Foothill Country Day School

FCDS offers everything you hope for in an independent school: small classes, personal attention, effective teachers, top-notch equipment and a lovely physical plant. I am continuously surprised and pleased by the way they seek to develop your child's character as well as her intellect. My child has been very happy at FCDS for two years now and I am eager to see how our other two (very different) children will do when they get there.
--Submitted by a parent

FCDS has the highest level of academics excellence in the Inland Empire. Character, respect, proper manners, and decorum are highly emphasized. There is a huge amount of parental volunteerism (which is also expected). Physical plant is beautiful. The tuition used to be a bargain; however, it seems that they may be trying to align the tuition with excellent schools in Pasadena, West side, or Valley which made the tuition grow at a surprising rate. The negatives of FCDS are that all of the positives are taken to the extremes.
--Submitted by a parent

FCDS is a wonderful educational experience. It has a challenging academic program but most importantly it focuses also on developing a strong moral compass in my children. The facilities and extracurricular activities are also top notch. Parents are very involved and inclusive. Certainly there are some very affluent families in the school but everyone works well together for the interests of our children. I recommend this school without any reservations.
--Submitted by a parent

I have sent 3 children through FCDS. I agree with the other commentators that the school is probably the best in the area, but it has definitely changed over the years -- for the better and worse. FCDS recently modernized its campus by adding a new science building and gymnasium and revamping the library. Computers are abundant. For the negative, FCDS has transitioned away from being a small, 'country day' school to an 'elitist' school. The cost of attendance has risen disproportionally with the cost of inflation - from $5,000/year in mid 1990's to approximately $17,500/year today. The school is currently engaged in a major (costly) expansion project, whereby it will double in size - from about 160 students to well over 300 students. Some parents view the expansion as good, others have expressed grave concerns. Bottom Line: If money is not an object, FCDS is worth a look.
--Submitted by a parent

We put our only child here not knowing what to expect. Well, our childs music instructor, softball coach, and summer camp counselor always comment that she is well behaved and very very smart and compassionate. We are always asked 'What is the name of the school she attends?' because the results are right in front of them. It's tough paying tuition, but the results are priceless... The administration has always made us feel welcomed and we are very greatful! Foothill is the absolute best thing for our child!!!
--Submitted by a parent

Sending our 2 children to FCDS is the best decision that my husband and I have ever made. As the saying goes If you think education is expensive - try ignorance . FCDS has a high regard for academic excellence and good mannered students. FCDS has not only taught our children to be independent and responsible students but rather has taught us parents to raise wise and reliable children of the 21st century. Class 2015/2016
--Submitted by a parent

It is true what other parents are saying about FCDS. It is definitely the only private K-8 in this area with the most high tech classrooms around. The science lab is similar to the one I had at USC. Being a alum from the 1980's, times were a little different. It was when Howell Webb was around, and things felt much warmer and less competetive among the parents and families, as they are now. It is absolutely true that it is now an elitist 'prep'-type school that many families are not able to afford for the entire 9 yrs. My child is in school there and I feel like the old 'magic' is gone. If you care about a good education, and have very deep pockets, this school is definitely for you and your child.
--Submitted by Julia, a parent

This is a small 'family' like school with excellent teachers and staff. All parents are expected to participate in volunteer work, and be involved with their children's educational process. Graduates of this school go on to some of the most elite high schools of choice.
--Submitted by a parent

Simply the Best! Foothill Country Day School (FCDS) has a pristine campus new buildings and a staff that is far ahead of their colleagues in education of K-8 students. It has the most advanced science building, the only K-8 School that has a computer lab where the students put together their own yearbook. The teachers and staff care about only one thing; the student s success in education. My daughter is a sophomore in college now. She picked her school and it is on the most selective of universities. She states that it was the foundation at FCDS that made the difference. She knows how to study, write A level papers, and speak in front of a group of strangers. In all things she is more prepared for life because of a solid foundation received at FCDS. A grateful dad of Whitney Hanlon, class of 2000 Bill Hanlon
--Submitted by Bill Hanlon, a parent

The academic quality of this school is outstanding. Our children absolutely love learning at this school. The school was founded by Howell Webb with the mission of providing an old fashion education. The school is becoming more of a high end prep school. Tution increases average 15% each year. The school seems to be pursuing the prestige market. Our family could no longer afford this school if our children weren't near graduation. Nevertheless, it has hung on to its family virtues. There is still a magical environment that comes from hand picking extremely dedicated teachers and families.
--Submitted by a parent