Programs & Courses
Professional Services
- Cosmetology
- Esthetics
- Nail Technology
Campus Locations
Boise 6843 N. Strawberry Glen Rd Ste 140 Boise, ID 83714
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews, Oliver Finley Academy is a highly-rated institution praised by its students for providing a strong education across its cosmetology, esthetics, and nail programs. The school fosters a supportive environment with flexible scheduling, but it faces significant, recurring criticism regarding inconsistent instructor supervision and occasional unprofessional student conduct on the salon floor.
Overall Score: 4.6/5 Stars
Common Praises
High-Quality Education and Knowledgeable Instructors: Graduates frequently praise the instructors for being “amazing,” “very knowledgeable,” and offering “new tips and techniques.” The education is considered “top notch,” providing a great foundation for starting a career.
Positive, Supportive Environment: Reviewers often note the “love the environment and energy” and the supportive staff who are always there to help. Alumni feel the school “opened so many doors” for them in the beauty industry.
Flexibility and Options: The academy is highly commended for offering part-time/night classes, making it accessible for students balancing school with family or work commitments.
Excellent Value for Services: Clients appreciate the “great prices” for “affordable excellent professional salon services.” Specific student artists are often singled out for their detailed work on hair, nails, and brows.
Common Criticisms
Lack of Instructor Supervision (Inconsistent Service Quality): This is a serious, detailed complaint. One client reported three visits within seven days due to a patchy dye job and a messy bleach, noting that they had to request an instructor to check the student’s work—implying a lack of proactive supervision.
Student/Staff Professionalism Issues (Recent): There are recent complaints about the professionalism on the floor, including students “stomping at their clients and rudely yelling bye at them” and appearing to lack professionalism, suggesting a gap in behavioral training or instructor guidance.
General Lacking Professionalism: Other reviewers noted students were “out on the floor way too early, not ready” and that the overall environment lacked professionalism, with students reportedly walking around in sweats.
Product Management and Mistakes: One client reported poor cleanup during a full-color service, which resulted in dye not being removed from their skin.
Momentum
Oliver Finley Academy maintains strong positive momentum among its alumni and clients seeking basic, well-executed services. However, the momentum is complicated by recent, repeated criticisms (within the last 4–5 months) regarding floor professionalism and instructor oversight. The school’s long-term excellent reputation depends on whether the engaged administrative team can effectively address the training gaps and supervision inconsistencies cited in the newer reviews to ensure consistent quality control.