The First Academy

2667 Bruton Boulevard

Orlando, FL 32805

29 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-12
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on August 28, 2024

My family recently moved to Orlando and found a forever school at The First Academy! The school prides itself on a Christian foundation with a gospel centered school culture which is very important to us. TFA offers a welcoming environment, supportive staff and teachers, and a safe and nurturing atmosphere. We would recommend TFA any day of the week and twice on Sunday's.
Submitted by other on June 19, 2024

I attended The Classical School of THE First Academy for 5 years and I can say with 100% confidence DO NOT ATTEND THIS SCHOOL! I am paralyzed from the waist down and use a wheelchair to get around but other than that I am very intelligent and I am attending a great college. Throughout my academic career at The Classical School, I was discriminated against for being in a wheelchair. One event that really stands out (of many) is at graduation this past May. The principal, Robyn Whipple, told me to sit on the side of the stage away from my classmates because it would be closer to the ramp but there would be people next to me and I wouldn’t be alone. This was NOT true! The night of graduation I sat ALONE despite her assuring me I wouldn’t. This final event summed up the disappointment and discrimination I have received from this school time and time again. Another major event and reason why I would never recommend attending this school is because they pick favorites and everyone else is left to fend for themselves. My mom went it for a meeting with Becky Mayberry and Robyn Whipple regarding my college applications. My mom said “she would like to apply to Southeastern University.” They then proceeded to her a look of “are you serious? She will never get in.” (I got in within 36 hours of applying) I would never recommend this school to anyone, I have been through too much and seen to much to recommend it to anyone.
Submitted by parent on December 21, 2023

I was shocked & disheartened today, to face the truth of TFA’s kneeling to the federal government with their allegiance to unbiblical DEI, a program aimed at dividing students, rather than uniting. They will put a child in an in school suspension situation for saying that the group “Black Lives Matter” is not a good group. Sharing a valid opinion in a conversation among other children playing together, overheard by playground staff, and reported to the DEI officer and up the chain of command, with all staff involved, backing the DEI propaganda, is a breach of God’s Word and the First Amendment. My family is shocked/devasted/and angry with The First Academy of Orlando. The Lower School child, that unjustly experienced this travesty, will understand the evil in the world more clearly now, and family & friends will always be discerning now.
Submitted by parent on August 11, 2023

We are so thankful that we found TFA! It seemed like God's providence as we continued to encounter parents who had children at the school. ALL of them were raving fans of the school. We have appreciate how the school has loved on our children and made our family feel welcome every step of the way. The biggest decision you'll ever make :)
Submitted by parent on July 17, 2023

My son has been at TFA since he was 2 yrs old and will be entering the 1st grade in August. Not only is he reading at a 2nd grade level, he LOVES school. He took a lego coding class last school year as part of the Academies. Every Wednesday, he would ask if he could attending coding everyday. We saw his coding teacher in CVS one day and he ran to her and gave her the biggest hug. At the end of Kindergarten, he cried when he realized he was not going to see his teacher all summer. It is very obvious that he feels safe and loved by ALL of the teachers at the Lower School. With all of the academics and extra curricular activities set aside, I would say that THE most important thing about TFA is that my son is learning about Jesus and growing his relationship with HIM! He comes home from school talking about Jesus, talking about bible stories, and knowing that the Lord has made him perfectly unique in every way. As a mom, you cannot put a price on that. I would highly recommend TFA to any family.
Submitted by other on July 17, 2023

As an alum of this school, I felt confident and prepared to take on the next step in my life which was college. I went on to the University of Florida and succeeded because of the spiritual and academic foundation that was instilled in me. I am continuing to grow spiritually because of all that was poured into me as a student of TFA.
Submitted by student on January 03, 2023

Great school! Great classes and friendly teachers.
Submitted by parent on September 01, 2022

My son attended The Classical School at The First Academy, and participated in the athletics program at The First Academy. It breaks my heart to say that he did not have a positive experience while attending this school.
Submitted by parent on August 24, 2022

The school has had diversity and racial issues in the past. As the parent of a kid who has only experienced TFA since kindergarten I can tell you that the Lower School is great and the academic aspect of it is excellent. When kids get into middle school and high school the shift in atmosphere is very noticeable, from a faculty and administration that will tolerate and disregard serious offenses from wealthy families that happen to be white to a less tolerance to the offenses by the not so wealthy, happen to be non-white kids...racist language is deemed only "inappropriate" by a white student, but a minor incident, like forgetting school supplied materials is categorized as a reprimandable issue when it happens to involve a non-white student.Is it a Christ-Centered school? There are Christ-Centered staff and teachers, but a school that caters to modern day and legally based form of segregation and discrimination based on race and/or financial standing cannot be considered Christ-Centered.I spent years looking the other way and giving them the benefit of the doubt but it's just unacceptable in every way possible.
Submitted by other on February 25, 2022

