choice for your child's education

By Courtney Fisher

There comes a moment in every parent’s life when they recognize the true significance of a child’s education. It’s not just about grades or test scores—it’s about finding a place where their child belongs, grows, and thrives. For generations, families in Pocatello and Chubbuck have chosen PCSD 25 for precisely that reason.

Personally, I have experienced this district and its schools from all angles—as a student walking its halls from Kindergarten through graduation, as a daughter visiting my mother’s classroom, as a substitute teacher while attending graduate school, as a mother entrusting my children to its care, as an employee dedicated to its mission, and as a taxpayer invested in its future. Through every lens, one truth remains constant: PCSD 25 is more than a school district. It is a community where students grow, achieve, and belong.

Belonging looks different for every student, but the impact is the same—it shapes confidence, fosters friendships, and creates lasting connections. For me as a student at Pocatello High School, I found belonging on the track, the cheerleading squad, and in the pursuit of academic excellence. My oldest daughter discovered belonging at Highland High School through debate, soccer, and her love of f(x) in calculus. My youngest found her place in the CTE dental assistant program, where hands-on experience prepared her for her future, and in the friendships that supported her along the way. Whether through athletics, academics, career training, or the relationships built in and out of the classroom, every learner in PCSD 25 has the opportunity to find where they belong.

The reality is clear: Idaho families have more educational choices than ever before. Part of the narrative surrounding the advent of educational choice is the misguided premise that public schools are failing Idaho kids. That claim rings flat for me. I know better. I have seen firsthand the impact of dedicated educators, the success of students who rise to every challenge, and the strong outcomes that tell a different story. This is due, in large part, to PCSD25’s combination of academic excellence, extracurricular enrichment, and community connection.

As the fifth-largest district in Idaho, PCSD 25 has been at the heart of our community for nearly 140 years, shaping generations of learners and preparing them for bright futures. With a 92.1% graduation rate—the highest among large districts in the state—our students consistently excel in English, math, and science, proving the strength of our rigorous academic programs. From foundational learning in elementary school to Advanced Placement courses and dual enrollment opportunities that save families thousands in tuition, we equip students with the tools to succeed.

Beyond academics, PCSD 25 offers 25 Career-Technical Education pathways, providing hands-on experience and industry certifications that lead to high-paying careers. The district’s commitment to innovation includes 1:1 technology access, ensuring every student is prepared for a rapidly evolving world. And with upgraded performance fields, modern learning spaces, and a strong emphasis on extracurricular enrichment, students have countless opportunities to explore their passions.

What truly sets PCSD 25 apart is its unwavering commitment to every learner. Its schools are more than buildings; they are the heart of our community—places where learners feel safe, supported, and inspired. PCSD 25 educators, recognized nationally with honors like the Milken Educator Award and the Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science Teaching, foster an environment where every learner—regardless of background, ability, or aspiration—has access to a high-quality education.

Beyond the classroom, PCSD 25 cultivates a culture of belonging, safety, and support. Our partnerships with local law enforcement agencies, including a dedicated and expanding School Resource Officer program, reinforce our commitment to secure and welcoming schools. We believe in fostering relationships that make a difference—where students feel heard, valued, and empowered to thrive. With upgraded performance fields, auditoriums, and modern learning spaces, our schools provide dynamic environments where students can pursue excellence in academics, arts, and athletics.

As a public school district, PCSD 25 remains rooted in the community, committed to transparency, equity, and accessibility. The district delivers high-caliber programs and achievement often associated with private institutions—without financial or geographic barriers. Every family deserves access to outstanding education, and PCSD 25 schools offer tailored learning options that meet the unique needs of every child.

At the heart of it all is a fundamental truth: belonging shapes success. Whether a student finds their place in athletics, academics, career training, or the friendships formed along the way, PCSD 25 fosters an environment where every learner can grow, connect, and thrive. This district has done that for me, for my children, and for thousands of families before and after us.

PCSD 25 is more than a school district; it is a promise. A promise to invest in our children, our future, and our community. Here, every child belongs, and every success story begins. Public education with purpose. Community with heart. Excellence for all.

Courtney Fisher has served as the Director of Communications for the Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25 since 2018. Courtney is a native of Pocatello, graduate of Pocatello High School, and founding member of Kind Community.