Where there’s a need; she’s there to meet it. Where there’s prayer needed, she’s there to pray. Where there’s a family in crisis, she’s there with resources.
This is Charli Turner. She has a heart as deep and as wide and vast as the ocean and it shows in all aspects of her life.
In 2023, after much prayer and many months of blood, sweat and tears, her dream became a reality and Foundations School was born.
Foundations School is her heart. It is her passion to know kids who feel unknown, see kids who feel unseen, meet them where they are and help them to feel known and seen again.
Foundations School is a non-profit, Bible based, and trade focused K-12 school located in Naples, Idaho.
The mission of Foundations School is to identify and impart truth, build character and inspire service. Their vision is to equip students with the tools needed to be leaders in learning, eager to go into the world, resisting evil and serving others.
There is often a struggle in the mainstream thought when a school says they are ‘Bible based.’ What does that mean?
“Being Bible based means…we are not affiliated with any organization, doctrine or theology. We teach the Bible and the love of Christ.” says Foundations School principal, Julie Montgomery.
To be trade-focused means to explore and discover the many ways students can pursue their individual passions and talents to pursue both a living and provide a service to their neighbors and their community.
“Our community has been outstanding at inviting our students to see and participate in their passions and businesses. We take our students each week into different businesses in our area and expose them to different trades such as electrical, HVAC, farming, plumbing, carpentry, mechanics and so many more. We then reinforce what they have learned for that week by incorporating what they experienced in classroom lessons. There will forever be a need for skilled trade positions in this county and nation. This way of thinking and education gives these young people an avenue to support themselves and their families for a lifetime.”
Foundations School currently has six full time employees and two part time. In the fall of 2023, they started with 35 students, today they have 52. An additional 25 are expected to enroll next year, and more slots are available.
“My kids are happy there!” one mom said. “They are happier than they’ve been in years. It is worth every penny to see the smile on my son’s faces every day!”
But with the uptake of enrollment, the need for supplies is great, and Foundations would appreciate the community’s help in easing the growing pains. If you have copy paper, dry erase markers, play dough, finger paint, craft paper or other school or office supplies you can spare, Foundations School would be grateful.
In addition, they’d appreciate small appliances in need of repair and any spare, functional tools you can part with that students can use to take those appliances apart, learn how they work and how to troubleshoot and fix them.
Additionally, there are students who are looking for sponsorships. There are many students who just cannot afford the monthly tuition and the resources they have are slim. If you are interested in helping in this way, please stop by the school at 138 Latigo Lane in Naples or call the office at (208)267-3139.
“We are raising expectations in a culture that has been lowering the bar for too long. I am personally humbled and grateful for the way God has opened doors to allow us this opportunity to open Foundations School.” Charli says.
If you would like to schedule a tour of the campus, would like more information or want to help in any way please give us a call at (208)267-3139 or (208)610-6507.
Amazon.com – High School wish list
Amazon.com – Elementary wish list
Amazon.com – Kindergarten wish list