Foothill Country Day School

1035 Harrison Avenue

Claremont, CA 91711

36 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on February 09, 2024

Our son is currently in 8th grade at Foothill Country Day. He transferred last year and his time at Foothill has been so very positive. He is happy to go to school and has such a positive attitude. We feel he is supported academically and emotionally. During his time at Foothill, he has developed great study habits, excellent public speaking skills, and academic ambitions. We couldn't be happier with ours and his experience at Foothill Country Day.
Submitted by parent on January 25, 2024

I have had two kids at this school for many years (I've lost count). The teachers are amazing and really get to know each child. Not just their grades, or their homework. They know the sports they play, the names of their pets, what books they like to read, who their best friends are. These teachers really know them as people. The other kids are people I want my children to hang around with and learn from. If I were looking for a school all over again, I would choose Foothill, and I would start them in preschool here. The financial investment is there, sure. I thought my wife was crazy when she suggested paying this much for tuition. Years later I can confirm it is worth every penny. One note for inquiring parents: this is a school you will be involved with. It is almost a lifestyle. You can't expect to drop the kids off and never show your face. The parents here care about education and they show up. If you want a school to take care of your kids for you, this isn't it.
Submitted by parent on January 19, 2024

Best school! I am a grandparent at this school who pays the tuition for my grandchild. There is no school in the area that compares to this in both rigor and diversity and that is why we make that financial investment. Our children and grandchildren are from varied ethnic backgrounds so inclusivity and joyous celebration of it is important to our family. This school does not ignore the reality of different cultures and religions but discusses and educates about all of them. We have not found that at any other school, and we have searched. The academics are top notch. Reading and math tutoring is there, and learning differences are accommodated. My only observation is that this is not a school that provides extensive special needs instruction. They cannot accomodate major disabilities. Sometimes children who are gifted do not get challenged enough, or recognized as having any different challenges than the general population. This school is worth the price.
Submitted by parent on May 10, 2023

I love this school for two reasons. First, they go a step beyond the minimum expectation of scholastic excellence that is expected in all elite private school systems by fostering emotional intelligence, cultural awareness, and the preservation of their students' self-confidence. Embedded within their elementary school curriculum are activities that promote kind and loving behavior, techniques of peaceful problem solving, and a focus on recognizing progress rather than perfection. Their school has weekly community talks that focus on different cultures to help children develop a more worldly concept of what is "normal." Second, I am very impressed by how the administration, staff, and teachers responded to my concerns. Dr. Ulsh and Mr. Silva listened intently to my thoughts, they showed empathy and validated my concerns, and they provided a detailed outline on the ways Foothill tries to prevent and address issues similar to the problem I wanted addressed. My child's continuous love for the school, administration, and teachers was strong evidence that my concern was effectively addressed. I have learned long ago that nothing in life is perfect and bumps on the roads will occur. Therefore, I believe what separates a good school from a great school is that a great school has people who are receptive, respectful, and proactive. Foothill is a great school. They have a fantastic curriculum that will set your child up for success in their personal and professional lives, AND your opinion as a parent matters here! I highly recommend this school.
Submitted by parent on January 17, 2023

I wonder how much the school paid for these 5 star reviews. Both my kids went here since preschool. What was a great school turned into a terrible experience. My child got bullied for a year by the kids that she grew up with since they were 4 years old. The school did nothing about it. Just do your children and yourself a favor and don’t send them here. Just because tuition is high means absolutely nothing. Find another school. They don’t care about your child. I would love to write more of our experience in detail but I will hold back.
Submitted by parent on October 10, 2022

I am a parent of 2 boys at Foothill, and we are very happy with our experience at the school. The school invests heavily in professional development for the teachers, which includes training in "responsive classroom" for social and emotional development, Singapore math methods, a great early reading program--even attending Columbia Teacher's College workshops. The teachers are all very committed to the students, and everyone from the front office staff to the head of school know each parent and student by name. Foothill does embrace neurodiversity, and a broad range of learning needs are accommodated and addressed in the classroom and with learning specialists, but the reality is that private schools don't have free access to all of the services available in the public school districts. That being said, one of my kiddos was identified as needing extra reading support early on, was directed to the school's reading specialist, and one year later is now back on track. Overall our experience has been that the school is a tight knit and welcoming community!
Submitted by other on October 10, 2022

Went to FCDS, in college now. This school prepared me well for college. So well, that I could have skipped high school and been just fine. It was rigorous for sure, but we never doubted that our teachers were pushing us because we needed to be pushed. They knew every student and they held the bar for each one just a little higher than than they could reach.
Submitted by parent on September 23, 2022

