“Everybody is like me here.” That’s what one student said when asked why he liked going to Foothills. Indeed, while the academics are exceptional, as is the staff, it’s that relatability that is a draw for families, and which sits at the very core of the school’s success. We all do better in environments that we can relate to, and which in turn can relate to us. For the students that attend, Foothills is precisely that environment. If you have a chance, by all means, speak to a parent of a student, and remember to bring some tissues. The school rightly prides itself in making a difference in the lives of the children that attend, and they have, and they do, often in very moving ways. The students arrive having struggled in other settings, often lagging behind their peers in significant ways. That changes, often from the first day. It’s telling that at least one of the teachers—there may be more—is a graduate of the school. Not only has she achieved things that, perhaps, she at one point she may not have expected of herself, she also translates that experience to the students that she teaches today. In her, and in the school as a whole, students are encouraged to see the possibility within themselves. And, oftentimes, that makes all the difference.
We questioned the school adminstration
1. Who are you, as a school?
"Foothills Academy is an independent school for students with diagnosed Learning Disabilities in grades 3 - 12. Small class sizes allow the experienced staff to create a positive learning environment that builds on the strengths and unique learning styles of each student while supporting their social and emotional needs. A wide variety of extra-curricular activities, sports and clubs are offered. With a graduation rate of close to 100%, our students successfully go on to post-secondary education and the workplace."
A leader in teaching students with Learning Disabilities since 1979
Teachers with specialized knowledge of teaching students with Learning Disabilities
Use current, evidence-based programs and interventions to maximize student potential
We help students Find Understanding, Build Confidence, Maximize Potential
Personalized accommodations and supports
Extensive use of Assistive Technology to support student learning
Social-emotional development of students is a priority
A wide variety of extracurricular activities available
Small class sizes with Educational Assistants in every classroom
2. What do you do differently and uniquely well?
"Three core values that underpin the school program are based on Self-Determination Theory and are expressed as: Find Understanding. Build Confidence. Maximize Potential. Staff...(more)
"Three core values that underpin the school program are based on Self-Determination Theory and are expressed as: Find Understanding. Build Confidence. Maximize Potential. Staff build strong relationships with students to really understand each individual's strengths and interests. Students feel a sense of competence which develops their confidence and self-belief. Students feel connected to their learning and have a voice that allows them the freedom to thrive and maximize their potential."
3. What tradeoffs has your school made to serve families in this way?
Information not yet available.
4. What key junctures in your school's history have most shaped its present?
Information not yet available.
5. What type of student is a good fit for your school?
Information not yet available.
6. Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing your school?
Information not yet available.
7. To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?
"Foothills Academy focuses exclusively on students with Learning Disabilities (and associated disorders such as ADHD). The warm, welcoming environment and caring staff make...(more)
"Foothills Academy focuses exclusively on students with Learning Disabilities (and associated disorders such as ADHD). The warm, welcoming environment and caring staff make students and families feel safe and supported for their individual strengths and challenges. Our 100% graduation rate and a high percentage of students that pursue post-secondary education are evidence of our success. A robust bursary program ensures no students are turned away due to financial circumstances."
8. How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?
Information not yet available.
9. What aspect of your school is underappreciated?
"We are a smaller, specialized school but we provide a rich, whole-school experience. There are many opportunities for students to participate in areas of interest through clubs...(more)
"We are a smaller, specialized school but we provide a rich, whole-school experience. There are many opportunities for students to participate in areas of interest through clubs and extracurricular activities. Many activities are determined by the student interests providing opportunities for students to engage in an area of strength or interest and share that interest with other students. For students who struggle academically, this opportunity to identify and develop areas of strength is vital."
10. What might families find surprising about your school?
"When a child attends Foothills Academy, they immediately become part of a large family. All staff - whether they directly teach a student or not - get to know them and are...(more)
"When a child attends Foothills Academy, they immediately become part of a large family. All staff - whether they directly teach a student or not - get to know them and are invested in their success and well-being. There is no way to slip through the cracks. The staff are continually engaged in professional development to stay on top of evidence-based best practices."
11. What improvements or changes has your school made recently?
Information not yet available.
12. How will your school change in the next 5 years?
Gr. 9 (current) — Going to Foothills Academy was sort of fair for me especially having everyone being levelled out by Covid 19, we were all sort of new to the new world order so I kind of liked that. I grew up thinking that grades and marks meant everything in life and that your whole future and societal value depended on those insignificant numbers. It took me years to finally realize that but then it is kind of too late. If only i had known this before arriving at Foothills, I would have probably enjoyed it more. If it were up to me, I’d lower the tuition to increase the enrollment. Small class sizes are good… within reason. Seven students in a class is ok but it will be hard to separate students by ability levels. If it were possible to halve the tuition and double the enrollment, I would do that. Then I could have two classes of 20–25 students per grade. Not only would that allow for ability-grouped classes, but it would also allow the students more chances to socialize and allow for more and larger teams and clubs.
I will admit that the first few months that our son attended Foothills, he was not that happy. He was upset about leaving his old school and friends. However, the community at the school was so positive that he grew to love it within months. He appreciates the welcoming community but I would say what he loves the most is the ability to feel successful. This is in academics and socially. He enjoys the hands-on learning and also knowing when assessments will come so he can work with his teachers to be set up for success.
I know he also likes the use of assistive technology and technology in general.
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