This is THE BEST school and community. Our daughter has attended for 5 years and will continue until 9th grade (the last year offered). It’s a supportive, inclusive environment that nurtures kids who LOVE learning.

Academically, they’re flying through incredible books (The Giver in 5th/6th grade, read in two weeks), doing units on chemistry and physics before 6th grade, and doing complex math that they truly understand. Imagine my surprise when we were flying in bad turbulence and my 11 year old turned to me and said, “We’re completely safe… it’s physics!”

Socially, the kids are confident, independent, and encouraged to share their ideas and curiosities. They form deep friendships with their peers and there aren’t the typical cliques seen in many other schools. There is extra (exceptional) support for kids who need it.

We can’t say enough about what a caring, warm community this is. Our family is forever grateful!

I’ve been working in schools for over 30 years and we’ve been incredibly impressed with the 5/6 and junior high program at Foothills. The hands-on, inquiry-based curriculum shines here, engaging students deeply and nurturing critical thinking, creativity, and real-world application. The integration of arts and sciences stands out, as students learn to approach problems from diverse perspectives. 

The passionate, knowledgeable teachers foster curiosity and encourage intellectual risks. Class sizes allow for strong mentorship and personalized learning, aring our child well for high school. Foothills emphasizes community, responsibility, and character, ensuring students graduate with both a solid academic foundation and social-emotional skills. This program’s transformative impact makes Foothills an outstanding choice for families seeking more than traditional schools.

We have two students at Foothills School. Both started when they were 3yo in the Early Learners program. We initially planned to only attend for Preschool, but quickly realized that our children were thriving in this setting (even though the public school they would attend was considered the best in the state.) Both of my children were accepted in the full-time public GATE program in Boise. 

We chose Foothills based on the individual learning plans, social and emotional learning, true project based learning, and amazing community feel. There were a few years when my oldest became frustrated with learning and refused to participate unless it was a subject in which he was particularly interested. The teachers are incredible with their willingness to meet him where he is and let him lead his own path. He is now in the eighth grade and his love of learning can be described as having a growth mindset. Both boys are self-starters and seek knowledge on their own. We sure love this community.