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The First Academy (TFA) is a private Christian school established in 1987 in Orlando, Florida. The school serves over 1,250 students from preschool through twelfth grade.[1]

Key Information

Academics

[edit]

The First Academy is an Orlando-based private Christian school for students from preschool to 12th grade. It is an Apple Distinguished School[citation needed] and was named Orlando's Best Private School by Orlando Magazine in 2017,[2] and the second-best private school by Southwest Orlando Bulletin in 2016.[3]

Language Programs

[edit]

The language programs at The First Academy consist of Latin, Mandarin, and Spanish. These specific courses are taught by teachers who have a unique testimony each, as some may take place either inside or outside the United States. As in grade 8 students can take a Language Honors Class, giving high school credit early to those who choose to take one of the three classes provided, as midterms will also be provided around halfway through the year for comprehension check.

As a member of the Florida High School Athletic Association[4] (FHSAA), The First Academy Royals participate in over 22 interscholastic sports at the varsity, junior varsity, and middle school levels.

2016 Incident

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In 2016, students at the school caused controversy by holding an "Instagram debate on the N-word"—some former students claimed to have experienced racism and homophobia while attending the institution. School officials denounced what had happened and implemented changes to improve race relations.[5][6][7]

The City Beautiful Invitational

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The First Academy hosts a 16-team annual Christmas basketball tournament called the CIty Beautiful Invitational, last contested (as of 2022) in 2019.[8]

Notable alumni

[edit]

References

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[edit]
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The First Academy

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The First Academy (TFA) is a private Christian college-preparatory school located in Orlando, Florida. Founded in 1987, it provides Christ-centered education from preschool (including programs starting at 8 weeks old) through 12th grade to over 1,400 students on its campus at 2667 Bruton Boulevard.[1][2][3] The school emphasizes holistic development of students' minds, bodies, and spirits through a rigorous academic curriculum integrated with faith, athletics, fine arts, and character formation. Its programs are divided into preschool, lower school (Kindergarten Prep–5th grade), middle school (6th–8th grades), upper school (9th–12th grades), hybrid home+school, and distinct abilities learning options for diverse student needs.[2][3][4][5][6] Under the leadership of Head of School Dr. Steve Whitaker, The First Academy maintains a 100% college acceptance rate for graduating seniors, who have collectively earned over $105 million in college scholarship offers. Graduates consistently score above state and national averages on standardized tests, and the school supports college preparation through advanced programs such as Advanced Placement courses, dual enrollment, and accelerated pathways for college credit.[2][6] The school is recognized for its excellence, with lower and middle schools designated as Blue Ribbon Schools by the U.S. Department of Education, and it has been named among the top private Christian schools in Orlando and Orange County. Its modern campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including the Payne Stewart Athletic Complex and Cramer Family Field House, supporting vibrant athletics (as the Royals), fine arts, and spiritual growth programs.[7][2][3]

History

Founding

The First Academy was founded in 1987 in Orlando, Florida, by Tom Gurney and Dr. Jim Henry, Pastor Emeritus of First Baptist Church of Orlando.[8] The school opened its doors in the fall of 1987 with an initial enrollment of 232 students in kindergarten through fifth grade.[8] The founders envisioned a Christ-centered institution that would welcome both Christian and non-Christian students alike, providing an environment where young people could encounter the life-changing power of the Gospel through their teachers and coaches.[8] This vision aligned with the school's establishment as a private Christian college-preparatory institution focused on holistic development, emphasizing growth in mind, body, and spirit to prepare students as Christian leaders who prioritize character.[3][2][9]

