Applying to FTHS

Come to our Information Night: 

Thursday, January 23, 2020, 5:30pm – 8:30pm

Early Meeting* – 5:30-6:30 p.m. in Spirito Hall
Open School Tours – 6:30-7:30 starting in Spirito Hall
Late Meeting* – 7:30-8:30 in Spirito Hall

Spanish Translation will be available.

*Please plan to attend only one of the two meetings offered, as content is the same. 

Students who are successful at Foothill tend to have the following:

• Prepared to enter the Math 1 level in math or higher.

• Prepared to enter English classes that require grade level reading and extensive writing (college preparatory English).

• Have a record of good attendance since Foothill is on a block schedule and attendance is extremely important for academic success.

• Have a strong interest in the career pathways of health science, communications, design and/or technology.

What are the athletic opportunities for my child at Foothill?                                                                                                                          Foothill offers 11 sports and 37 teams including varsity, junior varsity, and some frosh/soph levels.  For complete information, please see our Athletics FAQ.  Athletics FAQ

After graduation, what percentages of students are attending a four-year university?                                                                     
Sixty-plus percent of Foothill graduates attend four-year universities compared to the state average of approximately twenty percent. FTHS courses are “college preparatory”, and we do offer Honors and AP courses. All students work closely with their school counselor to plan for appropriate courses and ensure they are meeting the CSU/UC entrance and GPA requirements. Seniors are provided information regarding scholarships and financial aid via the Senior Dragon News. Financial aid, scholarship, and application process workshops are provided for students and parents throughout the year.

Does a student need computer skills to be accepted at FTHS?                                                                                                                         
No. All students will be trained in technology their first year at Foothill.

What support services does Foothill Technology High School offer?

• Three school counselors provide comprehensive counseling program including: academic advice/monitoring, college and career advice, personal counseling, and consultation.

• Career Specialist and Job Developer provide on-going college and career planning assistance by: meeting with each grade level 2-3 times a year, using Bridges and other interest inventories, arranging for job shadows, guest speakers, and tours of various businesses.

• Foothill Intervention, Reinforcement and Enrichment program (FIRE) provides access to teachers for homework assistance and tutoring is required for all 9th graders and available to all students.

• Intervention is provided for students at risk of not passing the high school exit exam.

• National Honor Society (NHS) peer tutoring is available during FIRE.

• All teachers serve as student advocates and support a college going culture

• Health services are provided by a health technician and school nurse

How will students meet the physical education requirements?

All ninth and tenth grade students must take P.E. We offer a variety of options to include:

• taking P.E. as an Independent Study class and working out at a private fitness facility such as Maverick’s or the YMCA.

• taking P.E. courses at Ventura College (10th grade and above, only)

• taking P.E. courses in dance or conditioning at Foothill Tech during Periods 1 – 7

• playing sports

Will my child need to use a computer at home for schoolwork?

For some homework assignments, yes. An investment in a home computer is an investment in your children’s future. 

Will my child earn college credit for his/her college course and will there be fees?

Yes. Students completing college coursework at Ventura College may earn dual credit; meaning both high school and college credit for the college course. Students must work closely with their counselor and ensure Foothill receives an official transcript from the college for courses completed. There is no tuition for high school students; however, they are responsible for health and lab fees, as well as all books. At this time, Foothill’s regular high school-level coursework, except for AP classes in which a student has passed the AP exam, does not qualify students for college-level credit.

What type of students attend Foothill?

We want to have a diverse student body. Students will choose to attend FTHS for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to:

• wanting a smaller, more intimate environment

• having daily access to technology

• preparing for college success

• interest in integrated curriculum with significant exchange among subject areas

• looking for a challenge

• interest in multimedia

• wanting to learn technology skills

• having parents who encourage them to attend

• interest in the medical or communications field

• needing a different learning environment