The First Academy in Orlando, Florida

“My son and daugher are really enjoying TFA. They have been in 2 other Christian Schools in the north and TFA by far has been the best school.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My son just finished the Kindergarten program at TFA. I have been amazed how much he has grown academically and socially this past year! The Kindergarten curriculum is a fantasitic balance--the children learn at a remendous rate. And even when they are playing, they are learning and the kids don't even realize it. If you are looking for a great start to your child's education, The First Academy should be your first choice!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“We love TFA. We have been here for 6 years and have had one of our daughters graduate and accepted to 4 different colleges. She attends one of the Florida colleges because of Bright Futures. I can not tell you what TFA means to us as parents, the academic and the spiritual foundation can not be meausred in our eyes. We still have children at TFA and will be here until they graduate. If your looking for a 'family' school this is the one for you.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Awesome School, Our sports teams are very good. You should definitely come if you are looking for a good private christian athletic school. We have a good fan base and we support our teams all the time.”
This review was posted by a student.

“If you have money or 'connected' you and your child will excell at this school. The Headmaster is a nice man who appears to deeply care about this school but I can say from our experience, Christ's principles aren't always practiced by some staff and and parents. As stated earlier from a previous submission, they follow a warped view of the Golden Rule. 'Those with the gold....rule! I”
This review was posted by a parent.

“We are the parents of a student who graduated after 10 years at TFA and went on to University of Florida (GO GATORS!). Our child was accepted at every college at which she applied, and was offered nearly $100,000 in academic scholarships. Even more importantly, she continues to delight and amaze her grateful parents with a clear sense of right and wrong, an active moral compass, and a visible strength of faith. TFA was a steadfast partner in all aspects of her success. We gladly give The First Academy the highest recommendation as well as our heartfelt thanks for an amazing experience.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I love my school! The teachers are terrific, the classes are challenging and the friends are wonderful. I would not go anywhere else! Go TFA!”
This review was posted by a student.

“We are truly suprised how this school has changed. We loved it our first year, but after that we see what the true focus of the school is money and the people with the most money rule. We had to make the hard decision to leave the school after this year. Our kids will miss there friends and teachers but we sure won't miss the parents who feel the need to run the school. The Headmaster is an awsome believer in Christ, and he needs to see that the school is getting away from that. Great academics, great teachers, great adminstration staff, just need to get back to basics and remember God first. Parents really need to be screened about there faith. When you have a dress code in your studen manual for mothers, there is something wrong.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I am very sad that it has come to this, but we to feel it is only right to leave TFA. I agree with the Golden Rule prevails at TFA. Also, if donate alot of money you and your children climb the latter. We truly loved this school when we started a few years back, but it has changed so much. We really feel that the Christ Centered school is no longer, it is all about the money. The leaders of the school really need to look at what is happening and regroup. I hope they will before it is to late.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I have been a TFA family for 12 years. It has been an amazing road partnering with this awesome school to raise my children. We are so blessed to have what we feel is the best Christian based school in the nation!”
This review was posted by a parent.

