Cherry Gulch is a ranch style therapeutic boarding school designed specifically for 10 to 14 year old boys. Some of our boys turn 15 while with us.
We are located on over 200 acres of beautiful land outside of Boise Idaho.
Our services are appropriate for boys with various difficulties including oppositional-defiance, ADHD, learning differences, low self-esteem, poor motivation, anger, family conflict, adoption, anxiety, depression and other behavioral and emotional problems.
Every experience is educational and therapeutic in a fun purposeful environment.
We strive to offer the most effective therapeutic strategies into daily life.
We offer at 10-15 hours of scheduled therapeutic services a week but much more therapy takes place as life unfolds as therapeutic moments arise.
Our goal is to provide early intervention and prevention to help these boys reach their full potential and to become well-rounded pro-social young men.
We are dedicated to providing outstanding academic and therapeutic services to students and their families in the context of a safe, supportive environment.
Quick Stats (2025)
- School Type: Alternative School
- Grades: 6-9
- Enrollment: 40 students
- Yearly Tuition: $10,400
- Average class size: 4 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
School Overview
School Type
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 6-9
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Dsylexia, Dysgraphia, NVLD
Year Founded
2010
Summer School Offered
Yes
School Calendar
First Day of School
Fri. Aug 15, 2025
Last Day of School
Mon. May 25, 2026
Campus Size
220
School Motto
Building Brighter Tomorrows for the Boys of Today
Student Body
Total Students
40 students
Student Body Type
% Students of Color
14%
State avg.: 15%
Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
7 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
6:1
National avg.:
Average Class Size
4 students
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$10,400
Tuition Notes
All inclusive for room and board, school, psychiatry, individual and family therapy, OT, Rec therapy, Equine assisted pyscho therapy
Admissions Director
Krista Zimmerman
Application URL
School Notes
- Menu of Services:
- Yale's RULER approach for emotional literacy
- Harvards Digital Literacy Program
- The Hero's Journey
- Executive Functioning for Teens
- Self Regulation with Electronins
- Neuro-Feedback/BioFeedback
- Brain Health and Choosing the Right Food
- Drug Abuse Prevention and Intervention
- Michelle Garcia Winner's Social Thinking
- Greenleaf Institute's Servant Leadership
- Sean Covey's The Seven habits of Highly Effective Teens
- Arbinger Institutes The Anatomy of Peace and Core in Families
- Anasazi's The Seven Paths
- Carol Dwek's Mindset
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Brent Z., Former Student, graduated in 2018 -
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Cherry Gulch cost?
Cherry Gulch's tuition is approximately $10,400 for private students.
What schools are Cherry Gulch often compared to?
Cherry Gulch is often viewed alongside schools like Project Patch School by visitors of our site.
Who are famous alumni from Cherry Gulch?
Cherry Gulch famous alumni include: Brent Z., Former Student, graduated in 2018.
When is the application deadline for Cherry Gulch?
The application deadline for Cherry Gulch is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
School Reviews
5 4/18/2025
Our family is incredibly grateful for the services this school offered while we were in a desperate season struggling as a family! Thank you so much!!!
5 4/11/2025
Since attending Cherry Gulch, my son has grown into someone who knows who they are and their place in our family. They've learned to express their opinions respectfully and handle disagreements with integrity. Once full of anger, they now show kindness and care for others like never before.
5 2/15/2025
Cherry Gulch offers a transformative program for boys facing behavioral and academic challenges. The staff is dedicated and compassionate, providing a nurturing environment where students can thrive academically and personally. The combination of education, therapy, and life skills training sets this school apart. Highly recommended for families seeking a supportive and structured setting for their sons.
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