© 2009   Foothills School of Arts & Sciences. All Rights Reserved
CHOICE Electives Program


In 2008-09, Foothills School piloted the CHOICE Electives Program to great success. This unique learning opportunity is fully launched for 2009-10 and is quickly becoming one of the school's highly distinguishing programs.

About the CHOICE Program

Modeled after successful programs nationwide that emphasize students' freedom of inquiry, each student K-9 has the opportunity to work with their parents and teachers to select from an “electives” program that is grounded in our educational commitment to inquiry and Lev Vygotsky's  “Zone of Proximal Development.” Vygotsky’s model theorizes that learning and teaching depend on the active intellectual involvement of teacher and student, and that the learning process is a shared activity. By engaging students to choose activities which excite, motivate and challenge them –- and providing teachers who are passionate about the topic they are teaching –- the CHOICE program demonstrates the school's commitment to lifelong learning for every member of our learning community.

In 2010-11 we are realizing the program’s direct contribution as a cornerstone of our learning community – differentiation of instruction for every student. Carol Tomlinson, a professor of education at The University of Virginia and an expert in differentiation, has written that “[t]wo powerful and related motivators for engagement are student interest and student choice.  If a student has a spark (or better still, a fire) of curiosity about a topic, learning is more likely for that student.  Similarly, a sense of choice about what or how we learn is also empowering, and thus an enhancement to learning.”

The CHOICE program offers all of our students the opportunity to explore their passions and interests early and enables the school to provide a unique, enriched curriculum.


Students in CHOICE classes explore their passions while learning core knowledge!
© 2009   Foothills School of Arts & Sciences. All Rights Reserved
A Foothills Education
If you are interested in teaching a CHOICE class at Foothills School, we are always seeking specialists and new community partners. Please contact Emily Williams, Education Program Administrator, for information.


Winter 2011 CHOICE OFFERINGS


  • Creative Writing
  • Science in the Kitchen
  • Computer Programming/Networking
  • Boise Rock School
  • Photography w/ Cole Marr
  • Government w/ Zakk Luff
  • Astronomy
  • Rock Climbing at Urban Ascent
  • Gymnastics @ Bronco Elite
  • Idaho Shakespeare
  • Painting w/ Tara Kennedy





UPCOMING CHOICE OFFERINGS

The CHOICE program for Spring 2011 gets  underway on Friday, March 11. We are looking forward to some great new offerings that enrich our students' lives and help them discover their passions.

If you would like to teach a CHOICE class at Foothills, contact Piers Lamb, Director of Student Life.