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The Academies

An enriching after-school program for Toddlers through 8th Grade.

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The Academies

The First Academy’s The Academies is an all-encompassing after-school program that includes team sports and sports clinics, performing and fine arts classes, as well as enrichment classes for students ages Toddlers through 8th Grade. The Academies is designed to offer students exposure to a wide variety of activities and experiences throughout their time in Preschool and Lower School.

“After school programs support social, emotional, cognitive, and academic development, reduce risky behaviors, promote physical health, and provide a safe and supportive environment for children.”

Registration will open for Session 1 on August 11th at 10 am!

The majority of The Academies sports and classes are offered after school in four yearly sessions with advanced registration.

Session 1: August 18, 2025 – September 26, 2025

Session 2: October 14, 2025 – November 21, 2025

Session 3: January 20, 2026 – February 27, 2026

Session 4: March 30, 2026 – May 8, 2026

Each program will include one practice or class per week and will be approximately one hour in length, usually beginning after the school day ends. Please note that some sports will have an additional day for practice or games. There are a few classes that meet in the morning before school begins. The Academies also has year-long dance, choir, and K-Prep programs. Additional sports clinics, typically led by our Varsity TFA Coaches, will be added throughout the year, before or after the sessions listed above. Please see the Lower School Sports Page for more information. An enrollment fee is required for all students registering.

If you would like to be involved in The Academies or would like to recommend an instructor, please contact Nan Dix, Director of Auxiliary Program Coordinaor, at nancydix@thefirstacademy.org.

The majority of The Academies sports and classes are offered after school in four yearly sessions with advanced registration.

Session 1: August 18, 2025 – September 26, 2025

Session 2: October 14, 2025 – November 21, 2025

Session 3: January 20, 2026 – February 27, 2026

Session 4: March 30, 2026 – May 8, 2026

“Little Academies” is designed specifically for our First Academy Preschool students. Each Little Academy program will include one 30-minute practice or class per week, either at the end of the school day or after the school day ends. Parents may mix and match programs to create a robust exposure to sports, fine arts, and enrichment opportunities for their preschoolers. Little Academies has 6-week session programs, year-long ballet and soccer programs, and “parent and me” programs. An enrollment fee is required for all students registering.

 If you would like to be involved in Little Academies or would like to recommend an instructor, please contact Corey Gilchrist, Director of Auxiliary Programs, at coreygilchrist@thefirstacademy.org.

Registration

Registration for The Academies will be held online using the Sawyer website: https://www.hisawyer.com/the-first-academy/schedules. When you click the registration link, you will see “New Schedules are Being Added!” on the screen anytime registration is closed. 

Fees

Fees for The Academies must be paid as listed in the online registration form. The fees are set for all students, staff/non-staff.

Refund Policy

The student will receive a full refund less expenses incurred (processing fee) if withdrawing from a program offering a week prior to the first session of a class or sport. No refunds will be made after this date. If a student is asked to leave the sport or course for disciplinary reasons no refund will be permitted.

Cancellation & Withdrawal

The First Academy reserves the right to cancel any program for which there is insufficient enrollment. All fees will be refunded in the event that the course minimum is not met. The First Academy reserves the right to request withdrawal of any student whose conduct, influence, attendance, or progress is regarded as undesirable or unsatisfactory, or who fails to conform to rules and regulations.

Dress Code

Students may stay in their TFA school uniforms for all programs unless instructed otherwise by the course instructor/coach.

The Academies Offerings

Little Academies Offerings