Foothills guides our students along their educational journey by making sure that each child is prepared for the next stage in learning. Our multi-grade classrooms allow flexibility in making sure that each child experiences a continued perfect placement. Our middle years programs are perfect for children who have sucessfully developed a positive attitude toward learning and are ready to focus on becoming strong learners who master the building blocks of reading, writing, and math while fostering a positive growth mindset.
Learning focus
In the middle years, school becomes more structured and students have increased ownership in the learning experience and their growth. Social studies and science are taught through hands-on activities. Drama, art, and music are integrated thematically across the curriculum. Students participate in process writing and read a variety of literature. Students transition from “learning to read” to “reading to learn” in these middle grades. Math skills are developed through practical applications, cooperative learning, manipulatives, and games.
Curriculae
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 use only high-quality curriculae that meet or exceed the NAD Education Standards and common core state standards.
- Religion/Bible: SDA Bible Series, Pacific Press
- Mathematics: Go Math, Houghton Mifflin
- Reading/Phonics: Saxon Phonics, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
- Reading/Writing: Pathways, Kendall Hunt Publishers
- Handwriting: Handwriting Without Tears
- Physical Education: Spark Physical Education
- Science: By Design Science, Kendall Hunt Publishers
- Social Studies: Newtworks Social Studies, McGraw-Hill
- Art: ArtsAttack
Hours and daily schedule
The middle grades program runs from 8:15-3:30 Monday-Thursday, and until 12:30 on Friday. Typical schedule: Coming Soon
Field trips
Field trips provide experiential learning that is not ordinarily available in the classroom. Field trips are integrated into the curriculae to support learning objectives. Several field trips include: Luther Burbank Center for the Arts, Lawrence Hall of Science, Guide Dogs for the Blind, WeCare Animal Shelter, Ice Skating, Explorit Science Center at UC Davis, Lindsay Wildlife Center, Children’s Creativity Museum, and more.
Outdoor education
Foothills incorporates an active outdoor education program into our yearly curriculum. We believe that students benefit from a more intimate knowledge of the natural world, and that such knowledge can best be gained from first-hand experience. The world of nature is “God’s second book,” and the treasures stored within its pages are invaluable. Such experiences will enlarge our understanding of God and help establish an appreciation of the wonders of nature.
