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Foundation Christian Academy

Private | PK-12 | 250 students

Living in Valrico

Situated in a suburban neighborhood. The median home value is $166,700. The average monthly rent for a 2 bedroom apartment is $940.

Source: Sperling's Best Places
 
Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
Based on 1 rating
2012:
Based on 6 ratings
2011:
Based on 1 rating
2010:
Based on 2 ratings

Teacher quality

Principal leadership

Parent involvement

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20 reviews of this school


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Posted February 9, 2013

I'm so in love with everything at FCA! Classes have always been challenging & creative & keep getting better. They have music, art, & PE. I volunteer lots & know everyone.Teachers are friendly to parents,students & each other & love their job! The principal is very involved. I see her visiting classrooms & getting to know students. She is very loving & hugs on the kids. She has a kind, Christian demeanor. I've seen her be lovingly, firm when appropriate with students & even with an obnoxious parent that was trying to bully other parents to volunteer for things she wanted & a disorganized parent that wanted to be in control. The principal cleverly restructured the PTF in a manner that allowed more parents to volunteer & have leadership roles. My kids don't play sports but I have gone to watch a few of the games. I have seen the principals, teachers, office staff & custodians at games. They cheer on the kids by name. I don't have children in middle or high school but I will next year. I've gotten to know & really like those teachers. They care about the decisions the students make outside of school & take time to get to know them & ask about their lives. My kids are happy! So am I!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted November 5, 2012

I have two children who have attended FCA for 2 years and love it. I have been very happy to see that God is at the center of their education daily. I disagree with a reviewer that the school focuses on the lower students. On average, the classes are at least a semester ahead of grade level. My children's teachers have always challenged them at their advanced ability level and I have also seen the teachers give tutoring and reinforcement of skills to students who struggle. The class sizes are small and allow the teachers to really get ot know and love each student.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 3, 2012

My children attended this school for elementary. Overall, I have been dissatisfied with the quality of education my kids have received. The staff turnover is very high. Although the tuition is competitive with the other private schools in the area, there is a shortage of money coming in to fund extracurricular activities, supplies for the classroom, teacher salaries. The principals lack the experience and knowledge necessary to effectively run a school. They presented themselves as very unprofessional. The parent association was dismantled a few years ago by the principal. I have never heard of a school not having a parent run association before. Although this is a newer school with fewer students we were hopeful it would grow enough to allow our kids to attend middle and high school. This has not been the case. Every year a large number of students do not return. That speaks volumes about the overall satisfaction of parents. The sports programs were a huge disappointment. This school relies solely on parent volunteers to coach games during the work day. If no one volunteers for the job they will cancel. The principals and teachers never attended any of the games.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 7, 2012

Teachers, staff and administrators all seem constantly overwhelmed with their duties. Very much looks like they are under staffed in every area. Classes are geared towards the slowest children. Not much in the way of extracurricular activities. No good policy on identifying and managing bulling behaviors which we see is an issue.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 16, 2012

Our child went to 3k and 4k at FCA and we adored the teachers and staff. We struggled with moving our child to public school for Kindergarten but the tution was more than we could afford for the long term and we did not want to move her in and out of schools. If not for tution we would continue to attend FCA. I would recommend!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted May 15, 2012

My children have attended FCA for many years. Although the tuition is fair compared to most places, it has been a financial struggle for my family. If there's one thing I could say about this school, they love the children. I have seen the principal sitting in the sick room caring for an ill child. Every teacher we have had has bent over backwards to help my children. I know that everyone is busy but they still always take time to make me feel welcome in the school. We will make the financial sacriice for as long as we are able. They do accept Step Up Scholarship now but that wasn't an option when we enrolled.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted April 4, 2012

I have have had 2 children here. One is in her 3rd year and the other was there for 4 years. Overall I have been happy. I agree with another comment about the office staff mostly being unfriendly though.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 27, 2011