“As a parents of middle school and high school students, we are so thankful to have found this Christ-centered, college-prep school in Orlando, FL. When we knew we were to move from the northeast and their fantastic academic institutions, we were concerned we would not find the level of academic excellence for our students on their educational journey. We have to blessed beyond measure with The First Academy. From a leadership team who truly sees the individual to a faculty team who deeply invests in each of our children, the First Academy has it right. Take the time to see what this school can offer your children. It will be an investment of time well spent. Sincerely, Mickey and Kathleen Pittman”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My family has just finished our 8th year with 2 children who are thriving at the school. I often - and I do mean regularly - hear how incredible my 5th and 7th grade daughters are in terms of their Christian attitudes, behavior and self discipline. These are qualities that the school really partners with parents on. My children are living the Mission at TFA of Character before career, wisdom beyond scholarship, service before self and participation as a way of life. Having a high level of academics or a Christian environment are not mutually exclusive. If you want your child to be accepted in ANY college they must do well academically in school and on tests - that is not the new direction of TFA it is reality and I applaud TFA for making this a high level school academically, athletically and spiritually. My family is blessed by TFA.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Our son just graduated from TFA after spending 13 years there. What a blessing the school has been to our children and our family over these years! The relationships that have been made with students, teachers and families is priceless. Where else do you see all of the teachers lined up, hugging the seniors as they enter for graduation? Our son received 10's of thousands of dollars in unsolicited, merit-based aid, and we give the credit to TFA for that. On top of that, he has been trained to be a Christian leader as he goes forth from the walls of TFA. Is TFA perfect? No But neither is any other school. Caring teachers, an academically sound curriculum, a family-like atmospher, and a God-foccussed mission statement make this a wonderful place to be.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“What a wonderful school this used to be. Our family have made the difficult decision to pull our child out of the school after 4 years. A change in direction to make this an SAT/perfection driven machine has caused it to run contrary to its core values. You cannot serve two masters and you cannot worship at the alter of perfection and hope to follow Christ at the same time. Scholarships, awards, even teacher placement are given first to those who are the closest to the 'ideal' . It is disappointing and sad and is very tough on kids who are average or just above average. If your child his a genius and a robot this is the place for you.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“My son transferred to TFA mid-year. The curriculum is way ahead of the public school system. He is challenged daily and I am grateful for the character building as well as the academic aspect of TFA. As far as a Christ-centered, private college prep school, TFA is the best.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“The Golden Rule prevails at TFA -- the man with the gold makes all the rules. A couple truly outstanding teachers but the parents interfere (insisting on grade gifting and easier curriculum) which keeps even these two standouts not as great an experience in the classroom as what could be. Politics, hypocrisy and rather high turnover of staff. My last graduated 2007. If I had it to do over again I would home school. Cannot recommend TFA in good conscience.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I have the privilege of working at TFA. It is a great place to work and the people are amazing! I am so glad that we have a school like TFA in the Orlando area that can provide an excellent Christian education!”
This review was posted by a staff.

“Our children all graduated from The First Academy and have proven to continue to excel in the undergraduate area and beyond as strong Christian leaders. We were delighted with the academics, but also with the drama, music, and sport opportunities. A huge part of this success can be contributed to the partnership among parents, teachers and strong administrative leadership.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“A great school all around. Great teachers, lots of opportunities for the kids, lots of parent involvement. This is a great school with solid academics and a great Christian education. The Baptist aspect is very heavy though (for example, no dancing at the prom). As a more liberal, non-denominational family we have felt a little restrained in that respect but for elementary education it is great. The teachers have been very caring and I have always felt it was a safe place for my child with lots of love.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Academics far better than area public schools but avg for local private schools. Great Christian environment. Strong athletics for small private school. Parent involvement is strong. Head master has great vision and leadership skills.”
This review was posted by a teacher.

“Our children have attended The First Academy for the past 7 years. They are receiving an excellent education and a foundation for success in the 'real world' when they graduate. They are challenged and taught how to think through situations and are not taught to a test. The christian influence of the school is a huge positive. The school's sports programs are top notch.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“The First Academy in Orlando is well known for it's christian beliefs. The school was started by The First Baptist Church in orlando as they continue to run it. Students are taught in a christian environment are are taught by highly trained teachers. The college prep school continues to produce remarkable students who have gone on to achieve great things. They are also very generous in terms of financial aid.”
This review was posted by a former student.

“We relocated from Wisconsin to Florida last year. Since I work from home we really could have lived anywhere in Florida but the biggest criteria for us was finding an outstanding Christian school for our middle schooler and high schooler. I visited many schools on the east coast and in central Florida during my search. Once I found TFA, I just sensed it was the best school for our kids. We have not been dissapointed in the least. Our children love it here and would not return to our previous home or school given the choice. They are academically challenged, involved in many top-notch sports and other extracurricular activities, and have made many wonderful friends here. Overall the teachers and parents really care about the students and there is a focus on building strong Christlike character. It is an excellent college prepratory school. You won't be dissapointed.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I love TFA. My children have been challenged academically and have grown spiritually. The teachers are strong and really care about the students and their families. A lot of extra help and guidance is available if needed. There is a strong sense of community at thiss chool.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I have been very pleased with the level of academics as well as spiritual and athletic offerings at The First Academy. The teachers are knowledgeable and caring and the parents are open and helpful. My children have met a number of very nice friends through the school. I would encourage parents to tour The First Academy if they are seeking a Christian Prep-school in Orlando.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Have 2 kids now in 6th and 10th grade who have been at TFA for 5 years. There has always been a consistant quality and excellence.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Great value for the money. I have 4 success stories at my house. I'm so pleased with the complete program and how they have ministered to our whole family.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“A loving and nurturing Christ centered enviroment that encourages children to their fullest potential.”
This review was posted by a parent.