Admissions Process at The First Academy

At this stage in your search for a Christian school in Orlando…

you’ve narrowed down the schools you’re interested in, and you want a clear picture of TFA’s admissions process, application steps, expectations, and timeline.

We’re here to help.

Our admissions process is designed to be transparent and relational. Whether you are considering Preschool,  Traditional College Prep (K-12th Grade), Hybrid Home+School, or Distinct Abilities Learning, the step-by-step guide below will help you understand how to move forward.

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Your 5-Step Path to Enrollment

1

STEP

Inquire & Review Admissions Criteria

Before applying, we encourage families to review our Admissions Criteria. These guidelines outline expectations related to academic readiness, spiritual alignment, and family partnership.

VIEW ADMISSIONS CRITERIA

2

STEP

Experience The First Academy in Person

If you have not yet visited campus, we encourage you to schedule an in-person tour, virtual tour, or attend an admissions event. Seeing classrooms in action and meeting our faculty provides valuable insight into the academic environment, spiritual culture, and student experience.

SCHEDULE A TOUR

3

STEP

Submit Your Online Application

Prospective families — for all programs — begin by completing our online application form. You will create a FACTS account and submit a non-refundable fee ($100 for preschool, $155 for K4-12, $200 for DAL, and $150 for HHS). We accept applications year-round.

START YOUR APPLICATION

4

STEP

Student Assessment & Records Review

Once your application is submitted, you will receive a personalized email within 3 to 5 business days that requests any outstanding documents and offers options for screening dates.

LEARN MORE ABOUT TESTING

SEE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

5

STEP

Admissions Decision & Enrollment

After all components are complete, our Admissions Committee reviews each application and contacts families within 3 to 5 business days with a decision. If accepted, we’ll share next steps for enrollment, including contract and tuition information.

EXPLORE OUR ADMISSIONS FAQS

Admissions Timeline & Availability

Applications for the 2026–2027 school year opened on September 3, 2025.

Here’s what to expect as the year progresses:

Rolling Admissions:

You are welcome to apply at any time throughout the year. However, because classroom seats fill and wait pool activity can vary by grade level, we encourage you to begin the process early and stay in communication with our Admissions team.

Wait Pool Notifications:

If a grade level is full, qualified applicants may be placed in our wait pool. Families in the wait pool are typically notified of openings beginning in March once current family enrollment is confirmed.

Additional Openings:

Beginning in April, additional grade-level openings may occur, and families in the wait pool will be contacted if space becomes available.

What happens if my child is accepted at The First Academy?

  • You will receive an online enrollment packet to complete.
  • Submit the packet within five business days to secure your child’s place.
  • Create a FACTS tuition account, which is in addition to your FACTS application account
  • Select a payment plan.
  • Complete the enrollment contract.
  • Submit required fees.
learn more about tuition

Answers to Frequently Asked Admissions Questions

What entrance screenings and testing are needed by grade level?

The First Academy thoughtfully assesses each student’s readiness to ensure a strong academic and developmental fit. These screenings and assessments help us understand how your child learns and how best to support the whole child.

  • Kindergarten Prep (3 and 4 years old) through 1st Grade
    Students in the traditional preschool through Grade 12 program and Hybrid Home+School participate in a free in-house admissions screening at The First Academy, which uses:
  • 2nd through 12th Grade
    Students in the traditional preschool through Grade 12 program and Hybrid Home+School take the Independent School Entrance Examination, a nationally recognized private school entrance exam that is proctored at The First Academy. ISEE fees are $130 for 2nd–4th Grade and $165 for 5th–12th Grade. At-home testing through the Educational Records Bureau is also permitted. ERB fees are $185 for 2nd-4th Grade and $240 for 5th-12th Grade.
  • Distinct Abilities Learning
    Students in the DAL program participate in a free in-house admissions screening at The First Academy, which uses the Standardized Test for the Assessment of Reading for K-12.

Our Admissions team will provide scheduling instructions after your application is submitted.

What records and supporting documents are required?
All applicants will need to provide:
  • All applicants will need to provide:
  • Student photo
  • Copy of the student’s birth certificate
  • Florida Immunization Form (DH-680)
  • Florida School Entry Health Physical (DH-3040)

If you have difficulty uploading documents, they may also be submitted by email, fax, or hand delivery to the Admissions Office.

GRADE LEVEL OR PROGRAMADDITIONAL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
K-Prep 4, TK, 
Kindergarten		Age requirements:
• K-Prep 4 (4 yrs. by Sept. 1)
• TK/K (5 yrs. by Sept. 1)

Provide email address for:
• Preschool reference form
• Parent reference form

Provide email address for:
• Preschool reference form
• Parent reference form
Grades 1-12•Provide email address for:
• Math teacher reference form
• English teacher reference form
• Principal/Headmaster/Counselor reference form

Upload the following documents:
• Current report card
• Final report cards from the previous two years
• Standardized test scores from the past two years
• Student behavior report
• For Grades 9-12, unofficial transcripts from the school guidance office
• Existing psychoeducational evaluation or school accommodation plan, if applicable
• DAL requirement: All documents related to the child’s diagnosis and accommodations: IEP, 504, Ed. Psych Evaluation, Medical Diagnosis
What if my child is selected from the wait pool?
Families offered a seat from the wait pool typically have:
  • 3 days to accept the offer
  • 48 hours to complete enrollment once a seat becomes available.
Do you accept international students?

Yes. An applicant is considered an international student if they are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

International applicants should note:

  • An international student fee of $3,750 applies
  • Tuition must be paid in full
  • International students are not eligible for payment plans or tuition assistance.

Take the Next Step

Speak with a member of our Admissions team via email at admissions@thefirstacademy.org or call (407) 206-8602.

Give your child the best chance to join The First Academy by
applying today.