Growth and Milestones

Since its founding in 1987, The First Academy has expanded significantly in enrollment and scope, evolving into a comprehensive preschool-through-grade-12 institution serving over 1,400 students across Central Florida.[2][8] The school has grown from an initial enrollment of 232 students in kindergarten through fifth grade to more than 1,400 students, with recent years marking record highs and expectations of continued increases.[8][10] A major milestone is the school's consistent achievement of a 100% college acceptance rate for graduating seniors, who have collectively received more than $105 million in scholarship offers.[2] This reflects the institution's long-term emphasis on college-preparatory outcomes alongside its Christ-centered mission. The school has introduced key programs to broaden its educational offerings, including the Distinct Abilities Learning program, which provides tailored, Christ-centered support for students with unique learning needs, and the Hybrid Home+School division, which supports families in combined homeschool and on-campus learning environments.[11][10] These additions, along with expansions in areas such as competitive academic teams, have supported ongoing enrollment growth and enhanced opportunities for student development in academics, arts, and athletics.[2][10]

Campus and Facilities

Location

The First Academy is located at 2667 Bruton Boulevard in Orlando, Florida.[12] The school occupies a spacious campus on the property of First Orlando, a prominent church and recognizable landmark in the city, which encompasses a 150-acre property overall.[13] This central position in Orlando makes the campus highly accessible for families across Central Florida, with most families living 15 to 30 minutes from campus depending on their area of residence.[13] Its proximity to major destinations—including Downtown Orlando, Universal Studios, and The Mall at Millenia—enhances convenience for commuting families and supports educational field trips and extracurricular opportunities.[13] The campus sits on the expansive church property, where first-time visitors may need a moment to get oriented due to its spaciousness.[13]

Buildings and Infrastructure

The First Academy's campus includes a variety of purpose-built facilities that support its preschool through grade 12 programs, with dedicated spaces for academics, student life, athletics, arts, and spiritual development.[14] Academic buildings are divided by school level. The Lower School building, originally constructed in 1987, has been expanded and renovated to serve Kindergarten Prep through 5th grade. Separate structures house the Middle School and Upper School, accommodating grades 6 through 12 and providing environments for both academic instruction and spiritual growth. The Boyd Leadership Center contains administrative offices, admissions, and the Boyd Moline Library, which students use weekly for resources, research, and writing support. Preschool and early childhood facilities include dedicated spaces for infants, toddlers, and young children, along with the Distinct Abilities Learning area for specialized education.[14] The Natalie Thomas Student Center, completed in early 2024, functions as a central campus hub. It features the Whitaker Auditorium, used for weekly chapels, fine arts performances, and special events; the Royal Eatery for meals and snacks; and the Gather Lunchroom for student dining and interaction.[14] Athletic infrastructure includes the Cramer Family Field House, completed in 2016, which offers an NBA-sized basketball court, multiple regulation courts for basketball and volleyball, seating for nearly 1,000 spectators, state-of-the-art weight and training rooms, athletic offices, and the Royal Store. The Payne Stewart Athletic Complex encompasses Warden Stadium for football, soccer, lacrosse, and track events; the Orel Hershiser baseball field; a softball field; a collegiate-level track; athletic locker rooms; and the Dizney Tennis Center with five courts.[14][15] Facilities supporting arts and spiritual life include the Whitaker Auditorium for fine arts productions and chapels, as well as access to the Worship Center and other chapels for large school-wide events, all-school chapels, and programs such as the Christmas Program and Veterans Celebration. The Language Ministry Center hosts Upper School classes and various student activities.[14][7]

Academics

Educational Philosophy

The First Academy's educational philosophy is guided by the motto "Academics to excel. Faith to inspire."[2] This Christ-centered approach seeks to develop students holistically in mind, body, and spirit through a Gospel-centered school culture that integrates faith across all aspects of learning and life.[3][16] The school's mission is to prepare children for life as Christian leaders who choose character before career, wisdom beyond scholarship, service before self, and participation as a way of life.[16] Spiritual formation is central to this mission, engaging the head to know God's truth, the heart to love it, the hands to live and share it through service and leadership, and habits to walk in it daily.[16] This philosophy emphasizes equipping students to fulfill God’s purpose through academic excellence paired with character development, fostering leadership rooted in biblical principles and a commitment to serving others.[2] The result is an environment where students grow intellectually, spiritually, and relationally in a supportive, faith-inspired community.[3]

