ACADEMICS TO EXCEL. FAITH TO INSPIRE.
Dear TFA Families and Friends,
In 2027, we will joyfully celebrate 40 years of God’s faithfulness through The First Academy. As we look back, we’re filled with gratitude for visionaries like Thomas Gurney and Brother Jim Henry, whose prayers, leadership, and generosity helped open our very first school building to 238 children in 1987.
Since then, thousands of students have walked these halls, learning not only academics but life-changing truths from God’s Word. Our Lower School has served us well. But as we look to the future, the time has come to renew it for the next generation.
As we approach our 40th year, we stand on the shoulders of visionaries who dreamed big, and now it’s our turn to shape the next chapter for future generations.
Today, the growth in our Lower School is booming. Classrooms are full, energy is high, and demand continues to increase. But our facilities must now catch up to this momentum. We need spaces that reflect the excellence of the education taking place inside them—spaces that are modern, functional, and inspiring.
We believe the best gift we can give our students is an environment that reflects our commitment to excellence and our deep faith in their God-given potential. That’s why, as part of our 40th Anniversary celebration, we are launching a full renovation of the Lower School. When children walk into bright, welcoming classrooms equipped for today’s learning, they feel seen, safe, and ready to thrive. Your generosity makes that possible.
The Royal Nation Fund is our highest fundraising priority, and this year’s focus is centered on this exciting renovation. Gospel Generosity has always fueled the growth and progress of our campus. As we look to the future, would you prayerfully consider partnering with us through a gift to this important project?
Together, let’s invest in our students. Let’s create a space that inspires, equips, and uplifts the next generation of Christian leaders.
Many Blessings,
Brian Rose, Assistant Head of School for Development & Parent Relations
Before We Begin AN UPDATE ON THE 2024-2025 ROYAL NATION FUND
INITIATIVES
We are deeply grateful to our generous donors and faithful Gospel Patrons who supported last year’s Royal Nation Fund Initiatives. Your investment in the mission of The First Academy made a lasting impact— most notably through the installation of new campus security fencing and the replacement of the Lower School playground. These enhancements have already made a tangible difference in the safety, joy, and daily experiences of our students.
Because of your faithful giving, our campus is now more secure and welcoming than ever before. The new fencing not only strengthens our ability to protect students and staff but also reflects our commitment to excellence in every detail. In addition, the new covered Lower School playground has quickly become a beloved space where students can laugh, play, and build friendships—rain or shine. Thank you for investing in the next generation and helping us create a Christ-centered environment where students can thrive in every way.
Our mission at The First Academy is to prepare children for life as Christian leaders who choose character before career, wisdom beyond scholarship, service before self, and participation as a way of life.
The 2025-2026 Royal Nation Fund
The West Wing of the Lower School, originally built in 1986, is the oldest part of the campus. In 2006, the East Wing was added and connected to the West Wing through a central hub that includes the Lower School administrative offices, clinic, teacher workroom, lounge, and the Human Resources and Finance offices.
As we reflect on the legacy and growth of our Lower School facilities over the past four decades, it’s clear that the time has come to reinvest in these vital learning spaces. While the original West Wing has served gen-
erations of students since 1986, and the East Wing has faithfully supported our growing community since 2006, both areas are now in need of significant upgrades to meet today’s educational standards. Advancements in classroom design, technology integration, and safety protocols, coupled with the daily wear and tear on high-traffic student areas, make this the right moment to launch a bold renovation campaign. Investing now ensures we can provide an inspiring, secure, and future-ready environment for the next generation of learners.
West Wing Summer 2026
East Wing Summer 2027
Planned renovations will refresh and modernize all 32 classrooms, along with the hallways, restrooms, teacher workroom, and lounge. The renovation timeline includes updates to the West Wing in the summer of 2026, followed by the East Wing in the summer of 2027.
Classroom and student space upgrades will feature new furniture and cabinetry, updated technology, fresh paint, new air conditioning, enhanced door security, new window treatments, updated bulletin boards, modern flooring, and ceiling tiles. Hallways and restrooms will also receive thoughtful updates to create a cohesive and refreshed learning environment across the entire Lower School.
When children walk into bright, welcoming classrooms equipped for today’s learning, they feel seen, safe, and ready to thrive. Your generosity makes that possible.
What is the Royal Nation Fund?
Royal Nation Fund gifts are solicited and given every year to allow TFA to continue to strive for excellence in every area of the school. While tuition covers our daily operations, The Royal Nation Fund allows us to go the extra mile in areas such as technology, tuition assistance, spiritual formation, and other needs as outlined in the Strategic Plan.
The Royal Nation Fund is our highest fundraising priority, and the 2025-2026 focus is centered on the exciting renovation of the Lower School.
Why does the Lower School need to be refreshed?
The West Wing of the Lower School is the original building and was constructed in 1986. The East Wing was built in 2006 and attached to the West Wing by the Lower School Administrative offices, clinic, teacher workroom, teacher lounge and Human Resources and Finance Offices.
