Foothills School Of Arts & Sciences in Boise

Posted: August 14, 2025

My daughter has been at Foothills since pre-K and is now entering 5th grade. Over these six years, I've watched this incredible school build in my kiddo a genuine love of learning that spans every subject. My favorite memoryone that encapsulates the Foothills experience happened when she was just 4 years old: She came home excited about "testing hypotheses" by making paper airplanes. When I asked what a hypothesis was, she confidently said, "It's an idea you can test!" I was amazed that a preschooler (or early learner in Foothills parlance) could grasp and explain such a concept so clearly, but this is what Foothills incredible teachers do at all levelsprovide advanced concepts in a fun and approachable way. It is rigor in disguise, for anyone who might have a perception that Foothills is easy when it comes to academics.

Foothills has challenged my daughter to ask deeper questions, explore her own interests, and find joy in discovery. The dyad system of combining two grades has been incredible for her to be both a mentor and mentee, and each time we've grown attached to one teaching team, the next has impressed us just as much with their dedication and expertise.

If you're looking for a school where your child will genuinely love learning rather than just go through the motions, Foothills is perfect. In six years, my daughter has never once complained about going to school. Her enthusiasm speaks volumes about what Foothills has created.

Posted: August 14, 2025

Posted: June 6, 2025

Foothills has by far and away surpassed all of our high expectations. It is a place where our daughter can thrive and grow into the amazing person that she is growing into in the safe and compassionate culture at Foothills.

Posted: June 6, 2025

Posted: December 3, 2024

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!

Posted: December 3, 2024

Posted: May 1, 2023

This school is a magical place! Our child has continued to thrive each year through the schools inquiry based learning curriculum. The progressive education approach has helped him stay curious and challenged academically. Each teacher has taken extra care to understand our son as
a learner and person. He enjoys the variety in the school day, as no day is like the other with well rounded arts and academic programs that keep his creative juices flowing. Another important piece for us is the schools focus on social emotional growth. He has learned so much about collaboration, diversity, acceptance and contributing to the world. He is becoming a passionate critical thinker at the the young age of 11.

Posted: May 1, 2023

Posted: April 18, 2023

My daughter has attended Foothills School of Arts and Science for 10 years. And even before we thought to enroll her there I had met students from this school. There was something amazing about the way these kids held themselves as well as interacted with you. A confidence and security in who they where was very evident. I wanted my daughter to grow up to be one of those people. In the 10 years at this school I have seen why these students act this way. They are allowed to make their own choices and learn in a way that suits their style. Teachers challenge them to be problem solvers and think critically. There is a sense of community at the school that goes beyond the students. The parents, faculty, and staff all are involved in the school in a way that draws you in and makes you want to be a part of this amazing experience. I'm proud to say I see all the attributes I hoped for blossoming in my daughter. And I know I have Foothills School to thank in part for that.

Posted: April 18, 2023

Posted: April 17, 2023

I appreciate the nurturing environment that Foothills provides. It feels cozy like it was built up from a kids perspective of what a good environment is. When my children first moved to town and didnt know anyone else, they got individual attention and people really cared about them.They were in Upper Elementary through Jr. High which is a really awkward time. I feel like the teachers gave them a strong social and emotional foundation to do well academically. Im happy that they were in an environment that had a diversity of experiences. Foothills is a safe space for kids to talk about their identities. There is so much focus on autonomy and creativity. They can be who they are and they have the freedom to express themselves in whatever way they need. I saw examples of this expression socially, artistically, in debate topics, in short stories, through their mentorship projects, and in the way that the student council organizes around things they want to support. There are more ways to be expressive than in a typical school.

Posted: April 17, 2023

Posted: January 24, 2023

This is now my first child's 9th year at the school and my youngest child's 5th. We are often asked why independent school and why Foothills? Where do I start? First, my kids love to learn. They love asking questions and diving deeper into subjects. I think this is a direct consequence of inquiry and project-based learning. Our main goal has always been to create a need for life long learning. Both of my children are gifted in math and the school has accommodated their learning styles to make sure they do not get bored. My youngest isn't the best reader and got individual help to get him over the initial anxiety. The teachers are patient and model kindness. It's my experience that the kids are not bullied, nor do they become bullies because they are listened to and taught how to advocate for themselves. We love the relationships they have with downtown businesses including the Library!, JUMP, BAM, restaurants, Ballet Idaho and many more.

Posted: January 24, 2023

Posted: November 29, 2022

Best independent school in Boise! The 3 and 4 year old program is called Early Learners. They utilize the Regio method. The school believes kids are capable learners! Classes through 9th grade utilize PBL, SEL and focus on an inclusive learning environment where everyone feels welcome. The parent community is incredibly welcoming and active. Highly recommend!

Posted: November 29, 2022

Posted: June 12, 2019

Taylors learning to the student; not the other way around

Posted: June 12, 2019

Posted: May 25, 2016

Boise's only progressive school. If you don't know what that means, look it up and you will be sold. Foothills School skips the vicious circle of teaching to the test and actually educates the whole student.

Posted: November 9, 2015

A child's time at Foothills is spent learning about wonder, language, integrity, music, problem solving, conflict resolution, independence, communication, art, and so much more, couched in projects, events, and real-world situations. These kids become the most well-rounded, confident, and complete versions of themselves possible.

Posted: December 10, 2013

If you want your child to think independently, have strategies to work though real-world problems, be internally motivated and confident and enjoy learning, then this is the school for you. The "early learner" (preschool) program is simply astounding and far surpasses anything else I've seen. The kids are treated with respect as individual learners and work on incredible projects throughout the year, like learning how wheel/axel systems work through experimentation (yes, these are 3-5 year olds). Throughout the learning experience, kids are challenged to find their own individual strengths, to work with others to on real world problems, and not to accept shoddy work from themselves. Moving to this school from the public schools was an adjustment in terms of higher expectations. I've been very impressed by older kids in the school (7-9 grade) in how articulate they are about their ideas. They seem to really enjoy learning and rave about the relationships they have with their teachers. I'm incredibly glad we found this school and highly recommend you check it out. (There is a new head of school in August 2013)

Base	Distance
Gowen Field	3.9 mi.
Mountain Home AFB	42.2 mi.

Foothills School Of Arts & Sciences

Boise, ID 83702

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Foothills School Of Arts & Sciences

Boise, ID 83702

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