Thank you for considering Foundation Academy. We are excited to provide you with this information packet, designed to offer a comprehensive snapshot of our school community at the Tilden Campus where we offer grades 6 - 12 Inside, you'll find details on our academics, curriculum, clubs, extracurricular activities, athletics, and the admissions process to help you learn more as you explore joining our school family.
At Foundation Academy, our mission of "Building a foundation for life" is rooted in four pillars: Faith, Academics, Fine Arts, and Athletics. We believe these pillars are essential to nurturing well-rounded students who excel both personally and academically.
Through faith, we encourage spiritual growth and a relationship with Jesus Christ Academically, we strive for excellence by offering rigorous and challenging programs Our fine arts program fosters creativity and self-expression, while our athletics build teamwork, discipline, and a healthy lifestyle
Should you decide to apply, the process begins with an online application which can be started at FoundationAcademy.net/APPLY.
Thank you for considering Foundation Academy If you have any questions, we're here to help.
Foundation Academy, a Pre-K through 12th Grade private Christian school, has been serving the Winter Garden community since 1958 As a ministry of Winter Garden's First Baptist Church, Foundation Academy partners with families and the church to build a firm foundation for life through Christ-centered education The school offers a comprehensive experience across its four campuses, including two lower schools, one upper school, and a fully online program for grades 6-12. The upper school is located on the Tilden Campus, a sprawling 70-acre property in southwest Orange County and serves students in grades 7 through 12. Enrolled students complete an admissions process that includes an application, schooladministered testing, student interview with Administration, and parent interview with Administration
Foundation Academy's growth and success are intricately linked to the expansive suburban growth in Southwest Orange County and Eastern Lake County This includes the dynamic Orlando Metropolitan area, which thrives on its diverse industries such as tourism, aerospace, entertainment, hospitality, and technology. This synergy between the school and its surrounding community fosters a rich and supportive atmosphere for students and families alike.
College Prep courses are the standard level for the high school curriculum Honors, AP, and Dual Enrollment are available for core course placement as determined annually based on student grades, prior course levels, PSAT test scores, and department teacher recommendation. The most advanced classes available by grade: Academic Program
9th Grade: English I Honors, Geometry Honors, Biology I Honors, AP Human Geography, Spanish II or American Sign Language II, Bible I
10th Grade: English II Honors, Algebra II Honors, Chemistry Honors, AP World History or Dual Enrollment World Civilization I and II, Spanish III Honors or American Sign Language III Honors, Bible II
11th Grade: AP English Language or Dual Enrollment English Composition I and II, PreCalculus Honors or Statistics Honors, AP US History or Dual Enrollment American History I and II, AP level science, Spanish IV Honors or American Sign Language IV Honors, Bible III
12th Grade: AP English Literature or Dual Enrollment English Composition I and II, AP level math, AP level science, Dual Enrollment Macroeconomics, AP US Government & Politics or Dual Enrollment American Government, AP Spanish Language and Culture, Bible IV
Calendar 2 semesters, each comprised of two 9-week grading periods
School Day 7 periods 8:00 am - 3:15 pm
Dual Enrollment Southeastern University Taylor University (online electives) Orange Technical College (CTE)
9-12 grade students enrolled in 1 or more DE course
Advanced Placement
9-12 grade students enrolled in 1 or more AP course
Grading Scale Weighted
InnovativeCurriculum
Our team of experienced, Christian educators bring to life engaging curriculum. Core classes include Math, Science, English, Social Studies and Bible. With honors and high school level courses for qualified students.
BiblicalIntegration
A biblical worldview is integrated into all courses. Additionally, students attend chapel weekly, led by our student praise and worship team to strengthen and build their foundation of faith.
In addition to Physical Education, students choose from a variety of electives in Fine Arts, STEM and more. Clubs and after school competitive athletics and theatre productions are offered
Foundation Academy partners with families and the church to build a firm foundation for life through Christ-centered education.
