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OUR MISSION OUR PHILOSOPHY

The mission of Foothills Academy is to facilitate learning in persons, primarily youth and children, identified as having a Learning Disability by providing quality educational programs and a supportive environment for families and staff. We recognize that we are interdependent with our global community – by participating in research, public education, in-service and advocacy, through community service.

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

IIn the spirit of reconciliation, Foothills Academy acknowledges that we live, work, and play on the traditional territories of the people of the Treaty 7 region in Southern Alberta, which includes the Blackfoot Confederacy (comprised of the Siksika, Piikani, and Kainai First Nations), as well as the Tsuut’ina First Nation, and the Stoney Nakoda (including the Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Goodstoney First Nations). The City of Calgary is also home to the Otipemisiwak Metis Government, Metis Nation Battle River Territory (Districts 5 and 6)

Foothills Academy was built around the belief that all students with Learning Disabilities have exceptional potential, and that with the right supports and guidance, they can achieve great success in school, post-secondary, and the workplace. We understand the difficulties and challenges facing students and their families, be it academic, social, emotional/behavioural, or financial. Foothills Academy's community builds upon these foundations with the individuals and families we work with. Much of our success is found in our agency-wide philosophical belief in, and understanding of, Self-Determination Theory, which has three core values. Find Understanding, Build Confidence, and Maximize Potential.

We do this by:

Building strong RELATIONSHIPS with students and clients to really understand each individual's strengths and interests (Finding Understanding)

We acknowledge the many First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples whose footsteps have marked these lands for generations. We are grateful for the traditional Knowledge Keepers and Elders who are still with us today and those who have gone before us. We recognize the land as an act of reconciliation and gratitude to those whose territory we reside on or are visiting..

Ensuring that students and clients feel a sense of COMPETENCE, to develop their confidence and self-belief that they can be the incredible people who they know they really are (Build Confidence)

Providing a sense of AUTONOMY, so that students and clients feel connected to their learning, and have a voice; which allows them the freedom to thrive and maximize their potential (Maximize Potential)

A Message from THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS'

For 46 inspiring years, Foothills Academy Society has been on a journey defined by innovation and impact, driven by our unwavering commitment to supporting individuals with Learning Disabilities and ADHD. This journey has been made possible by the collective passion and expertise of our entire community, including students, families, staff, board members, volunteers and donors who share in our mission.

The theme for the 2024–2025 school year was Challenging Expectations, which reflected our ongoing efforts to reach beyond what is expected of a typical school or intervention experience, in order to meet both the changing needs of our community, and to incorporate the most recent research in the field. We are proud to have established Foothills Academy as a Canadian leader in addressing both the academic and social-emotional needs of people living with Learning Disabilities.

As a Designated Special Education Private School (DSEPS), Foothills Academy is uniquely positioned to provide comprehensive, individualized support to students so that they can truly maximize their potential and be successful at school, post-secondary, and the workplace.

As well, our year-round Community Services departments, include:

Amicus Camps & Recreation

Read/Write & Math Intervention

Psychological Services & Programs

Professional Development & Community Education

PhD, R. Psych

Executive co-Director

Foothills Academy Society

Each of these well established programs extend beyond our school walls, offering unparalleled wrap-around resources for individuals and families in the larger community. These programs reflect our commitment to inclusivity, collaboration, and meaningful change.

We are deeply grateful to all of our valued stakeholders whose collaboration and belief in our mission fuel the ongoing success and growth of Foothills Academy. As we celebrate the milestones of the 2024–2025 year, we look forward to continuing our legacy of empowering individuals with Learning Disabilities and ADHD to flourish in all areas of life.

Karen MacMillan Simon Williams

A Message from THE BOARD CHAIR

For 46 years, the Foothills Academy Society has been a beacon of hope for families struggling to find the right supports for their children dealing with learning disabilities, such as dyslexia, and ADHD. The Society oversees both Foothills Academy, providing a ground breaking school program for Grades 3-12, and Estelle Siebens Community Services, offering a wide range of programs including literacy and numeracy support, recreational programming, family learning and psychological counselling. Each one of these offerings, individually and in collaboration with the others, provide a welcoming environment that fosters a sense of belonging for students and their families, and opens the doors needed for them to thrive and succeed.

The Foothills Academy Society is committed to meeting the needs of our population based on the guiding principle that every child deserves the opportunity to learn, belong and succeed regardless of their financial means. With financial assistance available to clients of Community Services and close to 50% of the students attending Foothills Academy in receipt of some level of bursary, we remain committed to ensuring that those who are in greatest need of our services are able to receive the support they need. That need, however, is growing more and more every year.

