Definitively Christ-Centered, Distinctly College-Prep
by Toni Daylor
As competition in the workforce continues to grow, parents seek ways to give their children that extra edge. Often, they turn to private institutions as the means to provide an exceptional education and increase their children’s chances for success. Many types of private schools are offered, and it is important to find the right fit.
Since opening in 1987, The First Academy has built a solid reputation as one of Central Florida’s premier college preparatory schools.
“All that we do is based on our mission statement, which says that TFA is a Christ-centered, college preparatory school that prepares children for life as Christian leaders who choose character before career, wisdom beyond scholarship, service before self and participation as a way of life,” said Headmaster Steve D. Whitaker, Ph.D.
Students at The First Academy receive the skills they need to become successful students, leaders and citizens.
TFA serves more than 1,000 students from kindergarten through grade 12. Situated on a 150-acre parcel of land in Southwest Orlando that is shared with its sponsor, First Baptist Church of Orlando, TFA has lower, middle and high school classrooms, as well as a world-class multisport complex and numerous athletic fields.
Academically driven, TFA prides itself on the challenging curriculum it has developed at each grade level.
“We are continually re-evaluating and improving on what and how we teach our students,” said Luci Higgins, Ed.D., TFA’s director of curriculum and instruction. “Over the years, we have made great strides and are always looking forward to improve student achievement.”
Higgins seeks out and collaborates with other private schools across the nation and attends numerous educational seminars, conferences and continuing education courses in her quest to provide the best curriculum and instructional techniques available. Innovative methods are then incorporated into the classroom.
“We really look for top teachers,” said Higgins, referring to staff members, who are required to have at least a bachelor’s in their field of instruction. Many also have advanced degrees.
“We refer to them as the ‘living curriculum,’ ” Higgins stated.
Students are frequently evaluated using nationally recognized standardized assessment tests. The school not only meets the state educational benchmarks, but exceeds them by setting higher standards at every stage from kindergarten through high school.
TFA’s academic excellence was acknowledged in 2009, when the lower school was designated as a Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Secretary of Education. Just 314 public and private schools nationwide earned this prestigious award, and TFA was one of only 12 schools in Florida.
Middle-schoolers who demonstrate the aptitude are able to take advanced courses, which in turn gives them more flexibility to experience other programs and opportunities during their high school years.
In fact, this last year, 69 percent of TFA seventh-graders qualified for the Duke Talent Identification Program.
At the high school level, TFA has been able to double its selection of Advanced Placement courses. As a result of its high standards and rigorous coursework, TFA boasts a college acceptance rate of 100 percent for its graduating seniors.
Communication between teachers and parents is essential to the success of the students. TFA uses a Web portal, known as RenWeb, which gives parents access to their children’s teachers, grades and assignments. They also can choose to receive e-mails daily or weekly to keep abreast of their children’s progress. Teachers are able to communicate any concerns they may have using the password-protected site, and conferences are conducted throughout the year.
In addition to traditional academic programs, TFA has developed educational environments to meet specific needs.
The Learning Center provides accelerated learning opportunities for gifted students, as well as speech, occupational and cognitive therapy.
The Classical School offers on-campus classes and enrichment programs for home-schooled students. Affiliated with the Classical School is the First Hope program, which provides education for pre-K children with physical and mental disabilities. TFA will expand its scope in the fall with the launch of a traditional pre-K4 program.
Though academics certainly take center stage, students also have many opportunities to excel in fine arts and on the athletic field.
TFA is a member of the Florida High School Athletic Association. The school offers football, volleyball, cross country, golf, swimming, diving, basketball, soccer, lacrosse, tennis, track and field, weightlifting, baseball and softball.
“We are able to compete and do very well with schools that are double our size,” said Yvonne Englund, TFA’s director of admissions.
She attributes much of the sports programs’ successes to the coaches who emphasize the importance of integrity and sportsmanship. Varsity coaches also are instructors and extend their influence beyond the field into classrooms.
Exposure to music, art and theater can positively impact the development of a student. TFA has programs that extend from the lower school into high school. Drama, band, choir, art, marching band, concert and jazz bands, and percussion ensembles are a sampling of what is offered. Many of the high school theater productions are primarily student-led, thus reinforcing leadership qualities.
For an additional fee, students can take part in a variety of after-school enrichment programs.
The third and most important component of the educational experience TFA students can expect focuses on spiritual growth. Students enjoy attending weekly on-site chapel services. According to Higgins, topics presented in chapel are designed to be relevant to today’s society and applicable to students and how they approach life.
Those considering TFA must complete a comprehensive application process, and students must meet certain academic requirements.
Prospective students are able to shadow other students as they go through their day, to give them a feel for the campus, student body and classes.
“Most of the students who shadow end up enrolling,” Englund said. “We encourage both parents and their children to tour the campus prior to deciding to apply.”
The public is invited to visit TFA during an open house March 21 from 2-4 p.m.
The summer before the start of each school year, select TFA students and parents are paired with incoming students and their families to offer advice and guidance.
Yearly tuition costs vary by the student’s grade level, and tuition assistance is available to families based on their financial needs. When distributing scholarship funds, TFA relies on the recommendations of an independent accredited organization that reviews each application.
“Since welcoming its first students more than 20 years ago, TFA has continued its commitment to produce the next generation of global leaders through a Christ-centered and academically challenging environment,” Whitaker said. “We want to teach the mind and reach the heart.”
One hundred percent of TFA’s graduates have been accepted to college, and they are serving around the world as doctors and lawyers, pastors and teachers, business leaders and influencers. Englund invited families to call the admissions office to learn more about the TFA advantage.
TFA students and graduates are taught to reach beyond their grasp.
The First Academy is located at 2667 Bruton Blvd. in Orlando. For more information, call 407-206-8600 or visit www.thefirstacademy.org on the Web. Please take note: The Lee Janzen Gala Dinner & Auction will be held March 6 at 5 p.m. in First Baptist Church of Orlando’s Faith Hall. Proceeds will benefit TFA.
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