Curriculum and Programs

The First Academy offers a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum across preschool through grade 12, integrating a biblical worldview into core subjects while emphasizing hands-on learning, innovative problem-solving, and critical thinking in and out of the classroom.[3] The curriculum is enriched with fine arts programs that allow students to express themselves creatively and includes athletics as part of a well-rounded education supporting mind, body, and spirit.[3] Special programs include the Hybrid Home+School option, a flexible K–12 hybrid model where students attend on-campus classes two days a week with certified teachers and complete teacher-directed assignments at home the remaining three days, allowing participation in athletics, fine arts, and campus events while maintaining academic standards and a Christ-centered focus.[17] The Distinct Abilities Learning program serves K–12 students with unique learning needs, providing individualized academic plans, small student-to-teacher ratios, job and social skills training, elective courses, physical education, and a research-based curriculum in a supportive, faith-based environment.[11] The school maintains a student-teacher ratio of 15:1, and 100% of its teachers are degreed Christ-followers committed to nurturing students' academic and spiritual growth.[1][18] Upper School students have access to advanced opportunities through the Accelerated Pathways program, including concurrent courses for college credit, Advanced Placement courses, and dual enrollment.[19]

School Divisions

The First Academy organizes its academic programs into multiple divisions tailored to students' developmental stages, from early childhood through high school, along with extended programs that support learners across various grade levels. The school's Preschool division serves children from 8 weeks old to 3 years.[1] The Lower School division covers KPrep through 5th grade.[1] Middle School encompasses grades 6 through 8,[1] and Upper School includes grades 9 through 12.[1] In addition to these core divisions, the school offers extended programs that operate across multiple grade levels, including the Hybrid Home+School program (K through 12th grade), which blends on-campus classes with home-based learning, and the Distinct Abilities Learning program (K through 12th grade), designed for students with diverse learning needs.[3][20][11]

Recognition and Achievements

The First Academy has earned widespread recognition for its strong academic performance and innovative educational practices. Graduating seniors achieve a 100% college acceptance rate and have collectively received over $105 million in scholarship offers from colleges and universities.[2] Students at every grade level consistently score well above state and national averages on standardized tests.[2] Niche reports an average SAT score of 1220 and an average ACT score of 27, both exceeding typical national benchmarks.[21] The school has been designated an Apple Distinguished School for 2022–2026, marking its fourth such recognition,[22] for its exemplary implementation of a 1:1 technology program featuring iPad Pros in lower grades and MacBook Airs in upper grades.[23] It has also been named Orlando's Best Private School for eight consecutive years and has received multiple top rankings from Niche.com, including #1 Best Christian K-12 School in 2026, as well as top positions in Best Christian High Schools in Florida and related categories.[21][23] Additional distinctions include frequent recognition as a top Christian school by Niche and Playground Magazine, Nearpod Certified School status, and consistent honors in the College Board's AP program with numerous AP Scholars, alongside National Merit Commended Students and other qualifiers.[23]

Athletics

Sports Programs

The First Academy's athletic programs are affiliated with the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA), where teams compete as the Royals in the school's colors of royal blue and gold.[24][25] The upper school offers 23 interscholastic sports at varsity and junior varsity levels across fall, winter, and spring seasons. The middle school offers a separate competitive athletics program with its own set of sports. These programs provide a range of team and individual opportunities, such as football, basketball, soccer, cross country, track and field, baseball, softball, tennis, golf, lacrosse, wrestling, weightlifting, volleyball, cheerleading, and beach volleyball.[6][5][26][27][28] The athletic department emphasizes Christ-centered competition, aiming to develop student-athletes holistically in character, integrity, leadership, and faith while fostering discipline, sportsmanship, and excellence across all levels and sports.[24]

