Foothill-De Anza Community College District Mission

The mission of the Foothill–De Anza Community College District is student success and educational excellence. The district and its colleges provide access to affordable, quality educational programs and services that develop a broadly educated and socially responsible community that supports an equitable and just future for California and the global community. Every member of our district contributes to a dynamic instructional and learning environment that fosters student engagement, equal opportunity, and innovation in meeting the various educational and career goals of our diverse students. Foothill-De Anza is driven by an equity agenda and core values of integrity, inclusion, care for our students' well-being, and sustainability.

Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, Foothill-De Anza serves the communities of Cupertino, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Mountain View, Palo Alto, Stanford, Sunnyvale and portions of San Jose.

Our Mission, Vision, Values & Purpose

Our Mission

Embracing inclusivity and building strong communities, Foothill College serves diverse learners and equips its students with critical thinking skills to address complex societal challenges, to thrive in the global workforce, and to engage in a life of inquiry.

Approved by the Mission Informed Planning Council, Nov. 17, 2023; Approved by the Board of Trustees, Dec. 11, 2023

Our Vision

Foothill College educates students from diverse backgrounds that represent the demographics of the Bay Area, with particular attention to underserved and underrepresented populations. Foothill students master content and skills which are critical for their future success. They develop and act upon a sense of responsibility to be stewards of the public good.

Our Values

• Honesty
• Integrity
• Trust
• Openness
• Transparency
• Forgiveness
• Sustainability

Our Purpose

Foothill’s purpose is to provide access to educational opportunity for all with innovation and distinction.

Our Institutional Learning Outcomes

The college seeks to fulfill its educational mission by supporting student achievement of certain learning outcomes, which emphasize knowledge and skills development beyond those of a specific discipline.

Regardless of their educational goal or the number of courses and quarters completed successfully, Foothill College students should demonstrate equitable outcomes and student success in areas that include written and oral communication in English, mathematics, critical and analytical thinking, creativity, teamwork, responsibility, and other proficiencies.

The college defines four Institutional Learning Outcomes (ILOs):

• Communication
• Computation
• Critical Thinking
• Community

Foothill College Educational Master Plan 2016-2022

Foothill College Offers

• Bachelor's degrees in dental hygiene and in respiratory care, associate in arts, associate in science, associate in arts–transfer and associate in science–transfer degrees, as well as preparation for transfer to another college, university or postsecondary institution
• Career education, training and services
• Basic skills, English for second-language learners (ESLL), leadership skills and student development
• Student support services to promote success

Our History

The Foothill-De Anza Community College District was founded January 15, 1957, following several months of study by citizen groups and the California Department of Education. The district covers an area of about 105 square miles and includes the Palo Alto Unified School, Mountain View-Los Altos Union High School and Fremont Union High School districts.

On September 15, 1958, the district opened a temporary campus on El Camino Real in Mountain View. The Los Altos Hills main campus of Foothill College was completed and opened to students in September 1961.

In 1967, the district opened its second campus, De Anza College, in Cupertino. The two colleges coordinate programs and services, thereby providing our students with the flexibility to enroll in courses at both campuses.

Foothill: An Outstanding Community College

Founded with the hallmark of educational opportunity for all, Foothill College is internationally recognized as one of the nation's most outstanding community colleges. Students of all ages enroll at Foothill College for a single class, one or two-year certificate and degree programs, to complete one of two bachelor's degrees, or to complete general education requirements for transfer to four-year universities. Our academic programs lead to a bachelor's degree in dental hygiene or respiratory care, associate in arts, associate in science, associate in arts–transfer and associate in science–transfer degrees. They also meet the freshman and sophomore requirements of University of California, California State University and private education systems. In addition, we offer many professional and technical programs for students seeking re-training or career advancement.

Foothill serves northern Santa Clara County, educating more than 11,000 day and evening students at the main campus, Sunnyvale Center, online and at many community and industry sites each quarter.

