Applying to FTHS

The Application Window for 2020-2021 school year is TBA. 
Students wishing to attend Foothill must fill out the Ventura Unified “School of Choice” application and be selected from a lottery to attend. The window of opportunity for submission starts in mid January  and runs for approximately two weeks. Applications can be picked up at Foothill or at any other school in the district, or they can be completed online through the VUSD website.

Only students who reside in the Ventura Unified School District and are able to provide two proofs of residency at the time of enrollment may apply.  Students who live outside of the district are not eligible to participate in the school of choice process.  

Completed applications should be turned in at any VUSD school or the District Office, 255 W. Stanley Avenue, Ventura, or to the Office Manager at Foothill prior to the closing date. Applications must be complete and contain all required components to be considered for the lottery.  Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

You can pick up a paper application from the Foothill office (100 Day Road) or any VUSD public school or download it (see below). 

For more information on the VUSD School of Choice process or to apply online, please see the VUSD website.

Come to our Information Night: Date TBA 

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

*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 CIF athletics teams.  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