Teams and Tournaments

The First Academy Royals have distinguished themselves in competitive play through participation in high-profile tournaments and consistent achievement in Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) events. The school hosts the annual City Beautiful Invitational, a prestigious 16-team boys' basketball tournament held each December in the Cramer Family Field House on campus. Launched in 2017, the event is the first of its scale in Orlando and attracts teams from across the country, showcasing elite competition in a state-of-the-art facility. Past champions include Centerville (Ohio) in 2017 and Mainland in 2018, with the tournament emphasizing high-level matchups and professional organization.[29] In recent years, Royals teams have secured multiple state titles. The varsity baseball team won the FHSAA Class 3A state championship following a dominant 30-1 season and claimed the Class 2A state title in 2025 with a 7-2 victory over top-ranked Trinity Christian Academy in the final at Hammond Stadium.[30][31] The Lady Royals varsity softball team also earned a Florida state championship, capping a 23-6 season with the title.[32] Additionally, the school hosts the Royal Invitational track and field meet, further contributing to its role in regional athletic events. Overall, The First Academy's athletic program has amassed 20 team state championships across various sports.[33]

Student Life

Extracurricular Activities

The First Academy offers a robust selection of non-athletic extracurricular activities, including comprehensive fine arts programs, diverse student clubs, leadership roles, and enriching events and field trips that engage students across its divisions. These opportunities encourage creative expression, skill development, and community involvement beyond the classroom. The school's fine arts program spans all divisions and includes visual arts, performing arts, music, and theatre. Lower School students participate in foundational enrichment courses and activities through the Royal Academy of the Arts. Middle School offers electives such as Visual Arts, Theatre, Steel Drums, Dancing, and Choir, with additional extracurricular engagement via the Royal Academy. Upper School provides advanced and honors-level courses in 2D and 3D visual arts, ceramics, AP Studio Art, theatre production and stagecraft, Royal Choir, band, digital cinema, media production, yearbook, and debate. Students can audition for plays, join the Legacy Yearbook staff, contribute to broadcast programs, and participate in honor societies including the National Art Honor Society and International Thespian Society.[34][35] The Fine Arts Network supports these programs by enhancing resources, facilities, and visibility for music, drama, visual arts, and media arts across the school. The Academies after-school program further provides fine arts classes such as dance, choir, and ballet for preschool through middle school students.[36][37] Student clubs cater to varied interests and promote social and intellectual growth. Middle School offers options such as STEM Club, Graphic Design Club, Chess Club, Karaoke Club, and various creative and recreational groups. Upper School features student-led clubs including Model UN, STEM Club, Best Buddies Club, and others focused on service, academics, and creativity.[38][39] Leadership opportunities enable students to organize and influence school life. In the Upper School, seniors serve as presidents, while juniors and seniors lead committees in areas such as fine arts and student life, planning events with broad student involvement. Middle School students can participate in leadership through roles like chaplains.[39][38] Events and field trips provide experiential learning and community building. Middle School includes the annual 8th Grade trip to Washington, D.C., along with other outings. Upper School activities feature trips such as the New York City Media Arts Trip, Senior Retreat, and traditions like dances including Homecoming Dance and Junior-Senior Prom.[38][39]

Spiritual and Community Engagement

The First Academy emphasizes Christ-centered spiritual development through weekly chapel programs tailored to each school division, fostering worship, biblical teaching, and personal growth in faith. All students participate in chapel on Thursday mornings, where they engage in praise and worship through meaningful songs, receive Bible-centered lessons, and hear from campus leaders, First Orlando representatives, and guest speakers. Lower School chapel, held at 8:15 am on the Stageside of First Orlando’s Faith Hall, includes grade-level presentations and emphasizes biblical truths aligned with the curriculum, with parents encouraged to attend. Middle and Upper School chapel partners with First Orlando youth ministry to deliver dynamic worship experiences, incorporating student-led elements such as discipleship groups, chapel bands (with spring auditions), and opportunities for students to serve as Chaplains who plan and lead small groups. Guest speakers have included notable figures like Nick Vujicic and Bob Goff. These programs aim to develop a Christian worldview through practical application on campus, in the community, and globally, rooted in passages such as Matthew 5:14-16.[40][39][41] The school promotes a gospel-centered culture through informal, student-led Bible studies in Middle and Upper School, supported by adult facilitators, which focus on discussion, practical faith application, and spiritual formation. These gatherings, held throughout the week, encourage student leadership and deeper engagement with Scripture. The overarching mission prioritizes service before self, equipping students to love and serve others through mission experiences, evangelism training, and leadership development.[41][16] Community and global outreach form a core component of spiritual engagement, with students participating in extensive service initiatives. The school has facilitated over 50,000 service hours, annual Thanksgiving basket assemblies for families in need, and collaborations such as Upper School art students designing murals with the Christian Service Center to minister to Orlando’s homeless population. Outreach student leadership committees in various divisions plan and execute service projects, while the Global Scholars Program enables Upper School students to explore Christianity’s historical and cultural impact through international travel with Joshua Expeditions. These efforts reflect the school’s commitment to gospel-centered living and preparing students as Christian leaders who prioritize service.[10][42][39][16]