College and University acceptances through 2024
Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College
AdventHealth University
Alabama State University
Allegheny College
American Musical & Dramatic Academy
American University
Anderson University-SC
Arizona State University
Art Institute of Ft Lauderdale
Asbury University
Auburn University
Ave Maria University
Barry University
Baylor University
Beacon College
Belmont Abbey College
Belmont University
Berry College
Bethel University
Bethune-Cookman University
Boston College
Boston University
Bowling Green State University
Bridgewater College
Cairn University - Langhorne
Calvin College
Campbell University
Capital University
Castleton University
Cedarville University
Chaminade University
Chowan University
The Citadel
Clark Atlanta University
Clarke University
Clarkson University
Clemson University
Cleveland State University
Coast Guard Academy
College of William and Mary
Columbia University
Cornell University
The Culinary Institute of America
DePauw University
Dartmouth College
Daytona State College
Delaware State University
Drexel University
Duke University
Duquesne University
East Carolina University
Eastern Michigan University
Eckerd College
Edward Waters University
Elmhurst University
Elon University
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Emory & Henry College
Emory University
Evangel University
Flagler College
Florida A&M (FAMU)
Hardin-Simmons University
Hawai'i Pacific University
High Point University
Hillsborough Community College
Hofstra University
Howard University
Indiana University - Bloomington
Indiana State University
Institute for American Musical Theater
Iowa State University
Jacksonville University
James Madison University
John Cabot University
Johns Hopkins University
Johnson & Wales University
Keiser University
Kennesaw State University
Kent State University
Lake Sumter State College
Lake Technical College
Lee University
Lees-McRae College
LeTourneau University
Lewis University
Liberty University
Life University
Lipscomb University
Longwood University
Louisiana State University
Lynn University
Manhattan College
Maryville College
Marywood University
Massachusetts College of Art & Design
Mercer University
Merrimack College
Michigan State University
Midway University
Mississippi College
Mississippi State University
Monmouth University
Montreat College
NC State University
New College of Florida
New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts
New York University
Northeast Ohio Medical University
Northeastern University
Northern Illinois University
Northwestern University
Notre Dame College
Nova Southeastern University
Ogelthorpe University
The Ohio State University
Ohio University
Oklahoma University
Old Dominion University
Oral Roberts University
Orange Technical College
Otterbein University
Ouachita Baptist University
St. John’s University
St. Olaf College
St. Thomas University
Stetson University
Stonehill College
Stony Brook University
Tallahassee State College
Tennessee Weslyan University
Texas A&M University
Texas Tech University
Troy University
Tufts University
Tusculum University
University of Alabama
University of Alabama - Birmingham
University of Albany, SUNY
University of Arizona
University of Arkansas
University of Bridgeport
University of Central Florida
University of Cincinnati
University of Colorado
University of Connecticut
University of Dallas
University of Dayton
University of Delaware
University of Florida
University of Georgia
University of Hawaii at Manoa
University of Kansas
University of Kentucky
University of Maine
University of Maryland
University of Massachusetts
University of Memphis
University of Miami
University of Minnesota
University of Mississippi
University of New Haven
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
University of North Dakota
University of North Florida
University of Notre Dame
University of Pittsburgh
University of Puerto Rico
University of Richmond
University of Saint Mary
University of Scranton
University of South Carolina
University of South Florida
University of Tampa
University of Tennessee
University of the Cumberlands
University of Toledo
University of Toronto
University of Vermont
University of Waterloo
University of West Florida
