School Program

Parents play a major role in keeping tuition costs down and assisting those less able to pay by giving generously of their time, energy, and resources. As active members of the Foothills Academy Parents' Association, parents contribute a reasonable amount of time to the school, committee work and fund-raising projects. NOT FULFILLING THIS COMMITMENT WILL JEOPARDIZE YOUR CHILD'S PLACEMENT IN THE SCHOOL.

2008-2009 PROGRAM COST: The estimated per pupil cost is $23,250. These costs are funded through a combination of educational grants, tuition fees and fund raising.

ALBERTA EDUCATION OPERATING GRANT: The province provides per pupil operating grants for Alberta resident students. If your local school board agrees your child needs a special education program, your cost is further reduced.

OUT OF PROVINCE STUDENTS: No Alberta Education grants are provided for non-resident students. Parents will be responsible for the full per pupil program cost, i.e. $23,250.

PARENT PLACED WITHOUT LOCAL BOARD AGREEMENT: If your local board does not agree that your child needs a special placement the grant is reduced. School will receive a grant of approximately $6,500.

PARENT PLACED WITH LOCAL BOARD AGREEMENT: Child will receive maximum mild/moderate funding. (Most students at Foothills Academy fall into this category). The school will receive a grant of approximately $10,300.

Severe disability grants assist the school in providing extra services. There is no reduction in parent fees when such grants are given. A very few students are sent to Foothills Academy by local school boards. In such cases the school board pays the full cost.

TUITION FEE SCHEDULE (Portion Paid by Parents): A Tuition Agreement must be accompanied by fees in full OR the required deposit and post-dated cheques for the balance of the fees. Any variations must be approved by the Business Office.

TRANSPORTATION: A limited busing service (within the city limits) is available to all students attending Foothills Academy. This could be in the form of a charter bus or a Calgary Transit pass.

FAMILY COMMITMENT: For over twenty-five years parents and guardians at Foothills Academy have ensured that no child in need has been turned away from our school program for financial reasons. This has been achieved through the Family Commitment which requires everyone to assist in fundraising. It is important that everyone does their fair share. When items in the Family Commitment are not complete, the business office will invoice accordingly. Expectations are further outlined on the Family Commitment page.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: Tuition may be reduced when there is a clear evidence of need. Parents requesting such assistance will be required to submit the necessary evidence of need, i.e. a financial summary, pay stubs and most recent Canada Customs & Revenue's Notice of Assessment. Tuition Reduction Applications are available from the Business Administrator. All such requests must be approved PRIOR TO the completion of student registration. Tuition Reduction Applications must be made annually. Approval is for one year only.