Most of the teachers at FCA are caring and loving. Administration stuff are less friendly. School campus and buildings are nice and clean. Academy level are average at the best, ask about their SAT scores, then you'll have an idea. Not much home work for most of the classes. Tuition is reasonable.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 15, 2010

My children and I absolutely loved FCA. I was an aide and a teacher there, so I got to see things from "both sides of the fence". My children have attended 4 other schools from our various moves and FCA exceeds them all. The class sizes are great and the teachers and staff do an outstanding job. The best thing about FCA is that God is at the center of school! By attending FCA, your children will grow both academically and spiritually.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 5, 2010

We have had our child at FCA for 2 years now, 3K and 4K. Absolutely nothing bad to say about this school and the teachers. The numbers in the classroom are small and the teachers are very hands on! We are always greeted with a smile, and our child is excited to go everyday! It is a private school, so obviously, not free. I wish it were though, because we would continue there! Super clean, challanging for students, and personal attention. The best thing, God is allowed and encouraged!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted October 27, 2009

Do your homework before enrolling your kindergarten student in this school. Check the credentials of the teacher, sit in on a class for a day ask for a list of the class rules, what the discipline policies are and the forms of discipline.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 24, 2009

I just started my daughter here and already we both love it. It's nice, clean, staff are very helpful, curteous, and nice. I like the fact that they also offer spanish as well as the usual PE, art, and music. I believe that the kids will get a better educcation from a school who likes to have involved parents rather than a school that doesn't care to encourage it. I also like the fact that my daughter will be learning more about God and the bible. I believe that is very important as well. All in all, I believe that FCA is worth it!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted August 6, 2009

I switched my daughter to FCA in the middle of the school year last year. I went to the school for a tour just out of curiosity. By the time I left the tour, I knew that was the best place for her to be. The principal and teachers were amazing! The small class size is ideal and the education is above average. Let's not forget about the positive christian enviroment. My daughter cannot wait for school to start. What a great feeling!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 1, 2008

Everything about this school is TOP NOTCH. Here, you do not have to worry about what your child is exposed to at school. The teachers are top notch, and the same curriculum is used that other schools charge 3x the tuition.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted June 19, 2008

I really love my school. All the teachers actually care and pay attention to every need of my classmates and I. Everyone is great, and everyone always gives a helping hand and loads of encouragement. I can always turn to my teachers, classmates, or one of the other students parents for help. Even if it's not where I live FCA is definately my home and the best school I've ever been to.
—Submitted by a student


Posted July 23, 2007

Our son transferred to FCA last year after struggleing with health issues for 5 months at his public school. The staff, from the front office to each teacher welcomed him with open arms, encouragement and love. His health continued to deteriorate for several more months. The school supported us and him in our quest to get him healthy. They worked with us acedemically as well as physically. Their only concern was for his well being, not about the school he was missing. After working for the public schools for 11 years and having two older children go through the public schools, there is no comparison to the acedemics each child recieves here as well as the many extras afforded them by being in a physiclaly healthy environment, an emotionally supportive atmosphere where morals and values are being instilled in each child. What a wonderful place for a child to be!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted February 21, 2006

This school is an amazing blessing. The staff are beyond courteous and caring and the curriculum is on point. My child loves it at this school! We are moving out of state and one of the things I will miss the most is this school. If you are interested in a school where your child is safe to learn, cared for by the teachers, surrounded by God's word, and is excited to go to school every morning check out FCA!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted January 1, 2006

Academic programs offered at FCA are average to above average. The school offers band for gr. 4-8, chorus, and one sports activity per quarter. No gym facilities built yet, not allowing home game advantage though. Parent involvement is always encouraged and greatly appreciated and the teachers offer a very caring learning environment. A new top notch building only adds to its appeal. Children learning in a caring environment. Great school!
—Submitted by a parent