My older son switched from a public school to Foothill as a second grader last year. A couple of days into the new school, I asked him how he felt about Foothill. He said that the teachers were nice, the friends were nice, and he liked Foothill. Only then he told me that back in the public school, he was disciplined and deprived of recess so often. I don’t believe in “zero tolerance” in education of children. But I also understand the limited human resources to deploy for tender care in public schools, especially during pandemic. Right then and there I knew I made a good choice to come to Foothill!A couple of weeks later, my son came back from school and his brand new school uniform sweater was missing. Another week went by, his sweater was still nowhere to be found. One day when I was picking him up from school, he was wearing a sweater just like his. He told me that his teacher Mrs. Martinez gave it to him. Later I learned that Mrs. Martinez gave to my boy her own son’s old sweater, which still looked new, and that her sons were both adults, who graduated from Foothill a long time ago… She must have treasured her boys’ school years so much and taken good care of the sweater. And she gave the treasured sweater to my son, a new student in the school. I was deeply moved! Right then and there I knew I made a great choice to come to Foothill!A couple of months went by. One day my son came back home with his own sweater! I was so surprised that he actually found it. But he told me that actually one of his friends at school found the sweater and brought it over to him. I was speechless. Right then and there I knew I made an excellent choice to come to Foothill!On the last day of second grade, my son got so emotional and exclaimed, “This is the best school year I have ever had! I want to stay at second grade forever!” Action speaks louder than words. Foothill teachers are loving and caring. Foothill kids are kind and compassionate. I have personally experienced it. A safe, nurturing, and inclusive community. That is Foothill’s mission statement and it stays true to it. My older son is enjoying third grade now despite his old wish. His little brother is joining him as a kindergartner. He graduated from the Seedling School, Foothill’s preschool. About his great experience at Seedling, I’ll have to tell you another time. We’re fortunate to be part of the Foothill family. If you ever need to choose a private school, Foothill would be an excellent choice!
Submitted by parent on September 22, 2022

For five years, my family has attended Foothill Country Day School. Foothill is an excellent private school with professional faculty, staff, and facilities. The school promotes a diverse and inclusive environment for all families and children. We will have international day experiences, and our children will have the opportunity to celebrate all the festivals, experience different cultures and learn knowledge. I appreciate connecting with other families because Foothill connects families to one big family inside or outside school.Foothill students have a good habit of reading, exploring new knowledge, and developing social skills; they know how to be kind to classmates and teachers. Every semester, the teachers will provide personalized and detailed advice on each child, and you will comprehensively understand your children's academic and behavioral progress.Parents will have a lot of opportunities to volunteer and experience the school's culture. We are happy to be a part of the foothill community.
Submitted by parent on September 22, 2022

I have been a Foothill parent since 2009. Three of my children attended Foothill from K-8th grade, and my fourth child is currently enrolled in the Lower School. One of the important things to know about Foothill is that school’s leadership has a continuous improvement mindset with respect to the curriculum, professional development for faculty and staff, and facilities. In addition, leadership has placed a specific emphasis on creating an inclusive environment where families from various backgrounds (socio-economic, ethnic, religious, and otherwise) feel welcome and included in the school community. These characteristics distinguish Foothill from other schools in the area. Regardless of where the school’s graduates attend high school (public or private), Foothill students are well-prepared to handle the rigors of high school and beyond. Foothill’s curriculum is demanding, but its teachers are caring and attentive and focus on the individual needs of each child. Foothill instills study skills that students continue to use long after they graduate. Most notable to me during my time in this community is the fact that Foothill students always stand out in comparison to their peers with respect to their ability to speak confidently and walk into a room and have an educated conversation with people they have never met before. Finally, Foothill places an emphasis on instilling a sense of morality and a genuine willingness to be a good citizen in its students. From a parent perspective, there are plenty of opportunities for volunteering, should you wish to do so. Being able to participate in planning the annual Spring Benefit, sorting books in the library, or setting up for the Art Walk are just a few examples of activities where parents get together and forge lasting friendships. Ultimately, I see the decision to send your child to Foothill as a very worthwhile investment in their education and development of their sense of self. Foothill will give your child the tools and confidence he or she needs to go on to high school, college, and beyond.
Submitted by parent on September 22, 2022

It has been 4 years since my two children started school in 2018. We have gone through 4 stages: normal schooling, Covid-19 suspension of classes and switching to online teaching, online teaching and offline teaching at the same time, and resumption of normal schooling.I am very fortunate that my children are studying in this school. The school not only protects the health of children, but also enables them to study continuously and efficiently. It also teaches children to be sincere and how to face adversity bravely.The friendly atmosphere and positive attitude make the children feel confident, which is the key to doing everything well. In particular, the teachers' sense of responsibility and teaching students in accordance with their aptitude have enabled my children to make great progress. Children love school and don't even want school holidays.I think such schools are the places that parents are willing to choose for their children.
Submitted by other on January 23, 2022

If you are impressed by the high school admissions currently listed on the FCDS website for the class of 21, then you need pay attention to the fact that the page reads as "Acceptances" and not Matriculation. For those who care, the acceptances listed for the most competitive high schools were acquired by approximately 10 percent of the eight grade class, but listing all of the acceptances gives off the appearance that more students got into these schools. It is deceiving and opportunistic for the school to not list the actual matriculation data for each student.
Submitted by parent on January 13, 2021