Sunnyvale Center

To further meet the educational needs of Silicon Valley residents and businesses, Foothill College operates a state-of-the-art 46,883-square-foot campus in Sunnyvale. Conveniently located within the Moffett Business Park, the Sunnyvale Center is easily accessible via freeways 101 and 237 and near a VTA light rail stop. Students may choose from a wide variety of academic programs that focus on emerging and in-demand fields, including computer science, geospatial technology and emergency medical services. The center houses a full complement of services, including admissions, counseling and a bookstore. For more information and a full listing of programs and courses, please visit foothill.edu/sunnyvale.

Committed to Our Community

We are committed to community education. At Foothill College, we:

• Offer low-cost, high-quality education;
• Recognize our students have different, changing educational needs; and
• Strive to create a college community of students, faculty and staff.

Our educational process should help you:

• Develop and recognize human dignity;
• Think for yourself, learn to learn, and practice creative arts and skills; and
• Become a contributing community member.

We meet our commitments by providing:

• Academic programs to help you transfer to a four-year college or university;
• Professional and technical programs to help you develop skills for job entry, re-entry and career upgrading;
• A general education program to broaden educational and cultural experiences;
• Remedial and developmental education to bring basic skills up to full potential;
• Excellence in all academic programs, student services and community outreach programs;
• Convenient community classrooms;
• Out-of-class activities so you can learn in less formal, more hands-on environments;
• A counseling and matriculation program to help you recognize your capabilities and educational and life goals;
• Health services, psychological services, financial aid, placement testing and proctoring services;
• Partnerships with social and educational agencies, business and industry to determine and serve our community’s educational needs; and
• Cultural programs, recreational activities, resources and facilities available to the general public.

We Celebrate Diversity

We value the diversity of students on our campus and continually work to meet the needs of all students. Our faculty, staff and administrators believe teaching a multicultural perspective is just as important as teaching reading, writing and technology in today’s world.

“The Most Beautiful Community College”

The Foothill College campus is located on 122 acres in the rolling foothills of Los Altos Hills. The campus adjoins El Monte Road and Interstate 280, the scenic Junipero Serra Freeway.

The American Institute of Architects has honored Foothill College for its outstanding design, and a San Francisco Chronicle architecture critic called our campus “the most beautiful community college ever built.” The distinctive Pacific-style architecture harmonizes with the surrounding hillside community, creating a beautiful and informal atmosphere conducive to college study.

Measure G Campus Improvements

Campus Highlights

• All-Weather Track
• Appreciation Hall
• Bamboo Garden and Azumaya (meditation pavilion)
• BIPOC Multicultural Center
• Campus Center
• Computer Centers
• Dental Hygiene Clinic
• Environmental Horticulture Complex
• Football Stadium
• Foothill College Sunnyvale Center
• Golf Instruction Complex
• Interdisciplinary Electronic Arts (IDEA) Center
• Japanese Cultural Center
• KFJC-FM Radio Station
• Krause Center for Innovation
• Library & Learning Resource Center
• Lohman Theatre
• Lower Campus Complex
• Observatory
• Olympic-Size Swimming Pool
• Owls Nest Community Resource Center
• Physical Sciences & Engineering Center (PSEC)
• Robert C. Smithwick Theatre
• Softball and Soccer Fields
• STEM Success Center
• Teaching & Learning Center (TLC)
• Tennis Courts
• Veterans Resource Center
• Veterinary Technology Complex
• Wellness Center

Public Events

Foothill College presents a variety of public events throughout the year. These events include plays and musicals, athletic events, plant sales, gallery exhibits, cultural activities and science lectures. For more information, review the college's event calendar.

Facility Rental

Foothill College parking lots, classrooms, conference rooms, physical education facilities, theaters, dining room and Physical Sciences & Engineering Center (PSEC) facilities are available for rent to the public when they are not being used for campus activities. Rental fees include space rental only. Additional fees apply for equipment and labor.

If you are interested in renting a Foothill facility, visit the rental website, or call 650.949.7057.