Alumni News

Alums Return for Socratic Seminar

A number of former Foothills students recently asked Junior High teacher Dan Fisher to create an Alumni Seminar Group to discuss challenging literary texts.  The group formed earlier this year ago and meets every Thursday evening from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. in Dan's classroom.  Currently, the group has about 20 members with an average attendance of 11 students and is comprised of students from Boise High School, Sage Charter School, Bishop Kelly High School, home schools, and Riverstone International School.  Thus far the students have tackled The Stranger by Albert Camus, The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Cat's Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut and Native Son by Richard Wright.

Alumni Spotlight

Q&A with Erin Shea

Where are you going to school now?  Why did you choose this school?

I am currently going to school as a First-Year at the Bard College of Simon's Rock. I first found out about Simon's Rock when midway through high school, I decided Boise High was not for me. I then started to research alternative programs online, and I came across this great school. Simon's Rock is an early college program, which would allow me to enjoy a challenging, rigorous academic curriculum while still allowing me to socialize with people of a similar age group. 

What do you miss about Foothills?

I miss a huge amount of things about Foothills. I loved so many things, it's just so hard to decide!  One thing that I especially miss was Socratic Seminar discussion with Dan Fisher. I really enjoyed getting the chance to truly explore books.

Do you have favorite memories of being a student at Foothills?

I have many great memories of foothills, but another memory I might pick to share would be my Spring trip to Italy. That is an experience that I will treasure for the rest of my life! It was absolutely amazing.

Did you feel prepared for your new school (academically, socially, personally)?

I was unsure at first, because who wouldn't be! It was all very new and strange. Academically I was definitely prepared, but personally and socially I was very nervous.

Do you have tips that may help future graduates make an easier transition to another school?

- Be prepared to be surprised and discomforted in your new surroundings at first, but really try and give your situation a chance. Once you get used to everything, it will feel a lot more natural.

-If you are applying to college, do not slack off on your applications, essays or tests! Don't stress too much, but it matters more than you might think.

-Be friendly. You might feel awkward, but if you don't put yourself out there, it will be a lot harder to make friends.

What do you like about your new school?

I really love most of my classes- even the introductory ones are enjoyable. I also love the small class sizes and great friends that I have made here.

What are you most passionate about in life?

I could go on for a great deal about this subject- there are a lot of things that I am passionate about. I like history, science, drama, singing, but especially art. I love art. 

Describe something you have accomplished, a special event in which you have participated, or a new skill you have gained.

I would like to think that I have accomplished lots of things. For one, I'm fifteen, and I'm in college. That in itself is an accomplishment, yeah? But compared to a lot of people here, what I've done feels really small. So, I take pleasure in the small things. I draw and paint regularly here, I volunteer for a local soup kitchen, and I made 1000 origami cranes in one week this month.

In what ways has Foothills School prepared you for the future?

In some ways, Foothills taught me how to think. In other ways, it let me know that I could think anything that I wanted, that I could do almost anything I might dream of. I think that was probably the most important thing that I took from my experience at Foothills.

What are your goals for your education, this year and long term?

Well, I'd like to finish college, for starters. Everything else is a little up in the air- it depends on what I want to do, or major in, and I haven't made that decision yet. My tentative plan is to dual major with something artistic, and something else like Economics or Business.

Alumni Spotlight

Q&A with Emma Thorpe

Where are you going to school now? Why did you choose this school?

I am currently going to Midland School in Los Olivos, CA. My dad had always wanted me to go to a boarding school like he did. We chose Midland because it is a very small rural school, and very informal. We get to call our teachers by their first names, etc., and really get to know everyone very well.

What do you miss about Foothills School?

I miss the people mostly, and the art program is something that I really miss. Midland definitely doesn’t have the amazing art program that Foothills does. I also really miss the Socratic Seminar which was something that I always looked forward to. I miss my friends a lot, too.

Do you have favorite memories of being a student at Foothills?

Trips!!! I have amazing memories of all of the great trips I went on. Italy, Vancouver and Olympic National Park, etc. The trips really embodied the closeness of the school and really gave you a chance to get to know your peers. Foothills and everything that goes on as a student there really helped prepare me for Midlands. At Midlands we also live in a close community which I felt like Foothills prepared me for.

Did you feel prepared for your new school (academically, socially, personally)?

Academically I definitely felt prepared, and I am doing great in English and Math. Socially, I feel like I was very prepared after going to Foothills since the community at Midlands is very close, similar to Foothills. Personally, I feel like Foothills School really shaped my independence which really helps me in many areas.

What are you passionate about in life?

I am very passionate about my relationships with my friends. They are a very important part of my life. I also love music and enjoy playing many instruments including the guitar, fiddle, mandolin, and singing. I’m basically a one-man Bluegrass band! I was very instrumental in organizing my school’s music program. I’m in charge of the singing aspect of the program and we have performed three times! We have an “Open Mic” night where we basically have a “Coffee House” style atmosphere for students to perform. I’m very passionate about sports too. I play volleyball and lacrosse. I also started the basketball team here at Midlands which has been a really rewarding project. Other than that, I’m very passionate about the environment and keeping it safe and preserved.

What are your goals for your education, this year and long term?

I really want to get good grades and take as many enjoyable classes that I can take. I feel like this will help me decide what I want to do in college. I also really want to take all of the honors classes that interest me.