Star’s New $20M Independence Elementary Is Open

West Ada's Independence Elementary in Star opened August 12. 60,000 square feet, 700 students, $20 million in state HB 521 funds. No local bond.

Star’s kids have a new elementary school of their own. Independence Elementary opened August 12 at 2211 N. Pollard Lane, across from Star Middle School. The 60,000-square-foot campus can hold 700 students.

West Ada expects about 550 on day one under the district’s updated boundaries. It is the district’s 60th school, built to take pressure off overcrowded Star Elementary. The price tag is $20 million.

It came from Idaho House Bill 521 facilities money, not a local bond. West Ada received more than $150 million from that 2024 bill. Groundbreaking was last summer.

The building is U-shaped, with a shorter wing that can be extended if enrollment grows. District leaders have already talked about a future high school or career-tech building on the same site as a “Star campus.” The name Independence beat Beacon Light after two community surveys. Trustees voted it in on America’s 250th year.

Interior colors are light yellow, green, and blue on purpose: West Ada calls the approach biophilic, more windows and nature-toned rooms so students can focus. Restrooms open to the playground. A separate entrance from Star Middle is meant to cut drop-off congestion.

The mascot is an Osprey.