The demand for the programs and services offered through the Foothills Academy Society has never been greater. We are currently operating at full capacity, with waitlists and requests for services continuing to increase. In an effort to alleviate this issue, the Board of Governors embarked on a strategic planning process early in 2025 that is culminating in the completion of a feasibility study that could see us expand intake by upwards of 50%. With the continued support of the Foothills Academy Society community, and the people of Calgary, our goal is to see this project fully implemented by 2029 coinciding with our 50th Anniversary.

It is a privilege to be part of this exceptional organization, and none of our achievements would be possible without the dedication and collaboration of our incredible stakeholders. Together, we continue to Find Understanding, Build Confidence and Maximize Potential.

Kristin Smith

Board Chair

Foothills Academy Society

SCHOOL PROGRAM Highlights

School Principal, Ashley Barber

Foothills Academy is a Designated Special Education Private School (DSEPS) dedicated to supporting students in grades 3-12 with diagnosed Learning Disabilities. Serving nearly 300 students, our full-time program aligns with the Alberta Education Curriculum and focuses on providing personalized interventions to help each student thrive academically, socially, and emotionally in school, postsecondary, and beyond.

Living with Learning Disabilities brings unique challenges for students and their families, so we offer essential support, tailored strategies, and specialized programs to address each student’s academic, social, and emotional needs. Rooted in the principles of Self-Determination Theory, our approach empowers students to Find Understanding, Build Confidence and Maximize Potential.

98.3%

of teachers at Foothills Academy Society rated the quality of education as excellent, exceeding the provincial average of 93%

*based on data provided in our 24/25 Alberta Education Results Report

100%

Graduation Rate

312

Students enrolled in the 2024-2025 school year

20+

Extracurricularclubs

“When we chose to put our kids into Foothills Academy it was the best thing we ever did for them! They have learned many tools to help them with their learning disabilities, they have gained life skills. This school has provided them with opportunities to flourish and expand where in the public system they were lost. Foothills Academy is the best choice we ever made!”

288

Students enrolled in the 2023-2024 school year

School Parent

SCHOOL PROGRAM EVENTS

Over the 2024-2025 school year, we held a variety of educational events that brought the Foothills community together, including:

Terry Fox Run

Beehive Gardening Club

Ani to Pisi

EVENT SPOTLIGHT

Empowering Girls Club: Book Drive to empower reader

The Empowering Girls Club would like to thank everyone who donated books for our annual Literacy Week book drive! All proceeds from the Big Book Sale went towards initiatives supporting children to become stronger readers. The book sale ran from May 10th–20th at the YYC Curling Club.

SCHOOL FEATURE

10 Ways to Survive the End of the World - School Play

"The Drama Production this year featured the very funny play '10 Ways to Survive the End of the World' by Don Zolidis. Students performed 10 possible planet ending scenarios, delivering hilarious lines and playing with comedic timing. Featuring a cast of students from grades 6 to 11, with student backstage support starting in grade 4, this student driven production was well received by all.

Drama allows students a safe space for students to explore creativity, try on new characters, builds confidence, and helps to build understanding of different perspectives. Incorporating the arts into student experiences continues to help students Find Understanding, Build Confidence, and Maximize Potential. Be sure to join us in May 2026 for our exploration into the world of improv!"

Kathleen Phelan

Elementary Vice Principal

480+

250

1297

986+

"I

just wanted to reach out and THANK YOU and your amazing assessment team for the work you do to complete incredibly detailed, relevant and practical assessments!" Director of Educational Services Company 250

PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES & PROGRAMS Overview

Manager, Melanie Reader

Psychoeducational Assessments were completed

The Psychological Services & Programs department provides high-quality, comprehensive psycho-educational assessments, individual and family counselling, and group programs tailored to children, youth, and adults impacted by Learning Disabilities and/or ADHD.

A key Training Center for future psychologists, our department trained 5 graduate students and 9 provisional psychologists in the 2024-2025 year, making it one of the most sought-after training programs in the field.

Our team is dedicated to using evidence-based practices in both psychology and education to guide every service we offer. We aim not only to understand a child’s unique challenges but also to identify their strengths, helping them build confidence and achieve success.

