Dear TFA Families and Friends, As we begin the 2026–2027 school year, we are deeply grateful for our TFA community and our Gospel Patrons. Your generosity helped us complete the first phase of our Lower School renovation, creating renewed spaces where our youngest Royals can learn, grow, and thrive. We look forward to a successful 2026-2027 Royal Nation Fund season, which will allow us to complete the renovation this summer. I am also excited to introduce the Service Before Self Initiative as part of the Royal Nation Fund. The initiative will directly support student-led, mission-oriented service opportunities, including our divisional Thanksgiving drives and support of the First Orlando Pregnancy Center. At TFA, Gospel Patron is more than a giving philosophy—it is an expression of faith. We believe God calls us to steward what He has entrusted to us and to give generously so that others may flourish. By combining these needs under the Royal Nation Fund, we can reduce the number of separate requests
ACADEMICS TO EXCEL. FAITH TO INSPIRE.
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made to our families while creating greater opportunities for our students to put their faith into action and serve others in Jesus’ name. In addition, I am pleased to welcome Will Pikalow as our new Director of Annual Giving, who will help lead all of our annual giving efforts, including the Royal Nation Fund, Athletic Boosters, and the Fine Arts Network. Thank you for investing in the mission, students, and future of The First Academy. I look forward to seeing what the Lord has in store for TFA this year! Brian Rose
Chief Development Officer
TFA Friends and Families, I am thrilled to introduce myself and also share that I am stepping into a new role at The First Academy as the Director of Annual Giving. I am deeply excited to transition to the Development Office and work alongside an incredible team that includes Brian Rose (Chief Development Officer) and Lauren Gilbert (Executive Assistant to the Chief Development Officer). As the Director of Annual Giving, I look forward to devoting my time and energy to supporting our teachers, coaches, and staff, and to building strong, meaningful relationships with TFA families and Gospel Patrons. We would be so grateful if your family would consider a gift to the Royal Nation Fund this year. The Lower School Renovation is the main focus of the Royal Nation Fund and our greatest need for the 2026-2027 school year, and it will take our faculty, staff, students, families, grandparents, and alumni alike praying and participating to complete this project. Over the last several years, the incredible generosity of our TFA
families and friends has been a true blessing to witness as we seek to build up the next generation of Christian leaders. I am honored to serve this community and look forward to meeting you if I have not yet had the pleasure! If you have any questions regarding the Royal Nation Fund, annual giving, or just want to connect, please don’t hesitate to contact me. God Bless and Go Royals! Will Pikalow
Director of Annual Giving
BEFORE WE BEGIN
AN UPDATE ON THE
2025-2026
ROYAL NATION FUND
We are deeply grateful to our generous donors and faithful Gospel Patrons who supported last year’s Royal Nation Fund. Because of your generosity, we were able to complete the first half of the Lower School renovation, creating refreshed, welcoming spaces. This important investment is more than a renovation; it is an investment in the students God has entrusted to us. The updated classrooms and spaces reflect our commitment to providing an environment of excellence that supports both academic growth and the development of Christ-centered leaders. Thank you for giving faithfully and believing in the mission of The First Academy. We look forward to completing the second half of the Lower School renovation this year through the continued generosity of our Royal Nation community. Together, we are investing in the next generation and creating spaces where students can learn boldly, grow faithfully, and shine the light of Christ.
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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.
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The 2026-2027 Royal Nation Fund West Wing Completed Summer 2026
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 departments. This past summer, we were blessed to renovate the West Wing of the Lower School with significant upgrades to meet today’s educational standards. Advancements in classroom design, technology integration, safety protocols, and more were made to create a modern and welcoming space for students and teachers. Classroom and student space upgrades feature new furniture and cabinetry, updated technology, fresh paint, improved air conditioning, enhanced door security, new window treatments, updated bulletin boards, modern flooring,
East Wing Summer 2027
and ceiling tiles. Hallways and restrooms also received thoughtful updates to create a cohesive, refreshed learning environment throughout the West Wing of the Lower School. Completing the East Wing of the Lower School is an important next step in bringing the full vision of this renovation to life. Finishing the entire Lower School will create a cohesive, modern, and welcoming environment for our students and teachers, ensuring that every classroom and shared space reflects the excellence of the education taking place within them. More than improving our facilities, completing this renovation is an investment in the future, providing a space where our youngest Royals can learn, grow in their faith, and be equipped to become the Christian leaders God has called them to be.
