Foothills Elementary School

This school is okay, and that parent who said there is zero security, a whole lot a other schools in the PUSD have no security, Marshall Ranch Elementary (near ironwood) is worst, a bridge goes from on side of the canal into the school. Anyway, Cactus High is right next to the school, and the only place I see the high schoolers go on campus is either home, picking up a sibling, or talking to one of their 7/8 grade friends. The offic, principal, and school organization is pretty bad though, and this school is cheap. My sons school in LA Unified (one of the poorest in the U.S) could afford more than this school. Something happened to this school, my son said the principal said this school used to have 1100 students. You can send your kids to this school, only thing to worry about is your kids personality, since the kids here are "semi-friendly", and if your kid has a bad personality they will be bullied, which is rare at this school, so is fights, but both have been growing in the junior high areas after this one 8th grade girl came, which I think her parents wrote the review below, and all the kids say she started drama that literally spread as far as 5th grade.
—Submitted by a teacher

This is by far the worst school our child has ever attended. For starters, there is ZERO security, no monitoring of visitors, no staff whatsoever before or after school. There are up to eighth graders mixed in with as young as second graders with no supervision before or after school. ANYONE can walk on campus and pick up your kid. Then there are high schoolers walking all over the campus right after school. We have witnessed older kids bullying little ones, a kid left at the kindergarten playground alone after the bell rang with the gardening staff (no teacher in sight), and much more. We walk our child to the classroom door in the am and walk in to pick her up after school and pray that she is safe in between. We addressed our concerns with the VP, and saw more staff for a few weeks, then things went back to "normal". We also placed a call to the Admin staff with another concern, and never received a call back from the principal as we were promised. We are working on getting our child placed elsewhere. Do not send your kids here.
—Submitted by a parent

awful principal & most teachers are very mean to the kids. My kids went there for 5 years 4 of those years had zero problems then the principal came. its been a while since we left & Im so so glad we did I know people who still go there but will not for long.
—Submitted by a parent

This is an excellent school. Because this is the "performing arts" school in the district, the junior high has the opportunity to be involved in real dance instruction, choreography & performance. The dance teacher is one of those utterly amazing women on this Earth who changes lives. My daughters get dance as a regular class during the day & are graded on such things as their performance etiquette & whether they spot when doing triple pirouettes! But its not just that. The office staff are friendly and knowledgeable, the principal is actively involved and upbeat. They have plenty of ways to get involved and support their community. The 6th - 8th grade teachers are excellent. Creative, ambitious, understanding, thoughtful, and so many of them are like those amazing teachers we have had once in awhile & will always remember! Sad that the great tech teacher left this year and no so impressed with the replacement, hopefully the staff will rub off on him. I feel so very blessed that I found this school and now am looking to move into the neighborhood so we will be in district. -- a very concerned and involved mother of 4 girls.
—Submitted by a parent

I posted the 24th of January review and I am back because so much has changed in the past few months. My husband and i are extremely disappointed in this school. First of all my daughter who was so optimistic and has always loved school is now very unhappy. There are a group of kids who have been bullying her. It does not just end at school but continues on the net..I have found mean messages on facebook from these kids who are going out of their way to make her miserable. I have approached her teacher is doing her best to resolve the situation but they only stop for a few days then carry on again. I have brought it to the attention of the principals who told me they would not tolerate this. However it seems nothing has changed despite the fact that I have gone numerous times to complain as well as email my concern. I now have a daughter who absolutely hates going to school. We have decided to move our children for the new school year.
—Submitted by a parent

I am very displeased with Foothills. The principal is a retired employee who continues to be hired back each year. She acts like she is retired and provides no leadership to the faculty and staff. The 7th and 8th grade team is very weak except for the 8th grade math teacher. They have little concern for student success and treat students like a number in the system. Many of them sit at their computers during class and allow the students "free time" instead of teaching the curriculum. The principal has admitted awareness of the situation but takes no corrective action. Beware of this school!
—Submitted by a parent

Foothills is an excellent school with a great staff and amazing arts integration program. I highly recommend Foothills to anyone looking for a new school for their child.
—Submitted by a parent

My child was in pre-school at foothills in 2007, a kindergartener in 2008 and going into first grade this August. This school is wonderful! Great teachers, office staff, principle, PTO and our librarian is wonderful!!
—Submitted by a parent

I went to Foothills for 8 years, and my kids go there now. (4th grade & twins in preschool). I loved it, and they love it also. The teachers and staff are excellent, and welcome positive parent involvement. It is nice to know that if anything the school has gotten better with time, and my kids have a great school to call home.
—Submitted by a parent

I really liked Foothills the moment I was able to go on campus with my daughter, sign in as a visitor, and head over to the classroom unannounced. From beginning to end we were welcomed with kindness and smiles. The Kindergarten teacher that was present that day just happens to be the teacher my daughter was assigned to, and she is outstanding on paper but this education, and experience shines through the children's happiness. My daughter is always excited to go to school and when the day ends she talks about her day with Mrs. Stefan non-stop. I've worked with both my kids learning ABC', numbers, writing and spelling at an early age; however, the interaction and different learning centers in the class really gets the kids to retain what is being taught. The teachers have personal emails and will allow parents in as often as possible to help!
—Submitted by Christina Beckley, a parent

We have been at Foothills for 13 years now and still love it!
—Submitted by a parent

Both of my children have attended Foothills for the seventh and eight grade. We chose Foothills because of the Fine Arts Institute, but also because of the academics. My children have excelled in their academic classes and been allowed to participate in visual arts and dance. The teachers and administrators have always been helpful and accessible if I had a concern. My children have had a wonderful experience at Foothills and are glad they had the opportunity to attend.
—Submitted by a parent

I have heard many good things regarding the Arts Program available at Footshills Elemantary School. I am very interested in finding out more info on the school and what it has to offer.
—Submitted by a parent

I am pleased with Foothills Elementary. The academic programs are wonderful whether your child is excelling or not. I have 3 children at different grade levels. Parent involvement is greatly appreciated and welcomed at Foothills.Now that my children are getting older they have taken advantage of Foothills' Band Program and their Strings class as well.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has the best K-3 grade teachers. They are patient, caring and very dedicated to their profession. I have had 2 children through this school and now have moved to another peoria district, but had nothing but positive experience with both staff and administration. This school also has excelled in the arts program and should be commended for trying to enhance the curriculm.
—Submitted by L Pesch, a parent

The principal, teachers and office staff do not communicate well. I have received several calls asking why my son was not in school when he was suspended from school. I received a call from the office on another occasion informing me that my daughter was not in school. The office staff and the teacher had failed to follow procedure when a child is tardy. Rather that have her wait for a pass, the office told her to go to class and the teacher did not call to ask why she did not have a pass. Her presence was not reported to the attendance clerk. They caused unnecessary panic by not following their own rules.