OUR MISSION: We are a Christian community dedicated to providing a premier college preparatory education, grounded in a Biblical world view, which develops character in students from varied backgrounds for a lifetime of learning and service.
OUR VISION: The school IGNITES a passion for excellence in learning and INFUSES God's Word as a lens for learning so our students may grow to IMPACT the world for Jesus Christ
Our First Presbyterian Academy Downtown Campus is located at:
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Top Ranked SC School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-12
- Enrollment: 579 students
- Average class size: 16 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
First Presbyterian Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in South Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Student Body
Extracurriculars
School History
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI)
National Association of College Admissions Counselors
AdvancED, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Council on Accreditation and School Improvement
South Carolina Independent Schools Association (SCISA
Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD)
National Association of Elementary School Principals
National Association of Secondary School Principals
National Junior Honor Society (NJHS)
National Association of College Admissions Counselors
AdvancED, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Council on Accreditation and School Improvement
South Carolina Independent Schools Association (SCISA
Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD)
National Association of Elementary School Principals
National Association of Secondary School Principals
National Junior Honor Society (NJHS)
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-12
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Mild learning differences
Year Founded
1953
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
579 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
7%
State avg.: 18%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
48 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
12:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
53%
Average Class Size
16 students
Number of AP Courses
7 courses
List of Courses Offered
Advanced Courses
Biology, Calculus, Chemistry, Computer, English Language, English Literature, Environmental Science, European History, Music Theory, U.S. History
Average SAT score
1160
(Out of 1600)
Average ACT score
21
(Out of 36)
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Appearance to display modesty, professionalism and respect for themselves and others.
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Tuition Notes
K2&K3(Downtown): $3,500-$6,900 depending on # of days per week
K4(Downtown) $5,250-$7,100 depending on # of days per week
K5&K6(Downtown): $8,800.
K3(Shannon Forest) 1/2 day: $2,550-$4,950 depending on # of days per week
K3(Shannon Forest) Full day: $3,550-$6,900 depending on # of days per week
K4(Shannon Forest): $5,250-$7,100 depending on # of days per week
K5:$8,800
1st - 5th Grade: $9,900
6th - 8th Grade: $11,220
9th - 12th Grade: $12,925(Does not include application, enrollment or operations and tech fee)
Admissions Director
Kathleen Garrison
Sports
Total Sports Offered
10 sports
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
17 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Concert Choir, Fine Arts, Intramurals, Key Club, National Honor Society, National Junior Honor Society, Service Learning, Student Government, Yearbook
Club or Organization:
Central Spirit, Discover Small Group Bible Studies, Speech and Debate, Student Ambassadors, Youth in Government
Arts and Music Programs:
Lower School Choir
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Barbell Club, Lower School Running Club
Club or Organization:
Central Spirit, Discover Small Group Bible Studies, Speech and Debate, Student Ambassadors, Youth in Government
Arts and Music Programs:
Lower School Choir
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Barbell Club, Lower School Running Club
School Notes
- The Academy at Shannon Forest (Shannon Forest), K3 - 12th Grade, and The Academy Downtown (The Academy), K2 - K6, will truly offer a unique, premiere college preparatory school experience. The foundation and framework of our school will be rooted in a Christian worldview; it will permeate and serve as our guide in all that we do. As a common thread, Bible is a core course at every level. We will also continue to offer small, intimate classes taught by exceptional faculty and staff that are growing in their faith and who embrace the idea that teaching is also discipleship.