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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?
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What is the Royal Nation Fund? Royal Nation Fund gifts are solicited and given every year to enable TFA to continue striving 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 2026-2027 focus is centered on completing the renovation of the Lower School.
Why does the Lower School need to be refreshed? The East Wing was built in 2006 as an attachment to the original building. 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 complete the renovations for the next generation.
What areas are included in this refresh? It is now time to complete phase two of the refresh by renovating the East Wing. 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 second phase of the renovation to minimize disruptions to our students, faculty, and staff. The East Wing (second phase) will be completed in the summer of 2027. This will allow us to complete the work efficiently during the summer 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 donated and planted shade trees that we have all enjoyed 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.
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INVESTING IN EVERY CLASSROOM
Enhan
Classroom Cabinetry
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hanced Safety & Security
Updated Technology
Classroom Furniture
Classroom in the West Wing, Renovation Completed Summer 2026.
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.
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Scan Here to Give Now!
“Following the successful completion of our first wing, we are thrilled to begin renovating the second wing this coming summer, furthering our commitment to providing an optimal learning environment for our teachers and students.” -Joe Fana, Lower School Principal
Your gift is appreciated and will make an impact on students today and for generations to come.
Leave a Lasting Legacy IRA Charitable Contribution Those who have reached 70.5 years of age are permitted to make tax-free ‘qualified charitable • Give securely online at distributions’ up to $100,000 from an IRA to https://thefirstacademy.org/giving/ The First Academy. The First Academy is a 501(c) • Checks made payable to The First Academy (3) Non-Profit Organization, which makes your gift can be mailed to the school, to the attention tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. of our Development Office. Please consult your tax advisor to see how your gift to TFA can benefit you. The First Academy Attn: Development Office how you can Looking for other opportunities to give to The First Academy? 2667 Bruton Boulevard Your family can support TFA in the Orlando, FL 32805 areas of Tuition Assistance, Spiritual • Make a pledge for this project, Formation, Professional Development with the intent of fulfilling the for Faculty & Staff, and more. If you have pledge prior to the close of the 2026-2027 questions, contact our Development Office. school year. Contact Brian Rose, Chief Service Before Self Initiative Development Officer, or Will Pikalow, Director The Development Office is proud to introduce the of Annual Giving, for information regarding Service Before Self Initiative as part of the 2026making a pledge to the Royal Nation Fund. 2027 Royal Nation Fund. Moving forward, the fund
give
brianrose@thefirstacademy.org williampikalow@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!
will directly support student-led, mission-oriented service projects, including our divisional Thanksgiving drives and support of the First Orlando Pregnancy Center. This shift ensures our students’ ministry and service opportunities are fully sustained while reducing the number of separate contributions we ask for from our parents. In giving to The Royal Nation Fund, you can also support this exciting new initiative.
