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.
Applicants for Preschool through Grade 2 are required to take in-house admission screening or testing at The First Academy. Applicants for Grades 3 through 12 are required to take the Independent School Entrance Examination (ISEE) proctored at The First Academy. There is a cost of $125 for Grades 3-4 and $150 for Grades 5-12.
Preschool International student families are required to pay a $500 International Student Program Fee for 2-year-old and 3-year-old students. The international fee increases to $3,750 if the Preschool student applies and enrolls in TFA’s K-Prep 4 Program.
International student families in grades K-Prep 4 through 12th grade pay a $3,750 International Student Fee. The International Fee covers the cost for processing international applicants, their documentation, and the onboarding process.
Tuition and fees are due upfront and in full upon enrollment for students in Preschool 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 or legal guardian legally living in the Central Florida community.
Once enrollment is complete and tuition/fees are paid, The First Academy’s 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-Aged Children (2 and 3-year-olds).
Once enrollment is complete and tuition/fees are paid, The First Academy’s 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, dependent on a parent’s appropriate visa, or seeking to apply and obtain an F-level visa. We are unable to accommodate international students not in possession of a green card, not dependent on a parent’s appropriate visa, or who are planning to study in the U.S. while in possession of a B-, C-, D-, or I-level 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.