University of West Georgia
University of Wisconsin
Florida Atlantic University
Florida Gulf Coast University
Florida Institute of Technology
Florida International University
Florida Memorial University
Florida Polytechnic University
Florida Southern College
Florida SouthWestern State College
Florida State University
Full Sail University
Furman University
Gardner-Webb University
George Mason University
Georgia Institute of Technology
Georgia Southern University
Georgia State University
Gordon College
Grand Canyon University
Palm Beach Atlantic University
Penn State University
Pensacola Christian College
Pensacola State College
Point University
Polk State College
Purdue University
Radford University
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)
Ringling College of Art & Design
Rollins College
Saint Leo University
Samford University
Santa Fe College
Savannah College of Art & Design
Seminole State College
Siena College
Southeastern University
Southern Methodist University
University of Wyoming
Valdosta State University
Valencia College
Valparaiso University
Vanderbilt University
Virginia Tech
Wake Forest University
Warner University
Wellesley College
West Point
Western Carolina University
Westminster College
Wheaton College
William & Mary
Wisconsin Lutheran College
Wofford College
Wright State University
Young Harris College
Youngstown
State University
foundation academy
* These programs are planned for the 24-25 school year and may be adjusted by the athletic departent
F
Athletic Director - Robert East
Associate Athletic Director - Krystal Thomas-Smith
Contact the athletic department at: athletics@foundationacademy.net
Football - Boys (V,JV,MS)
Volleyball - Girls (V,JV,9th,MS(2))
Golf - Boys & Girls (V,JV,MS Development)
Cross Country - Boys & Girls (V,MS)
Sideline Cheer - Girls (V, JV)
Swimming - Boys & Girls (V)
Basketball - Boys (V,JV,9th,MS(3))
Basketball - Girls (V,JV,MS)
Soccer - Boys & Girls (V,JV,MS)
Competitive Cheer - Girls (V)
Weightlifting - Girls (V,JV)
Softball - Girls (V)
Baseball - Boys (V,JV,MS)
Track & Field - Boys & Girls (V,MS)
Tennis - Boys & Girls (V,MS)
Weightlifting - Boys (V,JV)
Beach Volleyball - Girls (V)
Lacrosse - Boys (V)
COLLEGI SERVICE
Foundation Academy is dedicated to guiding students through the intricate and competitive collegiate recruitment process, equipping them with the tools and knowledge needed to pursue their desired collegiate athletic opportunities successfully Highlights of services provided include:
NCAA Clearinghouse assistance
Performance films to showcase students' skills and abilities.
Evaluating students' skill levels and academic qualifications in relation to their desired collegiate opportunities.
Comprehensive training on direct communication with college coaches and admissions representatives
S T U D E N T C L U B S & A C T I V I T I E S
TILDEN CAMPUS
9th - 12 grade students are elected to student government roles each year
10th-12th grade students who apply and meet criteria
7th-8th grade girls Bible study
9th-12th grade girls Bible study
7th and 8th grade students who apply, interview and meet criteria
7th-9th grade students who apply and meet criteria
Students who have completed Ceramics 1
9th-12th grade students Competition, criteria-based
9th-12th grade
9th-12th grade
7th-8th grade boys Bible study
9th-12th grade boys Bible study
7th-12th grade service oriented club - Friday afternoons
Students
9th-12th grade
High
9th-12th grade students who apply and meet criteria
9th-12th grade
7th-12th grade
9th-12th grade students who apply and meet criteria Includes:
Elementary Reading Team Student Ambassadors Blessings Team
Upper School Curriculum Overview
7th Grade
Bible
The Story of Old Testament - BJU Press Math
Course 2 - Glencoe & All Things Algebra
Pre-Algebra - Glencoe & All Things Algebra
Algebra 1 - Glencoe & All Things Algebra
Science
Life Science - BJU Press
History
The American Republic- BJU Press
English
SpringBoard English Language Arts, Grade 7
Vocabulary from Latin & Greek VII - Prestwick House
Vocabulary from Latin & Greek VIII - Prestwick House
Novel Studies
8th Grade
Bible
The Life of Christ - BJU Press
Math
Pre-Algebra - Glencoe
Algebra 1 - Glencoe
Geometry - Glencoe
Science
Physical Science - BJU Press
History
