Foothills Academy

I'm a current student at Foothills, and I don't plan on returning next year. I just moved to Arizona at the beginning of the school year, and my parents enrolled my brother and me in Foothills because they'd seen the reviews on this site and believed it would be a great school. Most of the teachers are fine, but the administration really needs a lot of help. The principal is more concerned with the dress code then the curriculum, which I think is ridiculous, and the teachers really can't stand up to her. As I said, most of the teachers are fine, but there are two or three who I'd like to see replaced, but they will undoubtedly return next year because the administration doesn't pay close enough attention to the classes at the school. Overall, I would not recommend this school even thought the other reviews make it seem great. I can assure you, from a student perspective, that it is not what it appears.

Foothills Middle School offers a solid education. The majority of the teachers have 10+ years in the classroom and it shows. Students have to work. There are some behavioral problems, but I think most schools have "some kids" that are disruptive. The school administration does deal with those students. Parents aren't that involved with the school, however, I think this is common during the middle school years and the school does not lack because of a smallish parent organization.
--Submitted by a parent

I currently have two teens at Foothillsl Academy. We're so looking forward to switching schools next year. We simply could not be more disappointed. While there are a handful of good teachers, there are too many who should not be in any classroom anywhere. The principal is more concerned with dress code than with education. Standards for academics and behavior are very low..
--Submitted by a parent

Great motivated and well trained Teachers and small class size. our children love going here. Awesome team sports!
--Submitted by a parent

My children attended Foothills Academy Elementary Prep for two years. They both have 504's. They are well behaved, intelligent and respectful children.This school was in constant violation of the civil rights law that was created to help level the playing field for children with learning disorders/disabilities. When they left, both were far behind academically to the point where I thought I would have to hold them back a year. Teachers do not partner with parents, they pay little to no regard to the 504's, principle does not follow up, or through. They are a public charter school and are to abid by the law. So please spare me the "they do not belong there." They are now attending another charter school and are both working independently and becoming strong students, and doing the same work as all the students in their grade. They have caught up academically in two months. Their new school believes in the value of making every child successful, by honoring the 504's and teachers partnering parents. It takes a village.
--Submitted by a parent

Originally attending public school with great grades I dreamed of attending some 'utopia of education' but I was so disappointed. Most kids leave before their senior year to attend public school. Behavioral issues are rampant and the admin. is too tired to deal with bratty kids who threaten to sue each other. Cheating was common, I agree, and some students have such a lax relationship with their teachers that it just ends up doing them a disservice. WAKE UP FOOTHILLS! You're not doing your students any favors by pushing ill prepared students into higher classes for YOUR sake. I'm sorry that the brightest most mature minds don't live close enough to populate your school OR the most experienced teachers (so they're willing to take anyone with a degree in the field even if they aren't actually good at being an ACTUAL teacher). I am one of the very few students in my senior class still attending college even though at graduation they act like everyone is going to a university on scholarship. It was embarrassing for them that I was a high scoring student and planning on attending a community college. In actuality they should have been embarrassed with the institution they were running.

Teachers are caring and offer time to help. Teachers encourage individuality and promote self confidence. Traditional teaching approach. Small environment great for parents & children. Students are supportive of one another!
--Submitted by a parent

What an incredible school. Hard to adjust to curriculum first year, but with the support from a great teaching staff my kids are both honor students at this all honor class school. They were and are taught great leadership skills, not to mention the incredible acedemic instruction.
--Submitted by a parent

Most pretentious school I have ever seen. The most educational class was PE and "Foothills Daycare" would be a better name.

GREAT small school environment focused on the success of each child. Fewer kids in each class means more time for individual help. The kids know each other and take pride in their school.
--Submitted by a parent