Written by Dr. Steve Whitaker, Head of School

As we prepare to graduate the largest senior class in TFA’s history on May 18, we are also proud to celebrate their many accomplishments. The Class of 2018 received the most Top 3o college acceptances in TFA history. This group of students is also blessed with outstanding servant leaders, gifted artists, remarkable athletes, and impact players for God’s Kingdom.

Throughout the years at TFA we have celebrated their art shows and theatre productions, band and choir concerts, and athletic accomplishments. In the last couple of weeks, we’ve seen their parents beam at awards ceremonies and senior night recognitions. Most importantly, we have watched these students grow in their relationship with Jesus and with one another.

As this class prepares to enter college, it’s important for us to understand that they are competing with the best and brightest students around the world for scholarships and selective placement. Many Top 30 colleges, including Ivy League institutions, have acceptance rates that range from 5%-29%. We are extremely proud of our students and their achievements as they acquired some of the most difficult college decisions and acceptances.

Members of the Class of 2018 have been accepted to prestigious colleges and universities such as Duke, Cornell, MIT, New York University, Emory University, Princeton University, Rice University, Tufts University, the University of Southern California, the University of Virginia, Wake Forest University, the University of Notre Dame, and Johns Hopkins University.

As the Class of 2018 leaves us, I look forward to what our rising seniors will do as student-leaders at The First Academy. Next fall, these juniors will be among the 50,000 highest scoring participants who will be recognized through the National Merit Program: Cooper Billsborough, Caleb Gordon, and Gabrielle Meena.

While we are so proud of all of the academic, athletic, and artistic achievements of the Class of 2018 and the incoming class of 2019, the most important achievement is their ability to impact thousands of lives with the Gospel. As our seniors embark on new journeys and our juniors prepare to take the lead, I know that their love for Jesus will be evident in all that they do.

Thank you, families and students, for allowing us to serve you at The First Academy. We look forward to celebrating at graduation on May 18.