The American Republic - BJU Press
English
SpringBoard English Language Arts, Grade 8
Vocabulary from Latin & Greek VIII - Prestwick House
Vocabulary from Latin & Greek IX - Prestwick House
High School
Math
Math for College Readiness/College Prep Algebra - Cengage
Statistics and Probability with Applications, 4rd Edition - BFW Freeman
The Practice of Statistics for the AP Exam, 7th Edition - BFW Freeman
Pre-Calculus - Glencoe
Calculus for the AP Course, 4nd Edition - BFW Freeman
Algebra 1 - Glencoe & All Things Algebra
Geometry - Glencoe & All Things Algebra
Algebra 2 - Glencoe & All Things Algebra
Science
Marine Science the Dynamic Ocean - Savvas
Essentials of Human Anatomy & Physiology - Savvas Biology - Savvas
Principles of Life: for the AP Course, 2nd Edition - WH Freeman
Environmental Science for the AP Course - WH Freeman Chemistry (H) Atoms First 2e - Rice University/Open Stax Chemistry - Savvas Physics - Rice University/Open Stax College Physics - Rice University/Open Stax
Foreign Language
Autentico 1 , 2, 3 & 4 - Savvas
AP Spanish: Abriendo Pasos - Savvas Temas y Lecturas Gramática
English
*General
Start ASL Level 1 & 2
Signing Naturally: Level 3 - Dawn Sign Press
ASL University Levels 1, 2, 3, 4
SpringBoard English Language Arts, Grade 9 - CollegeBoard
SpringBoard English Language Arts, Grade 10 - CollegeBoard
SpringBoard English Language Arts, Grade 11 - CollegeBoard
SpringBoard English Language Arts, Grade 12 - CollegeBoard
Expository Composition (DE English) - EMC Publishing Perrine's Literature (AP Lit) - Cengage Learning Language of Composition (AP Lang) - Bedford (2008)
AMSCO Writing for the AP Exam (AP Lang) - Perfection Learning
Vocabulary from Latin and Greek Roots Level IX - Prestwick House
Vocabulary from Latin and Greek Roots Level X - Prestwick House
Vocabulary from Latin and Greek Roots Level XI - Prestwick House
Vocabulary from Latin and Greek Roots Level XII - Prestwick House
Vocabulit - Perfection Learning Level 11/12
History
Ways of the World: A Global History with Sources (AP)
Human Geography AP - Fouberg and Murphy, John Wiley & Sons
The American Yawp (DE US History) - Stanford University
American Government (DE) - Open Stax, Rice University
American Government: Stories of a Nation (AP) - Abernathy BFW
Cultural Geography - BJU Press
United States History - BJU Press
American Government - BJU Press
Economics - BJU Press
World History - BJU Press
The Essential World History (DE World Civilization) - Duiker, Spielvogel
American History: Connecting With the Past (AP US History) - Brinkley
Bible
CSB Baker Illustrated Study Bible.
CSB Apologetics Bible - Holman Jesus of Nazareth - Artisan and Carlton
The Nativity Story - New Line Productions, Inc.
The Gospel According to John - Visual Bible International The Gospel According to Mathew - International Bible Society
That the World May Know, Faith Lessons - Ray VanderLaan, Zondervan
The Bible Collection by Turner Pictures - Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Samson and Delilah, David, Solomon, Jeremiah, Esther
Life Calling: Living Your Life with the Power of Purpose - Life Discovery
Foundations of Faith (Apologetics) - Wheaton Press
Moments with the Savior; A Devotional Life of Christ (DE)- Ken Gire, Zondervan
The Four: A Survey of the Gospels (DE)- P J Leithart, Moscow
Who Is This Man? (DE)- John Ortberg, Zondervan
Key Dates for Admissions & Enrollment
Sep. 28, 2024 - Applications open for the 25-26 school year
Dec. 6, 2024 - Process deadline for first consideration of openings. The entire application process including testing and parent meeting must be completed for the first round of admissions decisions beginning Jan. 24, 2025 or earlier Special consideration is given to qualified siblings of current FA students, FBCWG/FBCHW church members, Winter Garden Academy students and children of FA alumni where space is available
Jan. 1, 2025 - Tuition assistance applications open
Jan. 21, 2025 - Continuous Enrollment Deposits due for returning students.
Jan. 24, 2025 - Admissions notifications begin for those who completed the process by Dec 6, 2024 and are applying for a full grade Grades with space will be as early as January 8, 2025. Enrollment contracts are due within 5 business days of an offer of admission.
