Distinct Abilities Learning (formerly The First Hope) Admissions
Distinct Abilities Learning (formerly The First Hope) is a special place for God’s exceptional children. We hope you’ll take some time to get acquainted with each program, then inquire below to schedule your tour date. The entire admissions process is broken down as follows:
Have a question? Great! Give the Distinct Abilities Learning (formerly The First Hope) Office a call at: 407.206.8801.
Admissions Process
Step 1: Inquire – Distinct Abilities Learning Inquiry is a great way to learn more about the program. Start by completing the Admissions Inquiry Form. Upon receipt, The Distinct Abilities Learning (formerly The First Hope) will place a call to answer any questions and when you are ready, schedule your tour date!
Distinct Abilities Learning (formerly The First Hope): FBCO-KIDS 1
3000 South John Young Parkway
Orlando, FL 32805
Step 2: Tour – Book your tour date over the phone; it is necessary for all potential families to tour our facilities ensuring Distinct Abilities Learning (formerly The First Hope) is an ideal fit for your child! Upon completion of the tour, interested families are invited to officially apply.
Want to call us? 407.206.8801.
Step 3: Apply – Already toured? Distinct Abilities Learning (formerly The First Hope) encourages those who’ve toured to complete an application for enrollment. The online application must be completed and supplemental forms returned to the Distinct Abilities Learning (formerly The First Hope) office. Each application includes a non-refundable Testing and Evaluation Fee of $200. Parents must create an account, then complete the application for their child.
Step 4: Evaluate – After completing the online application, the Distinct Abilities Learning (formerly The First Hope) office will call to schedule an in-person testing and evaluation session for your child within 3 business days.
Step 5: Enroll – Distinct Abilities Learning (formerly The First Hope) will call the parents with evaluation results. Upon notification of acceptance into Distinct Abilities Learning (formerly The First Hope), families are given the opportunity to enroll.
Evaluation Process
The Evaluation fee, paid with the application, covers Academics, Behavior and Social aspects of each child. After the payment is made, the Distinct Abilities Learning (formerly The First Hope) Office will call to schedule an evaluation appointment. The Evaluation will be performed by a Distinct Abilities Learning (formerly The First Hope) Teacher. After the results are reviewed by Distinct Abilities Learning (formerly The First Hope), a meeting will be setup via phone or in-person to discuss the recommendations for grade placement and best program fit.
Distinct Abilities Learning (formerly The First Hope) Tuition & Fees
The Family Empowerment Scholarship – Unique Abilities (Formerly the Gardiner Scholarship) is accepted at Distinct Abilities Learning (formerly The First Hope) of The First Academy. Please view the Distinct Abilities Learning Tuition and Fees for 2025-2026 for tuition and fee-related information.
Did you know that 80% of new families enroll at Distinct Abilities Learning (formerly The First Hope) of The First Academy due to a current Distinct Abilities Learning (formerly The First Hope) family, teacher, staff member, or a healthcare professional recommending our school? The Admissions Department knows that a recommendation from you, their health care provider, carries much more credibility than any digital or print advertisement conveys and we would love to show our thanks!
The Distinct Abilities Learning (formerly The First Hope)’s Health Care Professional Referral Program for Kindergarten-12 is a unique way to connect these students with a Christian-based special needs education program. Here’s how you can participate:
- When a student successfully enrolls at Distinct Abilities Learning (formerly The First Hope) of The First Academy, the healthcare professional will receive a $250 thank you per child enrolled in Preschool-12th grade.
- How do I get credit for a referral? The applicant must name you as their referring health care professional in the student application in the ‘How did you hear about us?’ section.
- When do I get my referral reward? Referring health care professionals will receive the reward after the student completes the first nine weeks of school.
Together we can experience what makes Distinct Abilities Learning (formerly The First Hope) such a special place, and bring additional mission-appropriate families to share the excitement of our Christian-based alternative to special needs education.