Borah Senior High School

Borah Senior High School is a large, comprehensive public high school in Boise, Idaho, serving 1,308 students in grades 9–12 as part of the Boise Independent District. Historically a solid neighborhood school, Borah's state ranking has slipped notably — from 49th of 110 Idaho high schools in 2021–2022 to 90th of 122 in 2025–2026 — placing it among the lower-performing comprehensive high schools in the district.

Academic proficiency at Borah trails both the district and state in every subject. On recent end-of-course exams, 27.9% of students were proficient in math (district 32.4%, state 33.1%), and 44.9% were proficient in ELA versus 61.3% statewide — a roughly 16-point gap. Science is an emerging concern, with just 25.1% proficient in 2024–2025 compared to 43.1% statewide. On a positive note, Borah has historically posted strong graduation rates — 89.5% in 2022–2023 versus 81.0% statewide — showing students are completing school even as test scores lag. Chronic absenteeism has improved from 31.0% to 25.0% but remains nearly double the state rate of 13.8%. The share of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch jumped from 25.2% to 38.0% in two years, the highest among Boise's main comprehensive high schools.

Nearby comparisons highlight the challenges. Timberline High School, about 4.4 miles away, ranks 40th statewide and far outpaces Borah in math (45.0% vs. 27.9%), science (50.1% vs. 38.7%), and ELA (60.1% vs. 44.9%), with a poverty rate below half of Borah's. Boise Senior High School also leads in math and ELA, though Borah edges it in science. The closest peer is Capital Senior High School, ranked 91st with similar poverty levels; Borah posts stronger math and ELA results but lags in science. Spending per student is comparable across these schools, suggesting demographics and absenteeism — not funding — drive the gaps. For parents, Borah is a school with strong graduation outcomes but urgent work ahead to reverse declining proficiency, especially in math and science.