Foothill Elementary

Foothill Elementary School (FES) is located in a beautiful and spacious setting in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains in the community of Prather, California. As part of the Sierra Unified School District and feeding Sierra Junior and Senior High School, we provide a comprehensive academic program for transitional kindergarten (TK) through sixth grade. Our strong academic program in math, language arts, social studies and science is enhanced by credentialed specialists in physical education, music, and art. Kindergarten through sixth grade students at FES attend physical education, music, or art daily, in addition to receiving excellent core academic instruction. Foothill is unique in providing Responsive Extension and Intervention (REI) to students four days a week. REI provides targeted academic instruction to students at their assessed level of performance in language arts and math. Credentialed teachers provided intensive intervention in reading to students who are below grade level. Grade-level teachers provide targeted support and instruction for students approaching or at grade level in math and language arts. And finally, a credentialed teacher provides extended inquiry-based learning for students above grade level in the unique LEAP Lab (Learning Extension through Applied Projects). Students are assessed, teachers meet and placements are reviewed on a six-week basis. At Foothill Elementary, all means all. All students are learning in all areas, both social-emotional and academic.

 

In 2011, Auberry Elementary, Sierra Elementary and the sixth grade students of Foothill Middle School came together on the Foothill campus to form Foothill Elementary School. Our experienced, highly qualified and committed faculty, many of whom have been in education and this community for 20 years or more, provide students a safe classroom experience that builds a sense of belonging. This inspires students to be their Eagle best. Educators at Foothill work collaboratively to build a community between students, families, and staff that is second to none.

Education at FES goes beyond the classroom. Students in grades 3-6 have the opportunity to participate in after-school activities that include cross-country, track, guitar and musical theater club, electronics club, spelling bee, book club, wrestling, computer coding club, and a dirt bike club. Students at Foothill have competed in and been recognized at the county level in both the spelling bee and Peach Blossom oral interpretation. Additionally, an extended day-care program, Eagle’s Nest, is available at 7:30 a.m. and ends at 6 p.m.

As a mountain community, diversity is an asset. Our students come to school daily on 14 different buses and their families’ vehicles from across the mountain. Young scholars from Tollhouse, Auberry, Prather, Shaver, and other micro communities come together each day. Our school serves three Native American Rancherias, as well as families living in Fresno, Clovis, Shaver, Wishon, and more. As a comprehensive elementary, we provide services to students with disabilities in a manner that simultaneously individualizes and integrates their education.

We are proud of our reputation as a school where students and families feel comfortable, supported, and included. Hence, all students are provided the opportunity to get to know themselves and each other as learners, contributing community members, and empowered and authentic human beings. We know rich learning happens when a variety of ideas, opinions, strengths and challenges come together.

Our school mascot Kwi’na is a golden eagle who embodies being our best in body, intellect, and spirit. As a recognized gold-level Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports (PBIS) school, every day we SOAR: Show respect, On task, Accountable, and Responsible. Like Kwi’na, adults and young scholars alike strive to be their Eagle best and have a great day on the Eagle campus. We hope you will come and see for yourself this school on a hill where excellence happens every day.

 

Danielle Amundsen
Principal