By Branden Durst
Thomas Edison once said, “There’s a way to do it better—find it.” At Brabeion, we think we may have found it—a holistic, family-driven model that transforms education. By embracing our unique approach, we can build a stronger foundation for the next generation, turning potential into triumph.
At Brabeion Academy, we understand concerns that innovation might disrupt what’s comfortable or introduce unfamiliar competition. Yet, history shows progress often stems from embracing change, looking beyond the familiar to what could be better.
We’re not about replacing tradition; we’re about building on it to create something extraordinary. As Idaho’s First Public School of Sport, recently approved by the Idaho Public Charter School Commission, we offer a transformative educational experience that nurtures the whole child—mind, body, and spirit—through a unique blend of athletics, arts, and rigorous academics.
Our Core Philosophy: Parent-First
At the heart of Brabeion Academy is a “parent-first” philosophy, recognizing parents as their child’s primary educators. This model is central to everything we do, as we believe a child’s education is most successful when the family is the cornerstone. We empower families with tools, resources, and opportunities to actively partner in their child’s education, fostering a collaborative environment where parents, students, and teachers work together.
This approach ensures families are integral to the learning journey, supported by our dedicated staff and a curriculum that is tailored to respect the unique bond between parent and child. To ensure individualized attention and promote growth, we maintain small class sizes with at most a 15:1 student-to-adult ratio, allowing for personalized instruction that balances collaboration with a focus on each child’s progress. Every student’s needs are met with care and intention, because we believe that strong family partnerships are the key to a child’s success.
The Core of Our Model: Physical Education and Athletics
Brabeion Academy proudly stands as Idaho’s First Public School of Sport, pioneering a model that fully integrates athletic training with a rigorous academic curriculum. Our philosophy is based on the idea that physical development should be a core pillar of education, not just an elective.
Our program is built on three pillars—ethical foundations, critical thinking, and physical development—treating athletic pursuits with the same academic rigor as other subjects like math and science. Every student participates in an hour of physical education daily, designed to promote lifelong fitness, discipline, and teamwork. The lessons learned in sports, such as resilience and perseverance, are crucial for success in all areas of life, both on the field and beyond.
Unlike other schools, Brabeion Academy weaves academic and athletic excellence into a single, comprehensive program, all as a tuition-free public charter school. This unique approach makes a specialized, high-level sports curriculum accessible to all Idaho students regardless of income or background. Our program includes a full-time Sporting Director, top level competition, and access to state-of-the-art resources. This focus not only promotes health but also instills the values of leadership and teamwork.
A Distinctive Academic Approach
Our academic curriculum is designed to prepare students for real-world success. We are committed to a robust, classical approach that equips students with the knowledge and tools they need to become principled, engaged citizens. We incorporate the Hillsdale 1776 curriculum to provide a classical perspective on American history and civics, fostering a deep appreciation for our nation’s foundations. Additionally, PragerU resources support character education and civic responsibility, helping students grow into thoughtful, well-rounded individuals. This blend of rigorous academics and character development ensures our students are not just scholars but leaders.
Arts and Music for Creative Growth
Research in sport science is uncovering the important link between creativity and athletic giftedness, which is why every student at Brabeion engages in daily art and music class. These programs are foundational, not mere electives, nurturing emotional expression, critical thinking, and innovation. Whether painting, sculpting, or performing music, students develop skills that complement their academic and athletic pursuits, ensuring they grow into confident, expressive thinkers ready to tackle a complex world.
Building on a Legacy of Innovation
Brabeion’s vision draws inspiration from proven successes like the Advanced Opportunities program in Idaho, which I helped create nearly two decades ago. This initiative revolutionized education by offering students funding for dual credits, workforce training, and exams, empowering families with unprecedented choice. Despite initial skepticism, it has become one of the nation’s most successful education programs, with over 37,000 students participating in a single year, benefiting diverse groups and boosting postsecondary success.
In a world that asks for more than just smarts—it asks for grit, resilience, and heart—we’re not just a school. We are a challenge. Brabeion Academy is where strength is built, where discipline is forged, and where guardians are made. The path to greatness isn’t easy, but for those ready to step up, the reward is immeasurable.
Are you ready to be a Guardian? Visit brabeion.org to sign an interest in enrollment form today.
About Branden Durst
Branden Durst, MPA, EdS, is the chairman of Brabeion Academy. He is a former Idaho state representative and Idaho state senator and co-creator of the highly successful Advanced Opportunities program.
