The regions Foothills Academy offers busing from are:
Additional notes: Busing is provided for students living within the city of Calgary and from Cochrane. Busing fees are included in tuition fees
How we see Foothills Academy
How Foothills Academy sees itself
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"Since 1979, Foothills Academy has been the only school in Calgary devoted specifically to teaching students with Learning Disabilities
School size is 300 students for grades 3 - 12 with small classes and extensive supports
100% of parents agree that teachers care about their children
Virtually a 100% graduation rate with alumni successfully engaging in all walks of life; in the workplace, college & university
Approximately 40% of students receive some amount of bursary assistance"
aerial view
Student using assistive technology smart pen
How people from the school’s community see Foothills Academy
Top-down influence on the school’s direction and tone
Simon Williams, Executive Director
MS Ed
Founded in 1979, Foothills Academy has grown into a leading day school program (grades 3 - 12) for individuals with Learning Disabilities with average to above-average cognitive ability. Despite having faced challenges with learning in the past, we have high expectations of all students. What sets us apart is our focus is upon the whole child. While students strive to reach their academic potential and progress to University, College or the workplace, we ensure their social, emotional, and organizational skills are met too. We provide students with a safe and caring environment and the individualized teaching and supports they need to feel secure and confident to learn and achieve success in Alberta’s demanding curriculum. To round out their education, the demanding academic schedule is complemented by a wide variety of option classes and sporting activities. Every individual at Foothills Academy has great potential, and it is our role to realize this in every student and help them to discover the strengths that lie within them. At Foothills Academy, families will find a supportive, close-knit community working together to ensure everyone’s success.
To further support the whole child, Foothills Academy Society also operates Estelle Siebens Community Services within our centre. Year-round programs and services are available to both the school families and the wider community. They are a crucial resource for families affected by LD/ADHD in Calgary and beyond. These programs and services include Camp Amicus, Amicus Recreation, social skills programs parent and teacher workshops, psychological assessments, counselling, tutoring and research. Foothills Academy Society is a school and so much more!
Most big schools provide your extroverted child with plenty of social opportunities and the ability to interact with different peer groups with a wide range of personalities, interests, values, etc. A larger student population and more extracurriculars—including activities like team sports, arts programs, and debate—will give them a broader scope of opportunities to participate in events that scratch their interpersonal itch. “This may also give them the opportunity to hone certain skills,” say Ann and Karen Wolff of Wolff Educational Services. “For instance, they might run for student council to develop leadership and public speaking skills and learn to be a voice for other students.”
Make sure any prospective school, no matter what size, provides the right social environment to help your child feel at home, make friends, and develop confidence. This is especially important at big schools, which are sometimes more socially overwhelming and challenging for an introvert to find their bearings in. Of course, “Because larger schools usually have a more diverse student population, introverted kids are more likely to find a small group of people like them, a peer group they can relate to and find acceptance from,” says Dona Matthews, Toronto-based education consultant and co-author (with Joanne Foster) of Beyond Intelligence.
Bigger schools often have a broader scope of extracurricular activities, which is another way to help your child meet the right group of friends. “This may also give them the opportunity to develop certain skills,” say Ann and Karen Wolff of Wolff Educational Services. “For instance, they might run for student council to develop leadership and public speaking skills and learn to be a voice for other students. Remember, though, each child is different—so what works for one may not work for another.”
THE OUR KIDS REPORT: Foothills Academy
Next steps to continue your research:
Continue researching Foothills Academy with OurKids.net, or visit school website.