Admissions

Admissions FAQs

The First Academy is a Christ-centered, college-preparatory school seeking to partner with Christian families whose students are typically working in the average to above average academic range in the classroom and on standardized tests. Other factors that are considered are church involvement, family statement of faith, teacher and pastor recommendations, the student's history on report cards, their personal behavior, and input from parents and students at the family conference.

How long has The First Academy been a part of the Central Florida community?
The First Academy was founded in 1986. Starting with grades K-6, the school added a grade level each year until our first senior class graduated in 1994. In each of the classes graduating since that time, every graduating senior has been accepted to college.

Is the school accredited?
The First Academy is accredited by the Florida Council of Independent Schools (FCIS), the Florida Kindergarten Council (FKC), the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS), the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), and the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI).

How many students are enrolled?
There are more than 1,100 students in TFA's Lower School, Middle School, Upper School, and Classical School program combined.

What is the maximum class size?
To facilitate optimum learning we strive to maintain the following class sizes: K4 (12-14 students), Transitional Kindergarten (15 students), Kindergarten through Grade 2 (18 students), Grade 3 (20 students), and Grades 4 through 12 (22 students).

At what age is my child eligible for The First Academy K4 program? 
Students should be four years old by September 1 to be eligible for our K4 program. We have screening sessions scheduled throughout the year to determine the readiness of individual students. See our Admissions Calendar for scheduled screening dates and times.

What are school hours?
Students may be dropped off as early as 7:30am.

Aftercare is available for students in grades K4 - 12 for an additional fee.

What are the tuition costs at The First Academy?
Please visit the Tuition & Fees page for this year's tuition expenses.

What does tuition cover? 
Tuition includes most textbooks, technology, and lab use. Please see the Activity Fee list for a helpful list of most fees and optional charges that may apply to you.

Does The First Academy accept Children's First or McKay Scholarships?

The First Academy does not accept any type of scholarships but First Hope at The Classical School does accept the McKay Scholarship.

Are there Fine Arts programs at The First Academy?
Our fine arts department provides an outstanding education in the visual and performing arts with an emphasis on Christian Worldview of the Arts. The faculty and staff have created a supportive environment in which students can grow in the fields of visual arts, theatre, expressive arts and music, including band and vocal programs. Students participate in community art festivals and compete in districts and state vocal, band and theatre festivals. 

Does the school have Lower School sports?

The First Academy offers a robust Lower School Program for students in grades K through 5. Students have the opportunity to learn and develop athletic skills and explore participation in nine different sports.

Does the school have Middle and High School sports?
The First Academy has a solid reputation in the state of Florida for its athletic competition for winning several state, regional and district awards. We are a competitive class 2A school, a member of the Florida High School Activities Association, and offer fourteen different sports for boys and girls in grades 6 through 12.

What about technology?

Each classroom, Kindergarten through 5th grade, is equipped with computers, most with wireless labs. Our 6th through 12th grade students take advantage of state-of-the-art computer labs and classes with interactive White Boards. All students in Grades 9-12, will be issued an iPad for their educational use. Upper School students also can be involved in an in-house television studio and radio station.

Our parents enjoy Renweb which enables them  to view weekly lesson plans, assignments, grades, and test dates. It also allows our parents to change their information, access school directories, calendars, and volunteer opportunities and receive electronic news from school staff.

Are there after-school activities?
There is a wide range of activities for your child. For our Lower School students, we offer ballet, basketball, soccer, flag football, T-ball, baseball, golf, cheerleading and childcare until 6:00 pm. Our Middle and Upper School students enjoy many FHSAA sports, clubs, and fine arts activities.

Does the school have after-school care?
Yes, students in grades K4 - 12 may stay until 6:00 p.m. for an additional charge.  They may stay every day or drop-in.

Can my child visit The First Academy before deciding?
Yes, for students in grades 1-12 we offer a prospective student-shadowing program.  Just call the Admissions Office to set up a time.

What about Wait Lists?
If an applicant is qualified to attend The First Academy but there is no grade-level space available, the applicant's name will be placed in a "wait pool."  The wait pool is made up of qualified applicants available to fill a specific opening in a specific grade.  When and if an opening becomes available, the Admissions Committee will convene and select the most appropriate candidate for the opening.  Once a new school year begins, we rollover the applicants to a new pool and will consider them if an opening occurs during the year.

I need more information. What should I do?
Email admissions@thefirstacademy.org us or give us a call at (407) 206-8602 and we will be more than happy to help.