Administration

Leadership

The First Academy is led by Head of School Dr. Steve D. Whitaker, Ph.D., who has held the position since July 2003.[43] Under his direction, the school's leadership team includes several assistant heads of school overseeing specialized areas, division principals managing academic levels, and other senior administrators supporting operations, finance, and strategic initiatives.[43] Dr. Whitaker holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from the University of Louisville, along with master's degrees in education from MidAmerica Nazarene University and the University of Louisville, and a bachelor's degree from the University of South Florida. He has served on boards including the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) Executive Board, Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) Board of Directors, and others.[43] Key assistant heads of school include Will Cohen, Assistant Head of School for Campus Operations and Interim Director of Athletics; Matt McGee, Assistant Head of School for Spiritual Formation and University Provost; Brian Rose, Assistant Head of School for Development; and Jennifer Jackson, Assistant Head of School for PK-12 Programs and Parent Relations.[43] Additional senior roles are held by Patrick Barrett as Chief Operating Officer and Leighann Harris as Senior Director of Finance and Business Development.[43] The school's academic divisions are led by principals: Joe Fana for the Lower School, Dr. Natalie Holter for the Middle School, and Joyce Kwak for the Upper School.[43] This structure supports the school's Christ-centered mission across preschool through grade 12.[43]

Enrollment and Operations

The First Academy enrolls over 1,400 students across its preschool through grade 12 programs.[21] The school serves children beginning at 8 weeks old in its preschool division and extends through secondary education in its lower school (KPrep-5th grade), middle school (6th-8th grades), and upper school (9th-12th grades), with additional options including Hybrid Home+School and Distinct Abilities Learning programs.[1][1] Operations support a comprehensive educational environment on a campus located at 2667 Bruton Boulevard in Orlando, Florida, featuring modern facilities designed for academic, athletic, and fine arts activities.[12] The school maintains a student-teacher ratio of approximately 15:1 to 16:1, facilitating personalized instruction and support.[18][21] Recent reports indicate the school achieved its largest enrollment in its history during the current period, with projections for continued growth and potential wait pools in upcoming years.[10]

Notable Alumni

Sports and Athletics

The First Academy has produced several notable alumni who have excelled in professional and collegiate sports. Adam Haseley, a 2014 graduate, is a former professional baseball outfielder drafted eighth overall by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 2017 Major League Baseball draft. He made his MLB debut in 2019 and played for the Phillies and Chicago White Sox.[44][45] Fletcher Magee, a 2015 graduate who attended the school from kindergarten through 12th grade, set the NCAA Division I record for career three-pointers made with 509 during his college career at Wofford University (the record has since been surpassed).[46][47] Teahna Daniels, also a 2015 graduate, earned a silver medal as a member of the United States women's 4×100 meter relay team at the 2020 Summer Olympics (held in 2021) and placed seventh in the 100 meters at the same Games. While at The First Academy, she was a four-time FHSAA state champion in the 100m and 200m (2014 and 2015).[48][49]

