The First Academy

Wonderful school, we couldn't be happier. Great staff, wonderful teachers, excellent athletic and academic programs.
—Submitted by a parent

What a joke. Theres nothing christ centered about this school, try cash centered. The stats are awesome, these kids graduate and go to great colleges. What they dont tell you is the kids end up at the local community college because they are unprepared for the real world.
—Submitted by a parent

The First Academy has been a part of our family for 10 years now. I have had the pleasure of meeting and hearing about some of the BEST teachers that are leading my children. Both of my children ( one now graduated) really enjoy the sincerity, knowledge and caring attitude the teachers bring with them every day to the classroom. Thank you so much for the continued example and instruction on how to truly exhibit great character and leadership in this world.
—Submitted by a parent

What an amazing blessing The First Academy has been to our family! We are so thankful that our child has the opportunity to participate in a challenging academic program while learning how to be a leader by Biblical example. The teachers and leadership at TFA truly care about the children and actually pray for them. You rarely find that at other schools. The strong leadership, excellent teachers and Biblical foundation provide an environment where children can not only learn but THRIVE! Thank you, TFA!
—Submitted by a parent

The First Academy has been a huge blessing to our family. While the academics are tough, the teachers provide the support and teaching to help our kids succeed. The Spiritual Formation plan is solid. Our daughter is learning concepts and truth that we would never have thought to try to explain to her in first grade!
—Submitted by a parent

TFA has amazing leadership, with Dr. Steve Whitaker being one of the best Headmasters I have ever seen. He not only knows how to lay a vision for the future, but he knows how to make it happen. And the teachers are made to be the heroes of the school, which inspires them and also honors them for how they pour into these kids' lives. Yes, it is a school with wealthy families and cliques among the parents, but this does not come from the leadership of the school and this is not what is celebrated among the students. Christian character and Excellence in all areas of life are what is emphasized. There are many wonderful families here who are involved in their kids' lives and raise their children to be godly leaders and that is who I choose to focus on, spend time with, and glean from.
—Submitted by a parent

If you don't have lots, and I mean LOTS of money, don't even waste your time going to this school. The parent's think they are so much better than the 'average' person, and if you don't fit their mold, your singled out. They know how to get what they want from teachers and staff to make sure their kids excel. I would not recommend this school to anyone.
—Submitted by a parent

My son and daugher are really enjoying TFA. They have been in 2 other Christian Schools in the north and TFA by far has been the best school.
—Submitted by a parent

My son just finished the Kindergarten program at TFA. I have been amazed how much he has grown academically and socially this past year! The Kindergarten curriculum is a fantasitic balance--the children learn at a remendous rate. And even when they are playing, they are learning and the kids don't even realize it. If you are looking for a great start to your child's education, The First Academy should be your first choice!
—Submitted by a parent

We love TFA. We have been here for 6 years and have had one of our daughters graduate and accepted to 4 different colleges. She attends one of the Florida colleges because of Bright Futures. I can not tell you what TFA means to us as parents, the academic and the spiritual foundation can not be meausred in our eyes. We still have children at TFA and will be here until they graduate. If your looking for a 'family' school this is the one for you.
—Submitted by a parent

Awesome School, Our sports teams are very good. You should definitely come if you are looking for a good private christian athletic school. We have a good fan base and we support our teams all the time.
—Submitted by a student

If you have money or 'connected' you and your child will excell at this school. The Headmaster is a nice man who appears to deeply care about this school but I can say from our experience, Christ's principles aren't always practiced by some staff and and parents. As stated earlier from a previous submission, they follow a warped view of the Golden Rule. 'Those with the gold....rule! I
—Submitted by a parent

We are the parents of a student who graduated after 10 years at TFA and went on to University of Florida (GO GATORS!). Our child was accepted at every college at which she applied, and was offered nearly $100,000 in academic scholarships. Even more importantly, she continues to delight and amaze her grateful parents with a clear sense of right and wrong, an active moral compass, and a visible strength of faith. TFA was a steadfast partner in all aspects of her success. We gladly give The First Academy the highest recommendation as well as our heartfelt thanks for an amazing experience.
—Submitted by a parent

I love my school! The teachers are terrific, the classes are challenging and the friends are wonderful. I would not go anywhere else! Go TFA!
—Submitted by a student

We are truly suprised how this school has changed. We loved it our first year, but after that we see what the true focus of the school is money and the people with the most money rule. We had to make the hard decision to leave the school after this year. Our kids will miss there friends and teachers but we sure won't miss the parents who feel the need to run the school. The Headmaster is an awsome believer in Christ, and he needs to see that the school is getting away from that. Great academics, great teachers, great adminstration staff, just need to get back to basics and remember God first. Parents really need to be screened about there faith. When you have a dress code in your studen manual for mothers, there is something wrong.
—Submitted by a parent

I am very sad that it has come to this, but we to feel it is only right to leave TFA. I agree with the Golden Rule prevails at TFA. Also, if donate alot of money you and your children climb the latter. We truly loved this school when we started a few years back, but it has changed so much. We really feel that the Christ Centered school is no longer, it is all about the money. The leaders of the school really need to look at what is happening and regroup. I hope they will before it is to late.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been a TFA family for 12 years. It has been an amazing road partnering with this awesome school to raise my children. We are so blessed to have what we feel is the best Christian based school in the nation!
—Submitted by a parent

As a parents of middle school and high school students, we are so thankful to have found this Christ-centered, college-prep school in Orlando, FL. When we knew we were to move from the northeast and their fantastic academic institutions, we were concerned we would not find the level of academic excellence for our students on their educational journey. We have to blessed beyond measure with The First Academy. From a leadership team who truly sees the individual to a faculty team who deeply invests in each of our children, the First Academy has it right. Take the time to see what this school can offer your children. It will be an investment of time well spent. Sincerely, Mickey and Kathleen Pittman
—Submitted by a parent

My family has just finished our 8th year with 2 children who are thriving at the school. I often - and I do mean regularly - hear how incredible my 5th and 7th grade daughters are in terms of their Christian attitudes, behavior and self discipline. These are qualities that the school really partners with parents on. My children are living the Mission at TFA of Character before career, wisdom beyond scholarship, service before self and participation as a way of life. Having a high level of academics or a Christian environment are not mutually exclusive. If you want your child to be accepted in ANY college they must do well academically in school and on tests - that is not the new direction of TFA it is reality and I applaud TFA for making this a high level school academically, athletically and spiritually. My family is blessed by TFA.
—Submitted by a parent

Our son just graduated from TFA after spending 13 years there. What a blessing the school has been to our children and our family over these years! The relationships that have been made with students, teachers and families is priceless. Where else do you see all of the teachers lined up, hugging the seniors as they enter for graduation? Our son received 10's of thousands of dollars in unsolicited, merit-based aid, and we give the credit to TFA for that. On top of that, he has been trained to be a Christian leader as he goes forth from the walls of TFA. Is TFA perfect? No But neither is any other school. Caring teachers, an academically sound curriculum, a family-like atmospher, and a God-foccussed mission statement make this a wonderful place to be.
—Submitted by a parent