Building a Foundation for Life

Foundation Academy Celebrates 60 Years with Continued Growth

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This year, Foundation Academy proudly celebrates its 60th anniversary. What began as a kindergarten program back in 1958 has grown into a two-campus, preschool through 12th grade, private Christian school in Winter Garden. This year, the school is not only commemorating its impressive history, but also its promising future, with plans to expand and continue its legacy as a foundation for academic excellence.

“Much has happened over the last few years to make this 60th anniversary a springboard into truly solidifying FA’s future,” said Michelle Campbell, director of admissions. “The bar has been raised in all areas.

“Just a few years ago, we had around 500 students and now have close to 800. Our school president, head of school and school board are working hard to get things in place that will help meet that growth and demand.”

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Expansion plans include an additional academic building, expanding the current technology building and gymnasium, creating a fine arts center, as well as a soon-to-be-completed athletic complex that will service football, soccer and track.

“While we are excited about our continued growth, we are also cognizant of our identity and the importance of maintaining our family atmosphere,” said Carol Grosshans, the head of the school. “Partnering together, parents and school, is vital to who we are and desire to continue to be.

“One of the things that we are known for, aside from being a place to get a great education, is that we are a family. We like to say that ‘You can’t have Family without FA!’”

Foundation Academy boasts a 100 percent college acceptance rate, as well as commendations in all areas of S.T.E.A.M — Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math. The school offers a wide variety of art and music programs and an impressive drama program. There are numerous extracurricular activities, including sports teams and a performance choir.

Feedback from FA’s parents and students consistently reveals one of the things they love most about Foundation Academy is that character is valued just as much as
academics.

Micah and Alicia Wilder, parents of three children who attend FA said, “We chose FA, because we were looking for a place our
children could grow spiritually and academically.”

Foundation Academy offers an a la carte selection of Advanced Placement classes, as well as dual enrollment classes, right on its own campus.

“This versatility serves students who are striving for a highly selective college, as well as those whose goal is to acquire as many college credits as possible” said Tim Covey, director of guidance. “We have some students graduating with up to 60 college credits. It’s great for those students who are ready for that next level academically, but it keeps them in an environment they are comfortable with, alongside their age-equivalent peers. It’s the best of both worlds, providing a smoother transition to college.”

The Christian aspect of FA’s education is more than just an extra Bible class worked into the student’s day. It is interwoven into their subjects.

“Students in our middle school and high school begin to explore the biblical principles behind things like peer pressure, making good decisions, forgiving others and bullying,” said David Buckles, school president. “We also have an excellent leadership program that allows students to develop their leadership skills. It gives them a leg up as they embark on the next phase of their life in college.

“Sixty years ago, it was a black board, today it’s a Smart Board, tomorrow there will be no board, as we will not be limited to just the four walls of a class, but FA will always have teachers and tools that prepare students for life after graduation.”

Foundation Academy is currently accepting admission applications and has a number of open house events scheduled. For more information, visit www.foundationacademy.net. ♥