Foothill Learning Academy: Empowering Homeschool and Charter School Students
Foothill Learning Academy (FLA) stands as a unique resource for homeschool and charter school families, providing enrichment and tutoring classes designed to support parent involvement in education. As a 501(c)(3) California nonprofit public benefit corporation, FLA is committed to fostering a positive learning environment through organized classes and a structured approach to student development.
Mission and Structure
The core mission of Foothill Learning Academy is to bolster parent participation in their children's education. This is achieved through the organization of enrichment and tutoring classes specifically tailored for homeschool and charter school students. Unlike a traditional school, FLA does not provide staff for general student supervision, emphasizing the role of parents in ensuring student well-being outside of classroom hours.
Parent Involvement and Supervision
A cornerstone of FLA's operational model is the requirement for parent involvement. To ensure adequate supervision of students outside of class time, parents are asked to volunteer for one 3-hour shift per semester. These volunteers work in pairs, overseeing students during lunch, breaks, and in the hallways. Recognizing that not all parents may be able to volunteer, FLA offers alternatives, such as allowing a friend or family member to fulfill the volunteer requirement. For families unable to provide a volunteer, an opt-out fee of $40 per family is available, which helps cover the cost of hiring another parent to provide supervision and administrative support. It is important to note that charter school-approved vendors provide supervision within the classrooms.
Registration and Fees
To maintain commitment and manage class sizes effectively, Foothill Learning Academy implements a small, non-refundable registration fee. This fee ensures that only serious students reserve class seats. However, if a class is canceled or closed by FLA, the registration fee is returned. Students enrolled solely in Friday Seminars are exempt from this fee.
Policies and Guidelines
Foothill Learning Academy operates under a set of policies outlined in its Parent/Student Handbook. This handbook covers various aspects of student conduct, safety, and academic expectations. During the registration process, parents affirm that they have read and agree to these terms.
Read also: Affording Foothill College
Punctuality and Technology Use
Parents are expected to drop off and pick up their students on time, as late arrivals can disrupt the learning environment. The use of cell phones, handheld video games, iPads, and other internet-connected devices is restricted during FLA hours unless required for class participation and under the supervision of a vendor. If a student needs to contact a parent via cell phone, they may do so under vendor supervision.
Food and Photography
Eating is generally not permitted inside the building, except on rainy days and for teacher-provided in-classroom snacks. FLA vendors may photograph students during class for online viewing by parents and students, but students’ names and locations will never be shared or posted. Additionally, parents agree to the terms and conditions of Foothill Learning Academy's Waiver/Release of Liability during registration.
Course Offerings
Foothill Learning Academy provides a diverse range of courses aimed at enriching the educational experiences of homeschool and charter school students. These courses span various subjects and age groups, fostering both academic and personal growth.
High School Literature and Writing
These courses are designed to develop critical thinking, expand vocabulary, and improve writing and communication skills through the study of high school-level literary works. Students read, discuss, and analyze novels, completing homework assignments to prepare for discussions and enhance their critical thinking skills. The writing component focuses on essays and projects related to the studied works, with personalized feedback provided to help students grow as writers.
Current Events Analysis
This course helps students understand the world around them by analyzing current events. Through Socratic discussions, students learn to think critically about the facts and history behind the headlines, gaining insight into the importance of global issues. Each student receives a comprehensive workbook with guided notes, supplemental readings, and reflection activities.
Read also: Foothill College Requirements
American Legal System
Taught by Mrs., this course provides a practical understanding of the American legal system and how laws impact everyday life. Students analyze elements of crimes and causes of action, examine court procedures, and debate key issues of justice and ethics.
Character Design
Students can explore various character design styles such as anime, manga, Pokémon, Studio Ghibli, Warrior Cats, or original creations. Lessons focus on refining proportions, storytelling, and personal style, fostering creativity and confidence.
Culinary Arts
This hands-on course expands students' understanding of cooking, baking, and nutrition through practical skill-building and creative recipe development. Emphasis is placed on food and kitchen safety, meal planning, and culinary techniques. Students prepare a variety of dishes and refine them at home. Note that this class is not tailored for households with food allergies and dietary restrictions.
Postsecondary Planning
This semester-long course helps students explore postsecondary options such as college, vocational training, apprenticeships, and the military. Students research programs that align with their interests and goals, covering topics such as dual enrollment, NCAA planning, A-G requirements, standardized testing, budgeting, and financial aid.
Filmmaking
Students learn about film history, write screenplays, shoot visuals, and edit short films. The class covers preproduction, production, and postproduction, providing hands-on experience both behind and in front of the camera.
Read also: Campus Guide
Leadership Development
Led by Cat, who has a background in youth ministry, this course explores leadership principles and develops individual and group leadership skills. Content areas include decision-making, goal setting, effective communication, and time management. Students also plan FLA events, providing a unique opportunity to experience "student government."
Musical Theater
Students participate in a musical theater production, rehearsing and producing a Broadway Musical Jr. production. They practice stage presence, singing, and dancing, with additional rehearsals required close to the performance date.
Advanced Learning and Planning
This period is dedicated to independent work on school assignments under adult supervision. Students complete a weekly planner and work on their tasks, developing time management skills.
Yearbook Creation
Students develop real-world skills in time management, marketing, teamwork, and design principles by creating an innovative yearbook that captures FLA memories and events. They learn page design, publishing techniques, copywriting, and editing.
Sports Statistics
This course combines a love for sports with statistics, exploring the stats behind NFL, NBA, and MLB while mastering concepts like mean, median, mode, and range.
FLA Merch Masters
Students design and produce custom merchandise for Foothill Learning Academy, using Canva and other graphic design tools. This class merges creativity with school pride.
Anatomy and Physiology
This course introduces students to medical terminology and the structure and function of the human body. It is designed as a hands-on learning environment with activities to help students understand how their bodies work.
Biology
This year-long course introduces students to the scientific study of living organisms, covering topics such as the chemical basis of life, cell structure and function, plant and animal structure, metabolism, reproduction, genetics, biological diversity, classification, and ecology. The class includes both lecture and lab components.
Physical Science
This course explores the relationship between matter and energy, investigating forces and motion, the properties of matter, and the forms and properties of energy.
American Government
This course focuses on the principles and values of American democracy as expressed in the US Constitution and foundational documents. Students study the Magna Carta, Mayflower Compact, Declaration of Independence, and the Constitution.
Fine Art Techniques
Students develop fine art techniques in drawing, shading, and painting, working at their own pace on portraits and still life.
Capture It! Journaling
Students customize a journal and complete mixed media self-reflective journal prompts, practicing hand lettering and planning tasks.
American Sign Language (ASL) I
This full-year course teaches basic conversation skills, grammar, and vocabulary in ASL. Students develop skills in signing and comprehension and focus on aspects of the Deaf community.
Mock Trial
Students learn about the law, practice critical thinking, and gain confidence in public speaking by assuming roles in a fictional trial.
All-Instrument Jam
Students in grades 6-12 are invited to bring their instruments to jam with other students and play music together.
Financial Information
Foothill Learning Academy files Form 990, Form 990EZ, or Form 990PF with the IRS. Financial documents, including full Form 990 documents, are available for review, covering fiscal years 2011-2018 and potentially older records. This transparency underscores FLA's commitment to accountability and responsible stewardship of resources.
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