Posted July 26, 2005

My child has been enrolled since 1999 when she was in 4k. My daughter is now in 5th and we think the environment is perfect. Academics are high, yet the atmosphere lends itself to the free-spirit. Parents are welcome to volunteer and be in the school as often as they have time to offer. My child will continue through the 8th grade.
—Submitted by a parent


Posted March 15, 2005

My two children have been enrolled at Foundation for three years. I am so happy with every aspect of the school, but the people are what make this a truly happy place for my kids. Parents are encouraged to spend as much time as they may like helping in the classroom or elsewhere on the new, beautiful, four building campus. The classes are small, and coupled with a low student count school wide, it makes for a family/community like atmosphere where every one knows and cares for each other, and their children.
—Submitted by Kelly Deming, a parent


Community ratings and reviews do not represent the views of GreatSchools nor does GreatSchools check their accuracy or verify the reviewers' identities. Use your discretion when evaluating these reviews.

About these ratings

The Community Rating is the school’s average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.

We currently do not have any test score information for this school. Unlike public schools, private schools are not always required to report data about their schools or not required to take the same tests as public schools. Many private schools take different standardized tests; however, that information is often made available only to families of enrolled students. We strive to acquire additional private school data whenever available.

Student ethnicity

Ethnicity This school
White 91%
Asian/Pacific Islander 4%
Hispanic 4%
American Indian/Alaska Native 1%
Black 1%
Source: NCES, 2007-2008

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 12N/AN/A
Source: NCES, 2007-2008

Arts & music

Visual arts
  • Painting
  • Photography
Music
  • Band
  • Choir / Chorus
  • Instrumental music lessons
Clubs
  • Yearbook

Language learning

Foreign languages taught
  • Spanish

Health & athletics

School facilities
  • Access to sports fields

Gifted & talented

Instructional and/or curriculum models used
  • Accelerated credit learning
  • Honors track
College preparation / awareness resources offered
  • College prep programs/courses during the year
  • Community college courses
  • SAT/ACT prep classes
  • School-sponsored trips to college campuses
  • Summer college prep programs
School leaders can update this information here.

School basics

Before school or after school care / program onsite
  • After school
  • Before school
School Leader's name
  • Sherri Smith
Gender
  • Coed
Associations
  • AdvancEd
  • National Association of Christian Schools
Fax number
  • (813) 655-4780

Programs

Instructional and/or curriculum models used

Don't understand these terms?
  • Accelerated credit learning
  • Honors track
  • Independent Study
  • Virtual school
Specific academic themes or areas of focus

Don't understand these terms?
  • Religious
Foreign languages taught
  • Spanish

Resources

College preparation / awareness resources offered
  • College prep programs/courses during the year
  • Community college courses
  • SAT/ACT prep classes
  • School-sponsored trips to college campuses
  • Summer college prep programs
School facilities
  • Access to sports fields
  • Chapel/spiritual reflection center
  • Computer
  • Library
  • Playground
School leaders can update this information here.

Sports

Boys sports
  • Basketball
  • Cross country
  • Football
  • Golf
  • Soccer
  • Volleyball
Girls sports
  • Basketball
  • Cross country
  • Soccer
  • Volleyball

Arts & music

Visual arts
  • Painting
  • Photography
Music
  • Band
  • Choir / Chorus
  • Instrumental music lessons

Student clubs

Clubs (distinct from courses)
  • Yearbook
School leaders can update this information here.

School culture

Dress Code
  • Uniforms
More from this school
  • Foundation Christian Academy and Foundation Christian High School are fully accredited Christian educational institutions. It has been our mission to provide a quality, personalized option for families seeking academic rigor within a Christian, values-based environment.
School leaders can update this information here.

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College preparation / awareness offered
Community college courses
Summer college prep programs
College prep programs/courses during the year
School-sponsored trips to college campuses
SAT/ACT prep classes
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

3955 Lithia Pinecrest Rd
Valrico, FL 33596
Website: Click here
Phone: (813) 654-2969

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