Justin Snyder

Justin's Story

An Idaho native with 2 decades' experience studying the French language and francophone cultures, Justin's dream has always been to share his love of learning. Starting in 2014, Justin had the opportunity to work in a French-language early childhood program in Portland, Oregon, as administrative director and educator. This experience opened his eyes to the magic of early childhood education and in no small part helped motivate his desire to found Idaho's first and only full-time French-immersion early childhood education program.

Since 2020, Justin has been grateful and excited to bring the vision of Le Soleil French School for Children to life every day with a talented and diverse group of teachers from all around the French-speaking world, each bringing unique energy, experiences, and invaluable input to the program. His work to further the program's goals include co-founding Suntree Language Academy and Escuela El Sol, joining the board of the Idaho Association for the Education of Young Children, and earning a Master's in Early Childhood and Special Education from Boise State University. His latest project, Río Boise Children's Academy, focuses on supporting a diverse range of students, including a partnership with the family support program at Interfaith Sanctuary to provide high-quality early education and care to those most in need.

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Justin works closely with local refugee resettlement agencies and the community to provide jobs with good pay, great benefits, and most importantly respect and dignity to New Americans. This not only helps our local refugee community have a place of belonging, but it also provides an opportunity for children to be surrounded by what may be the most diverse educational program in the state of Idaho, learning from experience the importance of valuing all voices. Additionally, Justin founded a grant-funded professional learning community for refugees who provide in-home childcare services, providing them with training, resources, and high-quality learning materials. This community is a safe space for refugees working with children to learn from one another and plan ways together to improve their practice.

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Before opening the first location of what is now known as Boise Language Schools, Justin was an active member of our community. In 2019, he received Governor Brad Little's Idaho's Brightest Stars Award and the Volunteer of the Year Award for his work as the volunteer lead preschool teacher at the Interfaith Sanctuary homeless shelter in Boise. He received accolades from the American Association of Teachers of French during his undergraduate studies with the Outstanding Senior Award, graduating with Cum Laude honors and being placed on the dean's list with highest honors. Justin now spends his free time volunteering to coach a kindergarten flag football team.

Justin was and remains involved in local and national political advocacy, including volunteering as a campaign manager for a state senate candidate, being elected a delegate to a national political convention, coordinating the efforts of hundreds of volunteers in multiple elections, and frequenting the Idaho Statehouse to speak on matters like early childhood education and supports for families. Education is inherently political, and ensuring our youngest citizens have both strong rights as full individuals and the chance to learn love and acceptance for those who are different than them is a sacred duty.