International Admissions Frequently Asked Questions
The First Academy does accept international students. International students applying to The First Academy follow the same admissions criteria as domestic students. All students must be able to read, write, and speak English fluently. Please visit our Admissions Criteria page for more information on TFA’s Admissions criteria.
Our Admissions Department is available to speak with you regarding International Admissions. Please contact admissions@thefirstacademy.org or call 407-206-8602.
All applicants are required to complete an admission screening or assessment at The First Academy, based on the grade level they are applying for:
– K-Prep 3: Brigance Screening
-K-Prep 4: DIAL Screening
-TK/Kindergarten: Kindergarten Development Inventory (KDI)
-1st Grade: STAR Early Literacy Assessment
-Grades 2-12: Independent School Entrance Examination (ISEE), proctored at The First Academy. The ISEE fee is $130 for applicants in grades 2-4 (Primary Level) and $170 for applicants in Grades 5-12 (Lower, Middle, & Upper Levels).
Applicants in Grades 8-12 may also be required to take the Duolingo English Test to show English proficiency. The Duolingo English Test costs $70.
International student families are required to pay a $500 International Student Program Fee for Preschool students and a $3750 for K-Prep 4 through 12th Grade students. The International Fee covers the cost of processing international applicants, their documentation, and the onboarding process.
Tuition and fees are due upfront and in full upon enrollment for students in Kindergarten Prep 4 through 12th grade.
International students are not eligible to receive need-based tuition assistance from the school or qualify for payment plans.
TFA does not offer boarding. International students are required to reside with a parent legally living in the Central Florida community.
Once enrollment is complete and tuition/fees are paid, The First Academy’s Principal Designated School Official (PDSO) issues your student an I-20, which will allow you to formally request an F-level visa for your student. I-20 information is requested prior to the Admissions decision.
Please note that The First Academy does not issue I-20/F-1 Visas for Preschool students.
Once enrollment is complete and tuition/fees are paid, The First Academy’s Principal Designated School Official (PDSO) will work with a school official from the student’s current school to transfer the I-20 to TFA.
The First Academy accepts international students in possession of a green card or seeking to apply and obtain an F-level visa. Both circumstances are dependent on a parent having an appropriate visa.
The First Academy may work with agents representing families and their students. The First Academy is not a commission-based entity for international agents.
Yes, international students are welcome to play sports at The First Academy. The FHSAA office reviews non-US Citizens before the student may participate in an athletic contest. To learn more about this process click here or call 407-206-8696.