May 2, 2025 - Deadline for submitting an online application for in person learning (complete with required documents).
May 15, 2025 - Deadline for completing the full admission process (application, submitting documents, interview and testing).
Applications will be considered on a limited basis after this time.
2025-2026 International Student Service Fee - $2,000
Students requiring an F-1 VISA pay the standard tuition and fees as our day school students, plus the International Student Service Fee.
The international student fee is charged for students who require an I-20 to obtain an F-1 VISA to attend school in the US. The I-20 will be processed and maintained by Foundation Academy throughout their enrollment and will transfer to the student’s college or university after graduation from FA
Through testing, if a student requires additional support of reading skills, they will be required to enroll in our Rx for Reading Program for an additional fee as outlined in our tuition and fees
International students are not eligible for tuition assistance or payment plans All tuition and fees are due upon enrollment
International students must provide proof of insurance We can recommend options
International students will be required to set up a FACTS payment account for any incidental billing
Documents required for students requiring an I-20
Copy of Passport Page in lieu of birth certificate (uploaded to application)
Copy of academic documents in home language
Copy of academic documents in english, including grading scale
For students entering 10th through 12th grade, we will need a course by course evaluation
Foreign Course Translation Service Options
Students who transfer to Foundation Academy from schools outside the US will need their high school academic course records translated in order to validate our diploma requirements are fulfilled. ADditionally, the student will likely need the same translation document for colleges as they apply. Each college requires different documents, translations, tests, etc. We recommend that you check with a few colleges you would consider applying to (before entering your senior year) to see what that college requires
Foreign Course Translation Services
1 WES - Worldwide Educational Services
2 Josef Silny & Associates
3 Ucredo LLC
This is a local company in Winter Garden, FL The cost is approximately $160
For any of these companies, you would request a course by course translation We suggest obtaining three copies minimum: one for FA, one for you to keep and at least one for college application. Ask the company how they would share their report with colleges.
Ucredo is not NACES approved, however, they are an Endorsed Member of the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE). So depending on where the students wish to apply to college, you'll have to look at which colleges accept AICE evaluations. Many Florida schools require NACES approved evaluations
Foundation Academy Admissions Process
APPLY ONLINE
Go to FoundationAcademy.net/APPLY and click the link to our online application system You will set up an account, log in, create a new application (one per student) and then edit the application packet to complete each page of the requested information There is a place to upload images of requested documents The deadline to submit an application is May 2, 2025
PRELIMINARY REVIEW
Applications are subject to a preliminary review to examine application documents and information against minimum criteria before proceeding to the next step If this criteria is not met, a decline letter will be sent and the application closed If met, and/or further evaluation is necessary, an email with the next steps will be sent. In addition to the preliminary criteria, the entrance assessment, student and parent interviews, and space availability in the class will determine a final admission decision. Please note: An application is not a guarantee of admission even if the minimum criteria is met.
PARENT INTERVIEW*
Parents will be contacted to schedule a parent interview This interview is an opportunity for philosophical compatibility discussions and expectations of a Foundation Academy education experience.
ACADEMIC ASSESSMENT*
The admissions office will email a link to schedule the student’s academic assessment For students entering grades 6-12, a student interview will also be conducted at that time
RECEIVE AN ADMISSION DECISION
Offers of admission are based on class availability and all the information gathered in the application process which illustrate potential success in our classroom and our curriculum This decision is prayerfully discerned by our Admissions Committee. Availability is determined after returning families have paid deposits and confirmed reenrollment for the upcoming school year. Once classes are full, accepted students will be placed in a wait pool and notified if space becomes available.
Offers of admission begin on January 24, 2025 (or earlier in grades where space is confirmed) for those who complete the application process by December 8, 2024
After the first round of decisions, offers of admission begin on February 7, 2025 and continue on a rolling basis (as space allows).
ENROLLMENT
If an offer of enrollment is made, please follow the instructions in the acceptance email to complete enrollment This includes setting up a tuition payment plan in our FACTS tuition management system and must be completed within 5 business days of the enrollment offer