Since then, thousands of students have walked these halls, learning not only academics but life-changing truths from God’s Word. Our Lower School has served us well. But as we look to the future, the time has come to renew it for the next generation.
What areas are included in this refresh?
The Lower School refresh is a full renovation of the Lower School, and will modernize every classroom, hallway, restroom, and shared space. Updates to the classrooms and student spaces will include: new classroom furniture and cabinetry, technology, paint, air conditioning, safety enhancements to classroom doors, window treatments, bulletin boards, flooring and ceiling tiles.
How will student learning be impacted during this renovation?
We’ve carefully planned the renovation in two waves to minimize disruptions to our students, faculty, and staff. The first phase will begin in Summer 2026, with a second phase in Summer 2027, This will allow us to complete the work efficiently during the summers while ensuring a safe and continuous learning environment throughout the school year. By the time we celebrate 40 years, our students will walk into a completely renewed Lower School space, ready to learn, grow, and lead!
Why should I give if my students are not in Lower School?
Great question: Tom Gurney gave and planted shade trees that we have all been able to enjoy for almost 40 years. Other Gospel Patrons have joined him over the years, and now, we have a beautiful, completed campus. When we all participate, it shows belief and commitment, sending a powerful message of trust and shared purpose. In turn, this encourages others to give—especially foundations and major donors, who often consider participation rates. Lastly, it’s about community. When we all give, we all grow. Your contribution helps build a culture of support and generosity that benefits everyone involved.
Now it is our turn to shape the next chapter for future generations. Would you prayerfully consider partnering with us through a gift to this important project?
INVESTING IN EVERY CLASSROOM
Classroom Furniture
Classroom Cabinetry
We are asking every family to do two things:
PRAY AND PARTICIPATE
YOUR PARTICIPATION in our school’s Annual Giving Campaign is critical to ensuring the continued excellence of our programs, faculty, and student experience. When families come together to give—at any level—it sends a powerful message of unity and shared commitment to our school’s mission.
Parent participation is more than a financial contribution; it’s a demonstration of belief in our school community and investment in our children’s future. High participation rates also strengthen our school’s position when applying for grants or seeking support from outside donors, foundations and showing that those closest to the school believe in its value. Every gift, no matter the size, makes a difference.
We urge every family to take part in this important effort and help us continue building a school community where every student can thrive.
“Participating in the Lower School Refresh provides a great example to our students about stewardship. What an opportunity to not only support this project through prayer, but also through giving. Whether it is a small gift or a large gift, it is about participation as a way of life.”
- Joe Fana, Lower School Principal
how you can give
Your gift is appreciated and will make an impact on students today and for generations to come.
• Give securely online at https://thefirstacademy.org/giving/
• Checks made payable to The First Academy can be mailed to the school, to the attention of our Development Office.
The First Academy Attn: Development Office 2667 Bruton Boulevard Orlando, FL 32805
• Make a pledge for this project, with the intent of fulfilling the pledge prior to the close of the 2025-2026 school year. Contact Brian Rose, Assistant Head of School for Development and Parent Relations, for information regarding making a pledge to the Royal Nation Fund.
407-206-8657 brianrose@thefirstacademy.org
Other Types of Gifts
• Appreciated Assets
• Stock Gifts
• Real Estate
• Matching gifts: Don’t forget to reach out to your employer to see if they will match your charitable gift!
Leave a Lasting Legacy
IRA Charitable ContributionThose who have reached 70.5 years of age are permitted to make tax-free ‘qualified charitable distributions’ up to $100,000 from an IRA to The First Academy. The First Academy is a 501(c) (3) Non-Profit Organization, which makes your gift tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
Please consult your tax advisor to see how your gift to TFA can benefit you.
Looking for other opportunities to give to The First Academy? Your family can support TFA in the areas of Tuition Assistance, Spiritual Formation, Professional Development for Faculty & Staff, and more. If you have questions, contact our Development Office.
“We found that TFA makes a difference. Five grandchildren have graduated, and one more to go. We know that what we give is used as intended, to bring young people to Christ and to strengthen their Christian walk... We give with joy, and joy is what we get in return.”
- Charles & Brenda Cramer, TFA Grandparents
“Improvements, especially those related to technology, will enhance the delivery of instruction. More efficient and engaging instructional tools will support clearer communication, more interactive lessons, and ultimately, improved student learning outcomes. I’m hopeful that updated spaces will allow for more collaborative learning environments, which I think will really benefit student interaction and problemsolving skills.”
- Kay Bastian, 5th Grade Teacher
“We give annually to The First Academy because we believe in their mission, and we know students who attend there learn the importance of character before career, wisdom beyond scholarship, service before self, and participation as a way of life.”
