Based out of Orlando, Florida, The First Academy, a Christ-centered, college preparatory school, serves over 1,500 students from preschool through high school.
When we were founded in 1986, The First Academy began its academic, fine arts and athletic programs and has continued growing them ever since.
We elevate students to their highest levels of achievement, and develop character before career, service before self and participation as a way of life.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Top Ranked FL School
- Grades: Nursery/Preschool-12
- Enrollment: 1,500 students
- Yearly Tuition: $26,800
- Acceptance rate: 100%
- Average class size: 15 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
The First Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Florida for:
Category
Attribute
Student Body
AP Courses
Sports offered
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI)
Southern Association Of Colleges And Schools (SACS)
National Association of College Admissions Counselors
Florida Council of Independent Schools (FCIS)
Southern Association of Independent Schools
National Association of Secondary School Principals
Southern Association for College Admission Counseling (SACAC)
Southern Association Of Colleges And Schools (SACS)
National Association of College Admissions Counselors
Florida Council of Independent Schools (FCIS)
Southern Association of Independent Schools
National Association of Secondary School Principals
Southern Association for College Admission Counseling (SACAC)
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Nursery/Preschool-12
Year Founded
1986
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
School Calendar
First Day of School
Fri. Aug 15, 2025
Awards
Blue Ribbon School - Selected in n/a
School Mascot
Rowdy The Royal
Student Body
Total Students
1,500 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
18%
State avg.: 47%
Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
96 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
16:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
55%
Average Class Size
15 students
Number of AP Courses
25 courses
List of Courses Offered
Average SAT score
1200
(Out of 1600)
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Formal
Uniforms
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$26,800
Tuition Notes
Tuition ranges from 12,860-25,280
Summer Program Cost Notes
Cost varies.
% on Financial Aid
30%
Acceptance Rate
100%
National avg.: 81%
Admissions Director
Kristi Summers
Application URL
Sports
Total Sports Offered
14 sports
Sports
School Notes
- The First Academy is a Christ-centered, college-preparatory school serving over 1,500 Central Florida students across four academic divisions Upper School (9th-12th), Middle School (6th-8th), Lower School (Preschool-5th), and the Extended Educational Programs (Homeschool and Unique Abilities). Since our opening in 1987, TFA has continued to grow the academic, fine arts, and athletic programs that have elevated its students to the highest levels of achievement. More importantly, though, as a private school, TFA hashelped develop its students` strength of character, leading these young men and women to serve others in their community and across the globe.
- The First Academy boasts a 100% college acceptance rate for its graduating seniors, who have received over $70 million in scholarship offers. TFA students at every grade level consistently score well above the state and national average on standardized tests and, for nearly a decade, more than half of TFA seventh-grade students have qualified for the Duke University Talent Identification Program for the academically accomplished. In 2013, The First Academy Middle School received the Department of Education`s highest honor, becoming a National Blue Ribbon School. In 2009, the Lower School received the same honor.
- Students in the visual and performing arts at The First Academy have received the highest possible rankings in theater and band at the district and state levels. TFA art students have received awards from such notable entities as the Winter Park Art Festival and Disney`s Festival of the Masters.
- The First Academy Royals participate in over 22 interscholastic sports at the varsity, junior varsity, and middle school levels. Our studentshave won numerous district, regional, and state championships, and haveconsistently earnedindividual and team titles over the past two decades.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does The First Academy cost?
The First Academy's tuition is approximately $26,800 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of The First Academy?
The acceptance rate of The First Academy is 100%, which is higher than the national average of 81%.
Does The First Academy offer a summer program?
Yes, The First Academy offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What sports does The First Academy offer?
The First Academy offers 14 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cheering, Cross Country, Football, Golf, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball, Weightlifting and Wrestling. The First Academy is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in Florida for most sports offered.
What is The First Academy's ranking?
The First Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Florida for: Largest student body, Most AP courses offered and Most sports offered.
When is the application deadline for The First Academy?
The application deadline for The First Academy is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
In what neighborhood is The First Academy located?
The First Academy is located in the Southwest Orlando neighborhood of Orlando, FL. There are 7 other private schools located in Southwest Orlando.
School Reviews
5 1/6/2020
We love TFA! The teachers and coaches care beyond their class or sport. Guidance team is stellar - prepped my son for a top college acceptance.
5 6/20/2012
Caring, dynamic, school of excellence. We love The First Academy
Endorse The First Academy. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
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