The First Academy warmly welcomes hundreds of transfer students each year, and we’re here to help your family with every single concern on your list. We’ve created a transition experience that feels personal from the start:
From the moment you arrive, you’ll know your child is welcomed, supported, and genuinely cared for.
A Convenient Orlando Location for Local and Relocating Families
Most TFA families live 15–30 minutes from campus, no matter which part of Orlando they call home. Our school is centrally located on the campus of First Orlando, one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. You can even see the iconic cross from downtown and the nearby John Young Parkway.
We’re also just minutes from major destinations like Downtown Orlando, Universal Studios, and The Mall at Millenia, making our location easy for commuting families and ideal for field trips. The campus itself is spacious, and because it sits on a 150-acre church property, first-time visitors may need a moment to get oriented. Don’t worry, though. Our Admissions team helps guide every family to exactly where they need to go.
students transfer to TFA each year
students sit and eat lunch alone
How New Students are Supported and Set Up for Success
A smooth transition takes more than good intentions. At The First Academy, new students are welcomed with systems, people, and practices designed to help them adjust with ease.
TFA has been extremely welcoming as a new student here. My classmates and teachers made me feel comfortable in this new environment, as it is difficult to transition, yet at this school it hasn’t been too hard since everyone was so kind to me on my first days! I’m very grateful for how I’ve been treated, and I look forward to continuing at TFA.
GENESIS EVANS, TFA TRANSFER STUDENT
Building Friendships and Belonging
At TFA, students don’t stay “the new kid” for long. Our teachers and students share a simple expectation: If someone is sitting alone, we don’t leave them that way. In our school culture, we extend a welcome.
For our younger students, Camp ROAR is a favorite starting point. It’s a four-day summer experience where rising K–6 students meet their new teachers, explore campus, and start making friends before the school year even begins. Once school is underway, our monthly First Friday gatherings bring all new Lower School students together for a fun, welcoming check-in. They pray together, get goodie bags, talk about how things are going, and enjoy time with kids who are new, just like they are.In Middle and Upper School, every new student is paired with a Royal Ambassador buddy. Their buddy calls over the summer, walks them through their schedule, and helps them meet classmates. Add in clubs, after-school academies, fine arts, and athletics, and most students find their people faster than they expect.
Keeping Students Confident in the Classroom
Academics are often one of the biggest worries for parents during a transfer.
Will my child be behind? Will the teacher notice if they need help?
At TFA, parents don’t have to guess how their students are doing. Our teachers communicate early, often, and with genuine care.
New students quickly discover that TFA teachers notice the little things, like the moment a concept finally clicks or when they seem a bit overwhelmed and need encouragement. And, if a child needs support, teachers reach out to them right away with practical suggestions or an offer to work with them one-on-one.
For students who benefit from more tailored academic pathways, our Pathways Student Support, Distinct Abilities Learning, and Hybrid Home+School programs give families flexible options that meet each learner where they are.
Helping Students Settle In Mid-Year
Joining a new school mid-year can feel like trying to catch up while everything is already in motion, but TFA makes sure students settle in quickly and comfortably.
Before their first day, mid-year transfer students come to campus for a personalized tour with their principal, so they can see their classrooms and get familiar with the places they’ll use every day.
Once they begin, students are welcomed straight into the same support systems available to all new families. Lower School students are added to First Friday right away, giving them time to meet other new classmates and learn routines with extra care and attention. Middle and Upper School students are connected directly with a Royal Ambassador buddy, who helps them navigate classes and meet peers with similar interests.
Teachers stay closely connected with parents during those first weeks, offering updates, answering questions, and making sure the transition is as smooth as possible.
Welcome to TFA
We invite you to
Envision Your Child at TFA
Parents Find Community Here, Too
Parents quickly discover that TFA is just as welcoming to families as it is to students.
The Parent Association kickoff breakfast gives new families an easy way to meet others and feel connected right from the start. Ongoing events like Details & Donuts provide an opportunity to ask questions, learn school routines, and build friendships.
Because of our vibrant culture, parents often jump into the life of the school by volunteering, attending performances and games, and participating in special events. As they do this, they find their own sense of community alongside their children.