- The Academy Downtown Preschool:
- -Is a K2 - K6 Academic Program located on the campus of First Presbyterian Church in downtown Greenville, South Carolina
- -Employs experienced, degreed teachers
- -Provides learning through play, exploration, and interactive experiences
- -Focuses on instruction that addresses the needs and interests of every child
- -Offers a transition class (K6) after KindergartenIncludes early and late stay options, as well as extended day activities
- The Academy at Shannon Forest Preschool:
- -Is a K3 - KT Academic Program located on Garlington Road in Greenville, South Carolina
- -Employs experienced, degreed teachers
- -Provides learning through play, exploration and interactive experiences
- -Focuses on instruction that addresses the needs and interests of every childOffers a transition class (KT) before Kindergarten
- -Includes early and late stay options, as well as extended day activities
- Elementary School
- -Emphasizes a partnership with parents
- -Prepares students for the rigors of Middle School while celebrating the differences of all of God`s children
- -Provides a STEM Program, a Gifted and Talented Program, and Fine Arts Program
- -Holds to a college preparatory curriculum focus
- Middle School
- -Provides a unique bridge from Elementary to High School including a distinct 6th Grade Program
- -Challenges students through Academics, Fine Arts and Athletics
- -Nurtures students into higher categorical thinking
- -Provides course offerings at the Honors level, as well as a STEM Program
- -Holds to a college preparatory curriculum focus
- High School
- -Challenges students with high quality College Preparatory, Honors and AP classes
- -Mentors students through an exceptional Athletic Program led by coaches rooted in truth and faith
- -Captures the love of the Arts through a growing Fine Arts Program featuring choral music, drama and visual programs
- -Prepares students to think in the highest categories, work hard and discern in preparation for college, vocation and eternity
- The Cooperation forAcademicReinforcement andEnrichment (C.A.R.E.) Center
- -Governs our Learning Difference Program in each division of the school
- -Administers a Peer Tutoring Program
- -Provides online classes as needed
- -Partners with classroom teachers in order to allow them to use their gifts and energies to teach
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
What sports does First Presbyterian Academy offer?
First Presbyterian Academy offers 10 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cheering, Cross Country, Golf, Soccer, Swimming, Track and Field, Volleyball and Weightlifting.
What is First Presbyterian Academy's ranking?
First Presbyterian Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in South Carolina for: Largest student body, Most extracurriculars offered and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for First Presbyterian Academy?
The application deadline for First Presbyterian Academy is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
School Reviews
5 5/12/2016
I can say, without hesitation, that SFCS has been the absolute best school our family has experienced. In addition to my 6 children, I have 8 nieces and nephews that have been students at SFCS over the past 10 yrs. I love that SFCS is continually improving its facilities, academics, athletics and fine arts. However, the reason SFCS stands out is not in those things. SFCS is an exceptional school because of one attribute. That attribute, consistently found in the faculty and staff, is that they value the relationships that they have with their students! They know them, they pray for them, they engage them, they inspire them. My kids are not going to reflect back on how great the building was, how many activities there were or how many games a team won. What they will remember is how a relationship with a teacher or a coach motivated and inspired them to succeed in areas they never thought possible. How someone cared about the details of their life and invested their time, energy and love, when they didn't have to. I love many things about SFCS and my graduates have been very well prepared for their futures, but it is this attribute that sets SFCS apart.
5 4/14/2016
My children have been attending Shannon Forest for several years now and we LOVE it! They are so excited each and every day that they get to go to school. It makes my job as a mom so much easier when they are eager to go to school. The teachers are loving, nurturing, and engage the students. As a former elementary teacher at a public school in Greenville, I can say that the curriculum is very strong. I wish that I could elaborate here, but I could write a book on the amazing things that are happening in the classrooms at Shannon Forest. The administration has always been very supportive and loving to me as a parent. I appreciate the love that they have for my children as well. The children get to play and learn outdoors as well. This was a bonus that I didn't expect! Students have PE twice a week, as well as a long recess, and they take their snack break outdoors when possible. I've noticed teachers taking their students outdoors to teach lessons as well. Very neat! We couldn't be happier there. We really love that everyone knows one another and takes care of one another.
5 1/17/2015
I have 3 children here.. K5 through high school. It is a blessing to be here. The school has high academic standards with a loving Christian atmosphere...
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