Research Foundations Academy Private Schools in Boise, Idaho

“Our family of 5 children is in its 10th year at Foundations Academy, our eldest having graduated in the first senior class last spring ('06). What a blessing this school has been to our family: Foundations has provided a quality education with a Christian worldview, committed and nurturing teachers, and a strong vision to move forward with building and adding extra-curricular programs as finances allow. Actually, Foundations is very family-like, as parents are welcomed into the environment, believing that school is only an extension of a parents' desire to teach and grow their children. Uniforms are one of our highlights! Every school provides a set of options that include positives and negatives. We choose Foundations, with all its pros and cons--for its commitment to a superior and unique education within a Christian environment.”

“Classical Christian education has widespread acceptance because it works. We believe that work is required to be great, and we want our students to be great. As Americans, we have been given much and as Christians, we are obliged to make good use of what we have been given. We also believe that God wants us to enjoy Him and that children need joy and enthusiasm to thrive. All work and no play We offer many fun activities including after-school marshal arts, bell choir, chess club, choir, and numerous other athletic programs in the upper school. Practically speaking, children of many abilities adapt quickly to our challenging environment with joy. There are lots of smiles in our halls and laughter in our classrooms. Sometimes, adults underestimate the resilience and adaptability of youth. Our school believes that children are wired to learn and enjoy doing so. We hire nurturing and loving Christian teachers who help students love to learn. However, we do not seek to be elitist, in that we admit students with average to above average academic ability. Any school of our size will make mistakes, and we have disappointed parents from time to time. This is particularly so when our mission is distinct and strong. The value of being a private school is that we can offer education that differs from the school down the street. Obviously, we are not able to meet everyone s desire or need. We are grateful for the gracious parents who took the time to comment on our school. If you would like to check us out, please call for a visit, or for our DVD that showcases the school. Our phone number is (208) 323-3888.”

“My daughter attended this school for her kindergarten and 1st grade years.Kindergarten went well,I was beyond impressed.First grade went downhill quickly.She loved her teacher and her class and was really loving the challenge of the work.There was a student in class that had come from public school and parents were less than spiritual..she started quite a few fights in the class..the school did next to nothing to correct it.The school also heavily discouraged rewards for doing well in class,saying that the good grade should be reward enough..maybe that works for high school kids,but 1st graders?When the Head Master was questioned on that,the reply was that if parents want rewards for their children then they are in the wrong school & are ignorant to classical education.The children may be quiet,but it's out of fear,not respect.Their lifeskills are severly lacking.Sweet kids,but need socialization.This school could be amazing with a few 'minor' changes.”

“My stepdaudghter has attended this school from kindergarten. The physical plant is adequate, and my only criticism is a lack of an organized physical education program (mens sana in corpore sano). With that cavet, the teaching is excellent and based upon the classical trivium of grammer, dialect and rhetoric. It is elitist and some children will not be able to handle the educational load. However, as an introduction to what michael barone has termed 'hard america', this school is superb. If you and your child can handle a demanding curriculum, they will graduate with a first-rate education. If you have the prejudice of low expectations for you child you should not consider this school.”

“Foundations Academy is a private, Christian school presently serving grades K-10 and will be expanding to K-12 in time for the present 10th graders to graduate from Foundations Academy. The teachers teach the students from the perspective that they are there to assist the parents in educating their children. The focus is on knowledge/learning and manners. I have walked up and down the halls several times and heard the Pledge of Allegiance, Latin, silence, and one teacher questioning his class like this, 'How can you be more helpful when your parents ask you for the 9th time to please take out the garbage.' There is never any chaos. The students wear uniforms, are well-mannered and fascinated with learning. This year this Kindergarten teacher gave all the parents her home telephone number 'just in case we had any questions over the summer.' I am so glad I found this school. My eldest daughter graduated from a local public school. My husband and I both are public school products. Nevertheless, the vast improvement cannot be overlooked. I'm thrilled with Foundations Academy.”