READ/WRITE & MATH INTERVENTION Overview

Manager, Jenny Davidson

Our Read/Write & Math Intervention team provides tailored, evidence-based instruction to meet each student’s unique literacy and numeracy needs. Offered in sessions ranging from 60 minutes per week up to 3 hours daily, these programs are designed specifically for students diagnosed with or suspected to have Learning Disabilities who need targeted literacy support.

This year, the Read/Write & Math Intervention team reintroduced their math pilot program aimed at improving numeracy skills and focused on building strong foundations in math.

In 2024–2025, alongside our broader community support, 188 students were supported within our school program to strengthen foundational literacy and math skills. We did this by working with students either one-to-one or in small groups to explicitly teach concepts in an engaging and multisensory way. Starting with the smallest unit of meaning (letters/digits), students learn strategies, rules, and terminology to help them fill the gaps in their foundational knowledge.

“Thank you to the amazing teachers at Foothills Academy. Each one makes my child feel safe, comfortable, not anxious. I love the growth mindset that is being created here and the positive impact it has on my child. Her self esteem and confidence are improving every single time being there.”

New Courses Created

PT/FT Staff

AMICUS CAMPS & RECREATION Overview

Manager, Luke McKinnon

Amicus programs support students in grades 3–12 who have diagnosed or suspected Learning Disabilities and/or ADHD. With a focus on social skills, independence, and building friendships, these programs help youth develop essential life skills.

Based on the Social Thinking Methodology, Amicus offers evidence-based integrative social skill programs - through both direct social skill instruction and individualized social coaching. Programs range from weekly recreation-based programs to our multi-week backcountry leadership programs. No matter which program a participant chooses, an essential component of all Amicus programs is the development of positive social skills.

“The biggest difference is the self acceptance and confidence this camp instills. It is also one week where I dont feel constantly anxious about him. I know counsellors will support him to ensure he makes friends, is having fun and feels accepted despite his challenges.”

Camp Amicus Parent

We were also excited to have run our S.T.A.R. program for ages 18-23 for the THIRD year in a row, with high enrollment numbers.

S.T.A.R. is designed to empower participants to tackle adulthood with confidence by teaching essential life skills, fostering independence, and providing meaningful volunteer opportunities.

Youth in Camp Amicus Programs

Total youth enrolled across all Amicus programs

Youth in Amicus Recreation Programs

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT & COMMUNITY EDUCATION Overview

Manager, Bani Puri

The Professional Development & Community Education department brings knowledge, expertise, and practical strategies to our wide range of workshops and courses both in person and online. Continually evolving to reflect current research and to meet the needs of our community, this department offers a wide range of content to engage professionals in appealing, meaningful, and practical learning opportunities.

1460+ Professionals, Parents and Community members served through PD/CE

480+ Course participants

93%

93% of course participants found that the workshop content was easy to follow.

986+

Workshop & Presentation participants

90%

90% of course participants would recommend our courses to others 90%

“I think this course is must for every educator. There are so many things we do not consider or see when working with a student who has ADHD. I shared the handout of the ADHD Iceberg with my school and recommended this course to all my colleagues.’

COMMUNITY & FUNDRAISING EVENTS

Our 2024-2025 year was full of community & fundraising events, including: Marathon After Party

Calgary Marathon Campaign: Steps to Maximize Potential

15th Annual Gordon Hoffman Charity Golf Classic

EVENT SPOTLIGHT

Hoffman Golf

The 15th Annual Gordon Hoffman Charity Golf Classic was a huge success, raising support for Foothills Academy Society! The sold-out event welcomed over 200 golfers, 40+ sponsors, and countless dedicated volunteers.

A heartfelt thank you to our amazing golf committee and all our community supporters for making the day so memorable. And a special thank you to Mr. Gordon Hoffman for his continued and unwavering support of the work we do at Foothills Academy!

Financial Information

2024-2025

FINANCIAL Information

REVENUES ACTUAL 2021 $ REVENUES TOTAL

REVENUES

EXPENDITURES

We want to thank all of our donors and volunteers for their generous contributions to support our bursary fund, events, and ongoing programming development. This support ensures that children with Learning Disabilities can access the specialized programs to help them reach their true potential.

FUNDRAISING EVENT SPOTLIGHT

Put It All On Red: Annual Charity Gala

The first annual charity gala since Covid-19, Put It All on Red, was an unforgettable sold-out evening, welcoming over 180 distinguished guests, alongside generous sponsors and devoted volunteers. Attendees were treated to a night of excitement and elegance, enjoying engaging games and activities, a delicious seated dinner, and an exclusive auction of wonderful prizes, before capping the evening on the dance floor. It was truly a night to remember!