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.”
The majority of The Academies sports and classes are offered after school in four yearly sessions with advanced registration.
Session 1: August 24, 2026 – October 2, 2026
Session 2: October 13, 2026 – November 20, 2026
Session 3: January 18, 2027 – February 26, 2027
Session 4: March 8, 2027 – April 23, 2027
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 and choir 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, Auxiliary Program Coordinator, at nancydix@thefirstacademy.org.
Little Academies is designed specifically for our First Academy Preschool students. Each Little Academy program will include one 30-45 minute practice or class per week, at the end of the school day. Parents may mix and match programs to create a robust exposure to sports, fine arts, and enrichment opportunities for their preschoolers. An enrollment fee is required for all students registering. Little Academies are offered year-round, from August 31, 2026 through April 30, 2027.
For questions, please contact Corey Gilchrist, Director of Auxiliary Programs, at coreygilchrist@thefirstacademy.org.
The majority of The DAL Academies sports and classes are offered after school in four yearly sessions with advanced registration.
Session 1: August 24, 2026 – October 2, 2026
Session 2: October 13, 2026 – November 20, 2026
Session 3: January 18, 2027 – February 26, 2027
Session 4: March 8, 2027 – April 23, 2027
DAL Academies are designed specifically for students in the Distinct Abilities Learning Program. Led by experienced instructors and primarily located on First Orlando’s campus, DAL Academies provides your student with opportunities to learn something new after school! Although DAL Academies are tailored to meet the needs of students in the Distinct Abilities Learning Program, students in the DAL program may participate in appropriate Lower School Academies programs with prior approval. An enrollment fee is required for all students registering.
If you would like to be involved in DAL Academies or would like to recommend an instructor, please contact Shelby Adamson at shelbyadamson@thefirstacademy.org.
Registration
Registration for The Academies will be held online using the Campminder website.
- Registration link coming soon.
Once you have completed your registration, please use the Parent Account Login link to access your Campminder account and manage your registration.
- Parent Account Login coming soon.
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.