Because it is our mission to provide an excellent school program in which children are able “To increase in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man;” we have chosen to implement programs that teach children how to lead a happy, healthy life. We teach our students that we increase in stature by making healthy choices that honor our bodies as God’s temple.

The Seventh-day Adventist church has long been associated with a positive health message. We believe we have been called upon to live as positive examples of God’s love and care. Part of that example includes taking care of our health—we believe God calls us to care for our bodies, treating them with the respect a divine creation deserves. Good health is a gift from a loving God who wants us to live life in its abundance. When we benefit from such love, we feel a sense of gratitude and appreciation toward our creator. Because of this, Adventists choose to praise God with joyful living.

Foothills is located just two minutes from the campus of St. Helena Hospital and teaches many of their employees’ children. We are eager to partner with them in teaching the future of our community to live well; “healthy minds, healthy bodies, healthy relationships -- Living for Jesus!”

Exercise & Staying Active

Part of our "educating the whole child" approach means that learning extends to the outdoor classroom as well. Research supports not only the importance of regular exercise on children's health, but also the role it plays in helping kids focus and learn during the school day. Living an active lifestyle fits our focus on ingraining life long habits for health. At Foothills, all students participate in daily exercise and recess opportunities.

Foothills uses the nationally recognized SPARK Physical Education program for getting our students active. SPARK was cited in the U.S. Surgeon General’s Report as a “School based solution to our nation’s health care crisis” and has received high remarks from the U.S. Department of Education. The focus of the program is to grow students physically by getting active as soon as possible each day by engaging in fitness activities and learning skills like dribbling a basketball, or throwing a football. 

At Foothills we believe in recess for all! Research shows that unstructured play time and recess are important components of growing socially and growing physically. Recess advocates include the American Association for the Child's Right to Play, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and many more. Besides the opportunity to get exercise, proponents say, recess offers social and emotional benefits as children dream up ideas and resolve conflicts during play. 

Food to Fuel Learning

 Because it is our mission to provide an excellent school program in which children are able “To increase in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man;” we have chosen to implement a Food to Fuel Learning expectation. While Foothills recognizes each family’s choice on nutrition and lunches, students will be encouraged to eat healthy growing foods and drink plenty of fresh water during the school day.

Healthy meals and snacks support our school’s mission to help students “increase in wisdom and stature” especially when it comes to boosting students’ concentration, focus and cognitive function. A vast body of research shows that improved nutrition leads to increased focus and attention, improved test scores and better classroom behavior. Foothills has aligned its hot lunch program and treat policies to help support these healthy habits in children. Thank you in advance for partnering with us in providing a consistent message about the healthy habit of filling up on nutritious food and drinking plenty of water.

Gardening Program

In hopes of supporting our Food to Fuel Learning expectation, all our students spend time in our garden. It’s goal is to teach children how to raise their own healthy while benefiting our school and school families. Gardening is more than just a hobby; it is a dynamic educational experience that offers students a hands-on approach to learning and personal growth. The benefits of incorporating gardening in education reach into science, nutrition, stewardship, math and emotional development. Gardening provides a living laboratory for students to explore biological ideas. By planting seeds, observing growth, and understanding the science behind life cycles, students develop a solid foundation in biology and ecology. At the same time, patience is developed while waiting for the results of wide-ranging experiments available in this outdoor classroom. While promoting attention to detail and encouraging problem solving, these investigations encourage students to increase their understanding of the amazing world God has designed for them.