Foothills Academy

My son has had a great year 7th grade year at FACP. We came from a public school down the street where he had 36 kids in class, and it was awful. Here he has 17 kids, and is participating much more and has learned a ton this year. ( Many of the low reviews sound like sour grapes from students who couldn't cut it there.) Fine by me. Keep the classes small and the academics challenging.
—Submitted by a parent

I attended foothills as a freshman and left. The student body as a whole is very stuck up. Many kids manage too show off their money even though they are required to wear uniforms. There is little extra curriculur activities and if you are interested in participating in sports I would not recommend attending this school. The education you receive is good though but despite the small size of the school the teachers generally do not care about the students which i find very odd. The best decision I have made so far is leaving foothills. There are a few good people which I still keep in contact with but the majority of the student body are spoiled and have stuck up and negative attitudes. I may seem negative right now but I'm just saying the truth about my experience at foothills.

Foothills Academy has been a good school for both my children. I have a child at each of the schools. My children have done well stepping up to the acadademic challenge. The teachers are vested in the children and their success. The principles at both schools offer solutions to challenges and are willing work with the families to promote a safe learning environment.
—Submitted by a parent

I want to commend the staff and faculty at Foothills Academy. My son has had a great experience, and is looking forward to starting a new school year next week! The small environment and personal attention suit him very well, and I couldn't be happier. Great school all around!
—Submitted by a parent

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.

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

I have kids in both Foothills Academy Elementary Prep and College Prep. A friend recommended the schools and I was not disappointed. My kids are good students who are rarely a discipline problem. The school is perfect for families who are supportive and who truly care about their children's education. I sense that those who complain the most are the ones who don't really belong there. The admininstration is very alert to behavior issues, meanness, and disruptive behaviors. They are not tolerated. The faculty are all highly qualified (check the website). I couldn't be happier.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a student at Foothills Academy High School. I have had a miserable year. There have been many problems with the lack of discipline some of the teachers seem to have. My parents emailed the principal of the school, but the only thing said was "We don't pay the teachers enough to tell them how to run their classroom." The biology teacher is an extremist who throws his bias into everything. The Algebra teacher can't teach. I have tutored the majority of my class thanks to her unwillingness to help us out. The administration is unorganized and is incapable of being professional. The Spanish teachers can't teach- I have had 3 years of Spanish and I can barely get past "Hola, como estas?" They also are unwillingly/cannot discipline the students. The school is poor, there is a huge lack of activities, and the sports lack any excitement. I deserve better, and so do all of you. This school has not prepared me for college. There has been a huge cheating problem this year, and most teachers were either unaware or care enough to stop it. I would say to stay away from this school. The teachers are terrible, the administration is unprofessional, and the school is limited.

I am the parent of three students at FAEP. I must say that my children are extremely happy and love this school community. I believe the principal does an extraordinary job of leading the school and he truly cares about each student. The teachers are very accomplished and do an excellent job. Bad behavior is not tolerated or overlooked. If you have high expectations for your kid's future...this might be the perfect fit for your family. My ten year old daughter often tells me... " at FAEP you are being prepared for Harvard!!!"
—Submitted by a parent

If you are looking for a recommendation to the elementary school please do your homework and understand the dynamics of how the school is run. I personally have witnessed and been attacked verbally by the principal, he has hung up on me after bringing to his attention my child's 3rd grade teacher made a very inappropriate comment in front of the entire class regarding a very confidential medical issue. The director who is also the principal at the high school claimed to have gotten involved and gave very specific examples of a class observation however my son stated the principal observed his class and told me of the exact examples given by the director. My child is gifted FAEP tested him and nothing was done to challenge or see him reach his potential. Things are taken very personal if any action by the school is questioned. I was directly told by my child's teacher that my assistance was no longer needed in the classroom but received several request from the room parent stating a need for volunteers. We will complete this academic year however will not return. This school will not prep your child for what is expected of them at the college preparatory campus. -3rd grade parent
—Submitted by a parent

Something to understand about FA - it does not cater to regular students. This is a college prep school, and teachers will not spoon information into students' minds like in a regular high school. Students must be willing to work hard and be willing to learn at this school and if they are, it's a perfect match. I'm a 2010 graduate and I loved Foothills. I felt appreciated and accepted by the faculty and my teachers were absolutely amazing. As a current college student, I am glad that I had the experiences I had at FA I learned that in the real world professors do not often teach lessons and that if I don t teach myself, I ll fail. The only difference between college and FA is that I could always go to the teachers for help after class. If students are complaining about this school it is probably because they are being disciplined when they thought they could get away with their poor behavior. There is nothing wrong with FA - in fact, it was probably my greatest decision to go there. I'm proud to be an alumnus and I'm so glad that I had the opportunity to walk through those gates. that I did. I miss it often - it's not every day you find a school that is such a loving family.

I am currently in my last of seven years at Foothills. Do not believe the other reviews, the majority of the senior class has been here for years and is a warm and welcoming group. I remember my middle school years here being somewhat difficult; however, I believe that middle school will be difficult no matter where you go. It is a time of transition and great personal growth. Meanwhile, my high school experience has been nothing short of amazing, especially in the math and science departments. The students in my class are planning a variety of careers, from engineering to English teaching; their futures were not chosen for them, and in fact I think Foothills has broadened their horizons by exposing them to different, challenging subjects and by allowing them to choose their electives during high school. I myself entered sixth grade terrified of math and science and am now planning to attend a Southern Ivy next year with a double major in engineering and premedicine. Great school, for those who are willing to take advantage of the opportunities offered. You will find a great deal of loyalty among the upperclassmen.

This is my last year at Foothills Academy. I have attended this school since 6th grade and there has never been a dull moment. From field days to awesome field trips, science labs to talent shows, this school always has something fun to offer. I can honestly say I'm glad I grew up here. I have made so many amazing memories with friends that will last a lifetime. It will be sad to leave Foothills Academy after so many years but I know that I am well prepared. Not only do the teachers expertly teach their subjects, but I have noticed they really do care. Most of the teachers offer their free time to tutor and many students consider teachers friends. Foothills has wacky but halarious science teachers, big hearted math teachers and the sweetest english teachers I have ever met. I will miss my friends, teachers, and even the administration. They have given me so much love over the years and do the same for all Foothills Academy students. Thank you Foothills for making my experience in Middle School and High School the best it could possible be. Next year I am attending the Air Force Academy, fully confident in the way Foothills has prepared me. Thank you and I'll miss you!