With the state of the world right now, as well as the state of Los Angeles County, I am so grateful that my two children are safe and sound at Foothill Country Day School. I currently have one child in the lower school and one in the upper school, and even before (and during) distance learning, I feel this school has everything together to make my children feel welcome, included, and accomplished. We have only been part of the Foothill family for 4 years now, but each year has been even better than the last. Again, even with distance learning, it is clear my children are in fact learning! There is not simply "busy work" (worksheets) provided to complete, but rather there are engaging digital and non-digital lessons, as well as frequent Zoom gatherings. There is even 1-on-1 time designated just for my child as an opportunity to meet with their teacher, whether for academic support or the all-important social-emotional support. When we were at school in person, my children thrived on the outdoor field trips, the school plays, socializing with friends, and just soaking in the overall climate of the school. The longevity of the staff and the creativity within the classrooms was apparent, and all things combined create the perfect school. The Head of School even knows every student by name (and it is a K-8 school!). Yet, aside from the impressive name/family recognition, it is evident that the Head of School always has the parents' and students' best interests at heart, and safety is of the utmost importance. While it would be wonderful to be in person again, it is comforting to know that our healthy and safety is a priority. And, while we are in distance learning, my children are still progressing. We look forward to being back "home" on the Foothill campus whenever it is safe, and until then, I am again so grateful for this wonderful school.
Submitted by other on August 07, 2020

Despite a team of long-standing teachers and staff who have the school's very best interest at heart, FCDS has, quite simply, lost its way.
Submitted by other on February 25, 2020

The school community is very friendly and open. Other parents and students are helpful and informative, and the school does a lot of fun events.
Submitted by parent on January 25, 2018

My child is in 5th grade and we love the Foothill environment. The grounds are beautiful and peaceful, the students are friendly and well-behaved. I am proud that my children are friends with them. We are a family that values our faith, but we wanted our children to be exposed to all kinds of cultures and religions; Foothill provides that extreme diversity. At 5th grade the work is extremely challenging, but is useful and project based; not just busy work. One of the best features of this school is the after school program, hands down. They have a variety of classes every day including karate, debate team, student council and orchestra. No more running around to Kumon, the Claremont Club, or music lessons. Instead, it is all right at Foothill, making my professional life much easier. Foothill is very much a family-oriented school and the activities can be 24/7 if you let it. This probably isn't the school for you don't want that kind of intense community.
Submitted by parent on January 19, 2018

My child goes to 1st grade at Foothill Country Day, and he absolutely loves it. We have been here only 6 months, we feel we made the right selection. The instructors and staff are brilliant and caring. The facility itself provides a clean, secure, and state-of-the-art learning environment where children can clearly thrive and benefit themselves of the school's vast array of extra-curricular activities. The quality of the academic instruction is also superior; it is structured and elaborate yet presented in a very tender and welcome environment. Ask yourself if you want an outstanding education for your youngsters? This is your school Foothill Country Day.
Submitted by parent on January 19, 2018

We are very happy at Foothill. We were looking for a school that was open to different religions and backgrounds where our daughter can be safe. They are very strong in education and building strong minded self confidence in children. They have a strong parent community involvement. You will not find a school that is perfect in every way, but Foothill checks all the boxes for us so far.
Submitted by parent on September 22, 2017

I think that this is a good school overall. It has problems and issues, but they are not insurmountable and the school is constantly reflecting on them and trying to address them for the benefit of all. There is no school on earth that doesn't have its strengths and weaknesses. My son has been a student here since kindergarten. He sees the school as his second home, and we are pleased with the relationships that he has developed with his cohort and teachers. Most all teachers are very good and attentive to their students. We have only encountered a couple that seem ineffective largely due to the limitations of their personality than their ability to teach. The majority of the staff are wonderful with the children. I find it interesting and ironic that other reviewers have complained about the head of the school as being a poor leader but heavily praise the teachers and describe them as "excellent" considering that its the head of the school that hires them. He seems to be doing something right. Overall, this is a good school to consider for your children. It is evolving right now with many changes taking place, but with an attentive head, faculty and staff that in my opinion are doing their best to meet the needs of all.
Submitted by parent on June 08, 2017

The school's leadership under the current Head of School, is misguided. Many parents note frequently that they cringe at the sight of this individual and avoid an audience with the Head at all costs. These observations are shared with the author of these comments. Indeed, Greaschools.org is another venue for social-media-based feedback to be shared with anonymity and no public ownership. Given that, one can be assured that comments posted at this site will never be taken seriously by the school's Head. But know, also, that the feedback provided on this site is largely genuine, heartfelt, and writing in the spirit in which social media information sharing is intended: authentic, unvarnished, and very VERY real.This school has potential to be a leader among independent schools in the San Gabriel Valley. Likewise, within its 62 year history, it has never before been at the precipice of very real and very concerning implosion.