- John and Ann Bozard, TFA Alumni Parents, Grandparents, and Great Grandparents
“These changes will significantly improve both my teaching and student learning by fostering a clearer, more organized environment. A decluttered and well-designed space directly contributes to improved mental clarity for everyone. Just as adults benefit from less mess and chaos, I expect students will experience the same positive shift. This enhanced organization will allow us to function more efficiently each day, ultimately leading to a more focused and productive learning experience for my students and me.”
- Ashley Boyd, 3rd Grade Teacher
“My hope is that a refreshed classroom would allow me to teach with greater flexibility, serve the students’ diverse learning styles, and continue to foster a love for learning and exploring God’s unique gifts and talents that each child brings.”
- Kristen Leader, 2nd Grade Teacher
A History of Gospel Generosity
Without our founding Gospel Patron, Tom Gurney, who made a $1 million lead gift ($3.275 million in today’s market according to CPI), TFA may not exist today.
With bold faith, he approached Pastor Jim Henry. He said he wanted to give a lead gift to establish a PK-12 private school in Orlando that was definitively Christ-centered and decidedly college preparatory. As the school expanded throughout the 1990s, it became clear that the church facilities could no longer meet the growing demand for enrollment. In 2003, the founding vision of Mr. Gurney and Brother Jim Henry, of having a separate campus for K-12, was revisited when TFA hired a new Head of School, Dr. Steve Whitaker. Shortly after his arrival, he assembled a group of parents, grandparents, and friends to pursue the founding vision and build the beautiful campus we enjoy today. This core group of stakeholders prayed fervently, dreamed confidently, and gave generously.
Across the next 22 years, more than $55 million was donated to advance a bold agenda. A significant number of lead gifts above $1 million inspired others to make generous gifts of $250,000 and above to cover most of the projected cost in each capital campaign. Additional donations from the remaining families provided the balance in each campaign.
Because of God’s blessing and the generosity of our Gospel Patrons, TFA’s fundraising success has far outpaced other private schools in Central Florida. We have been able to do this with less overhead cost and a smaller fundraising staff than any of our competitors. The secret is found in our Gospel Patrons. They have allowed us to do what very few schools have been able to do - transition from “Candy Sales to Committed Donors!”
GENEROSITY TIMELINE
1986
The First Academy was founded based on the vision of Brother Jim Henry (First Orlando Senior Pastor from 1977 to 2006) and a generous donation given by Tom Gurney, an attorney and influential civic leader in Orlando.
1992
Construction begins on the Natalie Thomas Gymnasium
2000
The Payne Stewart Athletic Complex opens
2004
First Annual TFA Day of Prayer
2006
Groundbreaking for the Lower School Expansion
2007
Groundbreaking for the Upper School; students moved in from the facilities at First Baptist Church of Orlando in 2009
2009
TFA library is renovated, modernized, and renamed the Boyd-Moline Library
2014
The Middle School Building is completed, and students moved in from the facilities at First Baptist Church of Orlando
2017
The Cramer Family Field House opens and hosts the inaugural varsity basketball game in the facility
2020
The Gather space is completed
2021
The Royal Kitchen & Eatery is completed and visited by students on the first day of the 2021-2022 school year
2023
The Grand Reopening Ceremony of the Payne Stewart Athletic Complex was hosted following the completion of state-of-the-art renovations
2024
The fully renovated Natalie Thomas Student Center and Whitaker Auditorium opened for weekly chapels, fine arts performances, special events, and more
2025
The Middle & Upper School Building named the Dr. Jim Henry Middle & Upper School Building in honor of TFA’s Founder
UPPER SCHOOL STUDENT LEADERS RAISED OVER $97,000 FOR ROYALTHON, SUPPORTING CHILDREN'S MIRACLE NETWORK HOSPITALS.
Gospel Patrons provided generous gifts that allowed for the construction of A NEW LOWER SCHOOL PLAYGROUND and INSTALLATION OF SAFETY FENCING to enclose campus and enhance safety and security.
761 STUDENT-ATHLETES (GRADES 6-12) PARTICIPATED ON 44 TEAMS THROUGHOUT THE 2023-2024 SCHOOL YEAR.
2 Lower School students qualified for All-State Choir , a highly competitive, distinguished honor in the state of Florida.
The First Academy Leadership Team
Dr. Steve Whitaker
Head of School
Brian Rose
Assistant Head of School for Development & Parent Relations
Will Cohen
Assistant Head of School for Campus Operations
Matt McGee
Assistant Head of School for Spiritual Formation & University Provost
Jennifer Jackson
Assistant Head of School for PK-12 Programs & Parent Relations
Joe Fana
Lower School Principal
Dr. Natalie Holter
Middle School Principal
Joyce Kwak
Upper School Principal
Leighann Harris
Senior Director of Finance & Business Development
Gissel Valois
Director of Strategic Initiatives
The First Academy School Board
Clark Keator, Chairman/Treasurer
Will Grindle
Nikki Kearn
Archbishop Allen Wiggins
Bishop Derrick McRae
Brian Blair
Sarah Donovan Verne Bragg
Jay Calvert