Arts and Other Fields

The First Academy has produced several alumni who have achieved recognition in the arts, including theater and visual arts, as well as in leadership, entrepreneurship, and authorship. Lisa Morabito Petersen, class of 1998, pursued a career in theater after earning a BFA in Acting from Wright State University on merit and academic scholarship. She performed in regional theaters, spent seven years as a member of the resident Actor’s Equity Company at The Barn Theater in Michigan, appeared in children's theater in New York City, and was part of the cast in the Las Vegas production of Mamma Mia! at Mandalay Bay Theater. She founded Broadway Bouncers in Los Angeles, a program integrating early childhood development with musical theater, and later transitioned into arts education, earning additional credentials through UCLA Extension. She currently serves as a lead teacher at a New York preschool while remaining active in community theater and education initiatives.[50] Monica Bliss (Hornick) Vazquez, class of 2002, emerged as a visual artist later in life, discovering her talent at age 36. She received recognition as the award-winning Poster Artist for the 49th Annual Winter Park Autumn Art Festival in 2022, with one of her notable works titled Promise of Tomorrow. Her art focuses on themes of healing, commemoration, and self-discovery, creating pieces that support individuals and businesses in memorializing personal stories.[51] In other fields, Elizabeth Dixon, class of 2000, has built a career in business leadership and authorship. She serves as the leader of Strategy and Research and Development for Service & Hospitality at Chick-fil-A, following roles with organizations including Disney World, The Gap, and the YMCA. She is the author of The Power of Customer Experience: 5 Elements To Make An Impact and has founded and sold several small businesses. Dixon also established the women's ministry wellgathering.org and engages in leadership coaching and speaking.[52]

References

  1. The First Academy: Top PK-12 Private School in Orlando, FL
  2. About | The First Academy
  3. PK-12 Academics | Christian Education at The First Academy
  4. Lower School | Preschool-5th Grade
  5. Top Private Middle School in Orlando, FL
  6. Top Private Christian High School in Orlando, FL
  7. Welcome
  8. A Word From Our Founders and Leaders
  9. Strategic Plan
  10. State of the School
  11. Distinct Abilities Learning Unique Abilities Education in ...
  12. Contact
  13. Why Transfer Students Thrive at The First Academy Orlando
  14. Interactive Campus Map
  15. Facilities & Game Day Info
  16. Faith
  17. Hybrid Home+School = A Flexible Christian Education
  18. The First Academy in Orlando, Florida
  19. Accelerated Pathways
  20. https://thefirstacademy.org/academics/hybrid-home-school/
  21. The First Academy in Orlando, FL
  22. TFA Named Apple Distinguished School for the Fourth Time
  23. Media
  24. Athletic Department
  25. TFA softball hosts Power of Pink game Tuesday vs. Celebration
  26. Fall Sports
  27. Winter Sports | The First Academy
  28. Spring Sports | The First Academy
  29. TFA realizes dream by hosting elite basketball tournament
  30. Royals Baseball Wins FHSAA Class 3A State Championship
  31. https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/05/21/the-first-academy-royals-beat-florida-no-1-trinity-for-2a-baseball-title/
  32. Posts in Athletics
  33. Athletics
  34. Arts
  35. Upper School Arts
  36. Support Fine Arts
  37. The Academies
  38. Middle School Student Life
  39. Upper School Student Life
  40. Chapel
  41. Spiritual Growth
  42. Upper School Senior Thesis
  43. Leadership
  44. Adam Haseley Stats, Age, Position, Height, Weight ...
  45. https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2017/06/01/former-first-academy-standout-adam-haseley-looms-as-top-10-pick-in-baseball-draft/
  46. https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/2019-03-21/woffords-fletcher-magee-breaks-ncaa-di-record-career-3-pointers
  47. Fletcher Magee Sets Court & Character Record
  48. TFA Alum Earns Silver Medal in Olympics
  49. USA Track & Field | Teahna Daniels
  50. Alumni Spotlight: Lisa Morabito Petersen
  51. Alumni Spotlight: Monica Bliss (Hornick) Vazquez
  52. Alumni Spotlight: Elizabeth Dixon | The First Academy
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