The Foundation Academy Photo #10 - The arts are important for all students. From band to theatre, choir to painting, visual and theatrical arts are a place students can shine at The Foundation Academy.

The Foundation Academy

Founded in 1988, The Foundation Academy is a private school in Jacksonville, Florida, whose mission is to educate children in an art-centered, project/inquiry-based, S.T.E.M. focused, family-like environment.
We believe in helping students become critical thinkers and lifelong learners.
TFA is fully accredited and STEM Certified by COGNIA and includes a dual enrollment program.
We understand this world is an integrated environment that overlaps the academic, artistic, emotional, physical, and spiritual components. We mirror this integration in our curriculum to prepare students to succeed in today's world.
The Foundation Academy includes gardens and chickens with microgreen, aquaponic, and hydroponic stations, organic gardens, Visual and Performing art programs, Tai Chi practice as a part of the daily schedule, and a state-of-the-art black box theater.

Quick Facts (2026)

  • Top-Ranked FL School
  • Grades: Kindergarten-12
  • Enrollment: 362 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $15,000
  • Acceptance rate: 95%
  • Average class size: 15 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

School News

Top Rankings

The Foundation Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Florida for:

Category
Attribute
Student Body

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-12
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Year Founded
1988
Colors
Blue, Gold, White
Summer School Offered
Yes
School Calendar
First Day of School
Wed. Aug 19, 2026
Last Day of School
Fri. May 28, 2027

Student Body

Total Students
362 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
48%
State avg.: 47%
Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
60 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
6:1
National avg.: 11:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
90%
Average Class Size
15 students
Number of AP/Advanced Courses
5 courses
AP/Advanced Courses
Dual Enrollment
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Established Dress Code

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
Scholarships Available!
% on Financial Aid
95%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$8,000
Acceptance Rate
95%
National avg.: 82%
College Acceptance Rate
100%
Admissions Director
Tia Frick
Admissions Associate
Kristen DeArmas
Application URL

Sports

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
11 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
FarmingNational Arts Honor Society
National Honor SocietyNCCER
Student CouncilWorld Affairs Council


Arts and Music Programs:
Art WalkDrama
Performing Arts


Recreational Athletic Programs:
BasketballSoccer

School Notes

  • School Motto: Who You Become Matters
  • School Mascot: Raven
  • Founded in 1988, The Foundation Academy is a private school in Jacksonville, Florida, whose mission is to educate children in an art-centered, project/inquiry-based, S.T.E.A.M. focused, family-like environment. We believe in helping each student become a critical thinker and a lifelong learner. TFA is fully accredited and STEM Certified by COGNIA and includes a dual enrollement program. We understand that this world is an integrated environment that overlaps the academic, artistic, emotional, physical and spiritual components. We mirror this integration in our curriculum to prepare students to succeed in today's world. The Foundation Academy includes a working Aquaponic farm, organic gardens, art rooms and a black box theater.
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does The Foundation Academy cost?
The Foundation Academy's tuition is approximately $15,000 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of The Foundation Academy?
The acceptance rate of The Foundation Academy is 95%, which is higher than the national average of 81%.
What sports does The Foundation Academy offer?
The Foundation Academy offers 8 interscholastic sports: Ballet, Basketball, Dance, Football, Intramural Sports Only, Martial Arts, Soccer and Volleyball.
What is The Foundation Academy's ranking?
The Foundation Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Florida for: Highest percentage of faculty with advanced degrees and Largest student body.
When is the application deadline for The Foundation Academy?
The application deadline for The Foundation Academy is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
In what neighborhood is The Foundation Academy located?
The Foundation Academy is located in the Isle of Palms neighborhood of Jacksonville, FL.

School Reviews

  5.00 out of 5  (2 reviews)
5  
Public school was a place where my daughter was discouraged & bullied - even by teachers. The amazing teachers at TFA encourage learning in unique ways, instill confidence, inspire creativity & treat the kids as individuals. My daughter has grown into a confident & enthusiastic student! We are very blessed to be a part of the TFA family.
- Posted by
5  
unique culture. project based inquiry curriculum. diverse student composition. I commit faculty to the children's academic and social success.
- Posted by

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Quick Facts (2026)

  • Top-Ranked FL School
  • Grades: Kindergarten-12
  • Enrollment: 362 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $15,000
  • Acceptance rate: 95%
  • Average class size: 15 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Jacksonville, FL is $12,763 for elementary schools and $13,523 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Jacksonville, FL is 89% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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