The First Academy Library exists to encourage students to become lifelong learners. It assists students in becoming information literate so that they may be proficient consumers and producers of information. In the centrally located Library Media Center, every student is encouraged to make reading and learning a way of life.
Frequently Used Resources
- Research Paper Databases: Senior Thesis Research Database
- Accelerated Reader: Accelerated Reader | HomeConnect
- Destiny Quest: Destiny Quest | Lower School Online Book Request Guidelines
- MS & US Writing Centers: Learn more and schedule an appointment.
- Ask a Librarian: Call 407.206.8880
Library Hours
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, & Friday – 7:30 am to 3:15 pm*
Wednesday – 7:30 am to 2:45 pm
Summertime – Closed
**Students must be in grades 6-12 to visit the library before or after school.
Borrowing Material
Lower School students may check out books during their weekly class library visits. Middle and Upper School students may check out books as needed. Books are due two weeks after check-out and can be renewed by the Library Staff if needed. The number of books students are able to check out without their parents varies by grade level:
- Pre-K & TK: One Book
- Kindergarten through 4th Grade: Two Books
- 5th through 8th Grade: Three Books
- 9th through 12th Grade: Five Books
Students are allowed to borrow beyond the requisite number of books if the material pertains to a school project. These items are also renewable if needed.
About the Library
Information is found in many places and formats in today’s world. The First Academy’s collection has been developed to support the curriculum in all divisions. There are approximately 20,000 volumes that appeal to all grade levels in order to provide an excellent collection of classical, modern, and Christian fiction and non-fiction, as well as videos and online research databases.
The Library Media Center has evolved into a multi-purpose forum for scholarship and social interaction. The Library is also host to the Middle & Upper School Writing Centers, as well as Professional Development workshops and staff meetings.
The Library strives to provide the latest technology so it can best serve faculty, staff and students. iPads can be used for taking Accelerated Reader quizzes during Lower School library visits. The network supports the Library’s various catalogs – Follet Destiny, Renaissance Home Connect and EBSCO online databases. For more information please contact the Library Staff or see the resources provided below.
Library Aide Program
The Sixth Grade Library Aide Program exists to promote the qualities of the Christian faith through service to others. This program follows the mission and vision of The First Academy to exemplify character before career, wisdom beyond scholarship, service before self, and participation as a way of life. Students can earn their required service hours through this program if accepted.
Middle & Upper School Writing Centers
Do you have a paper due soon? Are you struggling with developing your thesis statement, or understanding a grammar issue? That is what the Writing Center is here for. Students can set up a Writing Consultation to review these or any other writing questions they have. Additionally, students who make use of the Writing Center prior to submitting assignments to their teachers will receive an incentive in class. Learn more about the Writing Center online here.
Research Databases
The First Academy has partnered with EBSCOhost to provide valuable academic searching by Publication, Image, Subjects and more. EBSCOhost offers millions of Magazines, Academic Journals, News, Reviews and more to research your subject.
Forgot the ID/Password?
Click here then visit the FACTS TFA Library Page.
If more information is needed, please contact Lisa DeBoom, Library Media Specialist, at lisadeboom@thefirstacademy.org.
The Florida Electronic Library provides access to over fifty online databases, perfect for students and teachers. These databases include various types of material such as general reference, journals, and e-books, and cover numerous topics including arts, business, government, history, medicine, science, and social studies.
Destiny Quest is the Media Center’s online public access catalog. Browse the catalog to see what the library has on the shelf and discover how to do the following:
- Make reading lists (have read, now reading, want to read)
- Search by Accelerated Reader Level
- Recommend books to others
- Rate books and write reviews, and more!
Looking for a title that isn’t found in our collection? Search for the book, then click ‘Make a wish’ link and the book will be added to our library’s wish list, which is used by our librarians to help determine future book orders.
AR/Renaissance Home Connect
Home Connect will allow parents to take a look at a number of items: AR progress for the reporting period or for the entire year; virtual bookcase with covers of all AR books your child has read since they have been at TFA and the number of words read (based on AR books read and quizzes passed).
The Public Library has so many resources that you’ll be rushing out to get your public library card if you don’t already have one! For Orange County residents, home delivery is a wonderful benefit with your books or CDs being delivered free right to your doorstep. OCPL also has database services. All you need is an Orange County Library Card in order to access these excellent research tools, most of which are available for use from home.
Common Sense Media provides a great resource for reviews and a wealth of information about many books as well as movies, apps, and video games. They are the nation’s leading independent non-profit organization dedicated to empowering kids to thrive in a world of media and technology. Families, educators, and policymakers turn to Common Sense for unbiased information and trusted advice to help them learn how to harness the positive power of media and technology for all kids.