The First Academy admits students based primarily on the following requirements:

• A’s and B’s on Current and Previous Report Cards
• Proven Track Record for Success in Advanced, Honors or AP Courses
• Excellent Behavioral Academic References
• Resides at or above the 60th Percentile in Standardized Testing
• Reads, Writes and Speaks Fluent English

Have a question? Contact the Admissions Department – 407.206.8602.

Purpose Driven Enrollment (PDE) is the framework by which all admissions decisions are made at The First Academy. Families who resonate with these ideas will be considered for enrollment.

1. Great Commission Centered
   In Matthew 28, Jesus commanded his followers to engage in the two-fold process of both reaching the lost (vs. 19 – “go and make disciples”) and teaching believers (vs. 20 – “teach them to observe all that I have commanded you”). The First Academy’s mission is fundamentally a “teaching” and “reaching” endeavor.
2. Family Values Oriented
   The First Academy will seek to bolster the work of the family, unapologetically support the Bible’s teaching on marriage, and emphasize traditional values (integrity, hard work, patriotism, etc.).
3. College Preparatory Focused
   Students at The First Academy will pursue the highest levels of academic excellence.
4. Servant Leadership Based
   The First Academy is committed to producing the next generation of Christian leaders who choose character before career, wisdom beyond scholarship, service before self, and participation as a way of life.

Do you feel you or your student is a great fit? Check out our Admissions Events page to sign up for a personal tour or Open House event. For admission applications, visit our How to Apply page and follow the instructions to Apply Online.

A Word From Our Founders and Leaders

“When Tom Gurney and I first talked about starting a Christian school, we wanted it to be a place for Christians and non-Christians alike. We wanted children to encounter the life-changing power of the Gospel through our teachers and coaches. Today, more than at any time in our history, we are fulfilling the vision that God placed in my heart almost 30 years ago.”

Dr. Jim Henry
Pastor Emeritus, First Baptist Church of Orlando

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“Since the first day I arrived more than 10 years ago, Dr. Whitaker and I have worked to make sure The First Academy would remain a place that welcomed believers and unbelievers, a place that embraced children of all colors, shapes, and sizes. The key question with respect to spiritual formation and school culture is not one of admissions, meaning which students can get in and which students can’t. The question is, ‘Do we have teachers in the classroom who are engaged in and capable of leading students to the feet of Jesus?’ I believe we have the finest faculty in the world and that Dr. Whitaker is leading us to fulfill the mission I desire for TFA – to reach the nations with the Gospel.”

Dr. David Uth
Senior Pastor, First Baptist Church of Orlando

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“Our School Board has made it a priority to move toward ever increasing levels of business excellence as a testimony to the Gospel. We set the school budget, make decisions with respect to what capital campaigns will be approved, review operating expenditures carefully each month, and challenge the staff to grow enrollment to increase our impact for Christ. These have been the greatest years our school has ever known as we have pursued excellence in every area – spiritually, scholastically, and financially.”

Scott Boyd
Former Chairman, The First Academy School Board

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“Having experienced TFA as a parent and now as a grandparent and board member, I can testify that this institution teaches its students the ‘what’ and the ‘how’ of living a distinctively Christian life. TFA not only prepares its students to thrive post-graduation academically at some of the nation’s finest universities, but the faculty also pour themselves into the spiritual development of the kids, guiding them into a deeper walk with Christ. This is one of the finest Christian schools in the entire country!”

Tracy G. Schmidt
Former Secretary, The First Academy School Board

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“We have experienced incredible growth at The First Academy in recent years, and I praise the Lord for his favor on our school community. God is doing a great work among us, and we look forward to the days ahead.”

Bishop Allen Wiggins
The First Academy School Board Member

* The First Academy admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. The First Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, tuition assistance, and athletic or other school administered programs.