I went here throughout elementary school. The staff pay little mind to bullying. Their “Bible class” simply has students memorize a random verse, spit it onto paper, and forget about it. It has little consideration for special needs students that aren’t attending The First Hope. They disregard obvious warning signs of mental health problems and disabilities. Students who aren’t financially well off enough to donate to the school’s endless new buildings and programs are judged. The teachers in the elementary school are either the sweetest you’ve ever met, or scathing. They discriminate based on sexuality, calling parents at even the rumor of an LGBT student. Christian values are based on loving thy neighbor, not putting those different in possible danger. Somehow everything a student does is wrong— Even doodling on paper is shamed. Religious trauma is in store for your child if they don’t fit the cookie cutter mold.
Submitted by other on October 23, 2021

My experience with The First Academy is one that hurt me in a way that only time will heal. I was bullied in middle school, 7th and 8th grade. My classmates called me names, mocked me, and overall made me feel like I was less than. My confidence was shattered, and my self esteem was extremely low. There was absolutely no discipline for bullying done at that school. The First Academy is a Christian school, however no Christian values are reflected in the classroom. I left after 8th grade, and even now, as a senior in high school, I am still dealing with the emotional repercussions. I do not recommend sending your child to this school.
Submitted by parent on June 30, 2020

No accountability. Lack of leadership. There is no biblical standards or biblical leaders. No diversity acceptance.
Submitted by parent on September 19, 2019

Great, my two kids love coming to The First Academy and have attended since preschool.
Submitted by parent on May 01, 2019

Great teachers. They do some things that I have to question. For example, at graduation they allow students who get into community college to say they are going to UF when they haven’t actually been accepted. It is a little deceptive and detracts from those who have worked hard to get in. Just saying, it’s lying right?
Submitted by parent on July 16, 2017

I was so disapponted in The First Academy. We were there 3 years and the 1st year, the principal quit before the year was over which said a lot about the leadership of the school. By the 2nd year it seemed things would get better but again the new principal was weak. By the 3rd year things began to unravel and it all played out in every major newspaper and magazine. While TFA tried hard to hide it all there were scathing truths surfacing that began to hurt the school. There were high school students bullying & saying disgusting things on social media discovered by a New York reporter; Shaun King. There were horrible stories of drug use at the school's prom and of course the enrollment rate began to drop because of it. Now, it's 2017 and another principal has left TFA - the middle principle. And as they scurry to find a replacement other teachers have also left. Now, you tell me what message this sends to kids looking for great leadership & Christian values?
Submitted by parent on May 27, 2017

No accountability. Poor leadership. Not even close to biblical standards or biblical leaders.
Submitted by student on June 09, 2015

I have attended The First Academy throughout my high school career and I can honestly say it is one of the biggest blessings in my life. Every teacher I have had has loved and encouraged me to do my best in every area I could possibly achieve in. Each teacher has not only made learning easy and fun but their influence as Christian leaders has made all of them mentors to me in my personal life as well. Any talk about students gaining more praise because of their wealth is completely false. I for one was not raised in a incredibly "blessed" or wealthy family and I have been completely loved and accepted by all my classmates despite my parents income. Each student is welcoming and accepting and truly represents good Christian character. The spiritual influence at this school is amazing and the chapels each week really leave an impact on the students to walk closer with The Lord. Dr.Rose and Mr.Bohner have not only lead this school to be such a safe and loving environment to be in, but personally have become great friends of mine and which is something I will forever cherish. Coming to this school was a gift that I am still grateful every day for even after graduating this year. I am now able to attend one of the top universities in the state due to the teachings of every teacher I have come into contact with at The First Academy. If you are thinking about sending your kid here I hope they realize how big of a privilege it is to attend and become part of this big TFA family because I would truly say it is absolutely the best school I have ever seen. I overall love this school and the person it has helped me become and highly recommend it for any kid with a loving and outgoing attitude who is willing to walk with The Lord. Go Royals! :)
Submitted by parent on January 07, 2015

Best kept secret in Orlando, FL. Our K4 daughter has made unbelievable progress with her speech and social behaviors. You couldn't find a better school to partner with your family! Absolutely some of the best facilities around for your High School Athlete and they are building a new Middle School Building in 2013 and Field House in a year. Finally, they are becoming an Apple Distinguished School and all students 3rd-12th graders will have a personal iPad to work on. TFA is developing the next set of 21st Century Christian Leaders... Just Follow #whyILOVETFA on Facebook or Twitter to see!
Submitted by teacher on December 16, 2014

It is a joy to be a part of The First Academy. The students are extremely polite and well-mannered, and the faculty and staff go above and beyond to prepare students academically, socially and spiritually to go out into the world.
Submitted by teacher on December 16, 2014

The First Academy is a PK- 12th grade, Christ-based, college preparatory school based in Orlando Florida. Current enrollment is 1230 students. I am a parent of a student that graduated in 2009 and now am on the Administration Team at the school. What a blessing it has been to see the foundation the school set for my son and now for me to work there. The Leadership is tremendous, the faculty is second to none. If you are looking for a Christian school, with outstanding academics, athletics and fine arts, you should visit the campus of The First Academy.