Foothills Academy Society a vital resource for children with learning disabilities

Foothills Academy Society, a cornerstone within Calgary’s educational landscape, is more than just a school — it’s a nurturing community often referred to by its staff as the “Foothills Family.” Relationships are at the heart of what they do, which is one of the reasons Calgarians have again selected this close-knit organization as the Readers’ Choice Awards Gold winner for Favourite Charter / Private School.  

“We have an incredibly knowledgeable and dedicated staff whose genuine caring, creativity, and persistence allow them to make valuable connections with the kids so that they see themselves increasingly capable in their daily lives,” says Simon Williams, Executive Co-Director at Foothills Academy Society. 

As Foothills celebrates its 45th anniversary, they continue to evolve their holistic approach to education. Catering to students in grades three to 12 who have been diagnosed with a learning disability (LD) and/or ADHD, the school has become a multi-disciplinary hub, combining academic instruction with emotional and social support, says Dr. Karen MacMillan, Executive Co-Director. 

“We’re continually seeking input and reviewing the needs of our school families, as well as the needs of those families that access our Community Services programs,” she says. “We want to be responsive to the needs of those we serve, and Foothills is dynamic enough that we’re able to evolve to do so quite quickly.” 

Foothills Academy Society also has four distinct departments that extend beyond its students to the broader community, making it a vital resource for families dealing with learning disabilities.  

“Our services are designed to provide support at every level,” says MacMillan. “Our Psychological Services & Programs offer psycho-educational assessments, individual and family counselling, and group psychology programs, while the Read/Write & Math Intervention program provides weekly or intensive specialized remedial instruction in literacy or numeracy.” 

Through their other two services — Amicus Camps & Recreational Programs, which offer day and overnight camps as well as year-round recreation programs, as well as the Professional Development & Community Education program, which offers workshops and online courses on LD and ADHD — Foothills is further able to create a supportive community where each family can access the resources they need. 

“We prioritize the social and emotional well-being of every student, making sure they feel seen, heard, and understood,” says MacMillan, adding that their programs have allowed for a resounding amount of success among past students. “Students at Foothills Academy graduate and move on to post-secondary education at rates far higher than their peers with learning disabilities in other systems. We’re not just setting them up for academic success but for lifelong well-being.” 

Given that Foothills’ programs are critical to students dealing with LD and/or ADHD, their community services also provide bursaries for programs in each of its departments, keeping it accessible for all who apply. 

Article content

Article content

“We ensure that admissions into the school are done blind from finances,” says Williams. “And our healthy bursary program ensures that families will not be turned away due to financial need.” 

Prospective students and families are encouraged to visit foothillsacademy.org or to call them at (403) 270-9400 to learn about the many benefits offered by this acclaimed private school. 

 This story was created by Content Works, Postmedia’s commercial content division, on behalf of Foothills Academy Society.