The First Academy
Encyclopedia
The First Academy is a Christian private school in Orlando, Florida. The school was founded in 1986 and will be celebrating its 25th Anniversary in 2012!
TFA currently enrolls about 1135 students in their 4 Divisions: Lower School (K4-5), Middle School (6-8), Upper School (9-12) and The Classical School (homeschool). The Head of School is Dr. Steve Whitaker, who joined in 2003. Upon his arrival, Dr. Whitaker outlined key objectives that would move TFA toward a stated vision of improvement encompassing every aspect of the institution. TFA attained dual accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) and the Lower School earned designation as a National Blue Ribbon School.
In 2006, TFA expanded its Lower School campus, a new Upper School welcomed students in early 2009, improvements were made to enhance and expand the library and media center, a new stadium with concession area and field house were added to the Payne Stewart Athletic Complex and the Dizney Family Tennis Center opened.
The First Academy boasts a 100% college acceptance rate for its graduating seniors since the first graduating class in 1994. The Class of 2011 received an average of $90,000 per student in scholarship offers. TFA students at every grade level consistently score well above the state and national average on standardized tests. For nearly a decade, more than half of TFA seventh grade students have qualified for the Duke University Talent Identification program for academically accomplished students, as well as 68% of the most recent fourth grade class.
TFA recently captured its 4th consecutive 2A Florida State Championship for girl's volleyball!
TFA is a Class 2A school and a member of the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA).
TFA currently enrolls about 1135 students in their 4 Divisions: Lower School (K4-5), Middle School (6-8), Upper School (9-12) and The Classical School (homeschool). The Head of School is Dr. Steve Whitaker, who joined in 2003. Upon his arrival, Dr. Whitaker outlined key objectives that would move TFA toward a stated vision of improvement encompassing every aspect of the institution. TFA attained dual accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) and the Lower School earned designation as a National Blue Ribbon School.
In 2006, TFA expanded its Lower School campus, a new Upper School welcomed students in early 2009, improvements were made to enhance and expand the library and media center, a new stadium with concession area and field house were added to the Payne Stewart Athletic Complex and the Dizney Family Tennis Center opened.
History
The First Academy is a Christ-centered college-preparatory school serving over 1,100 Central Florida students in grades K4 (4 years by Sept.1) through 12. In the decades since its opening in 1987 the school has continued to grow the academic, fine arts, and athletic programs that have elevated its students to the highest levels of achievement and helped develop strength of character that leads young men and women to serve others in their own community and across the globe.The First Academy boasts a 100% college acceptance rate for its graduating seniors since the first graduating class in 1994. The Class of 2011 received an average of $90,000 per student in scholarship offers. TFA students at every grade level consistently score well above the state and national average on standardized tests. For nearly a decade, more than half of TFA seventh grade students have qualified for the Duke University Talent Identification program for academically accomplished students, as well as 68% of the most recent fourth grade class.
Athletics
The First Academy's Payne Stewart Athletic Complex houses Warden Stadium which is home to the football, soccer and lacrosse athletes. Track and Field athletes enjoy the 1/4 mile Mondo Super X track. Softball and baseball fields along with collegiate-style locker rooms are also at the Complex.TFA recently captured its 4th consecutive 2A Florida State Championship for girl's volleyball!
TFA is a Class 2A school and a member of the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA).
- Varsity Programs - Tennis, Football, Cross Country, Girls Volleyball, Golf, Swimming, Diving, Cheerleading, Basketball, Soccer, Track & Field, Weightlifting, Baseball, Softball, and Boys Lacrosse,
- Junior Varsity - Basketball, Girls Volleyball, Golf, Tennis, Cross Country, Boys Lacrosse, and Baseball
- Middle School - Football, Volleyball, Cheerleading, Basketball, Soccer, Track & Field, Baseball, Softball and Cross Country