“The new space has already made such a difference in the way I feel about teaching and the way my students experience our classroom. It is bright, fresh, calming, and thoughtfully designed, which creates an environment where students can feel comfortable, focused, and ready to learn. The incredible amount of storage is truly a game changer! Having a place for everything allows me to keep our learning space organized and uncluttered, which means less distraction and more room for teaching, learning, and creativity.” -Carrie Roehrig, 3rd Grade Teacher
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“Thank you so much for your generosity. Your kindness enables me to thrive as an art teacher and creates a wonderful, welcoming environment where I feel right at home while making an eternal impact on students’ lives. Your future support will make a huge impact on the quality of life for both my students and me. I am deeply grateful for your support in making this my best year of teaching yet!” -Christine Torres, Lower School Art Teacher
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“The new space is inviting and peaceful, it helps our students feel loved, valued, and ready to learn. By keeping our space open and uncluttered, we remove unnecessary distractions so their hearts and minds can stay focused, joyful, and fully engaged. I can’t wait for the entire building to be completed with the renovation of the East Wing!” -Kaylee Owen, 2nd Grade Teacher
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“After 39 years of attending TFA with our children and grandchildren, we were so excited to see the newly renovated LS building. The state-ofthe-art improvements in technology, innovative space-saving, security measures, and a cheerful, inviting feel all create a sense of happiness and well-being for our grandchildren. We feel blessed to have our family be a part of this Christ-centered environment.” -Kroy & Kelley Crofoot TFA Alumni Parents & Grandparents
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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 grew throughout the 1990s, it became clear that enrollment demand was outpacing available facilities. As a result, the campus master plan that Gurney and Henry envisioned was shelved, and the school used church facilities to accommodate enrollment growth.
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In 2003, the founding vision was revisited when TFA hired a new Head of School. 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.
Over the next 25 years, more than $60 million has been donated to advance a bold agenda. A significant number of lead gifts above $1 million inspired others to make generous gifts of $250,000 or more, covering 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 that of 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!”
2009 GENEROSITY TIMELINE
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
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.
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
2000
The Payne Stewart Athletic Complex opens
2004
First Annual TFA Day of Prayer
2006
Groundbreaking for the New Lower School
2007
2025
The First Academy campus was enclosed with the addition of security fencing and a guardhouse to enhance safety and security. The aging Lower School playground was replaced with a brand-new, covered play structure designed to provide a safe, shaded, and engaging space for students to play and grow.
2026
Completion of the renovation of the West Wing of the Groundbreaking for the Upper School, students moved in from Lower School the facilities at First Baptist Church of Orlando in 2009 students moved in from the facilities at First Baptist Church of Orlando in 2009
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MEMBERS OF THE CLASS OF 2026 RECEIVED OVER
360
ACCEPTANCES TO COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES, INCLUDING
A LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE Over 70 students publicly expressed faith in Jesus Christ through baptism
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Regional Championships
Individual State Championships
28 members of the Class of 2026 will go on to play Intercollegiate Athletics
District Championships
The Junior Thespian Troupe 88146 earned
2 Excellent Ratings and the Senior Thespian Troupe 5165
earned 3 Excellent and 2 Superior Ratings at the State Thespian Festival.
Several of our visual artists were recognized by the Florida Art Education Association, with 9 RECEIVING AWARDS OF MERIT AND 3 RECEIVING AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE
For the Class of 2026 5 National Merit Recognized Students and 2 Finalists and 57
ACCELERATED READER STUDENTS
Gospel Patrons provided
generous gifts
totaling over $3.6 MILLION for the LOWER SCHOOL RENOVATION and to advance initiatives in Athletics, Fine Arts, Faculty Development, and more.
28 ROYAL SCHOLARS 27,932 tests taken 175,578,218 words read 30,811.1 AR points earned
since 2014
223
graduates have moved on to play intercollegiate level sports
57 NEW 4TH AND 5TH-GRADE STUDENTS WERE INDUCTED INTO THE LOWER SCHOOL CHAPTER OF THE NATIONAL ELEMENTARY HONOR SOCIETY.
781 ATHLETES (GRADES 6-12) PARTICIPATED ON 47 TEAMS THROUGHOUT THE 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR
The Class of 2026 completed over 21,000 service hours and earned over $16.9 million in scholarships.
TFA outperformed our peer independent institutions by 8% nationwide on the WrAP test.
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Meet the
DEVELOPMENT TEAM
Brian Rose Chief Development Officer
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Will Pikalow Director of Annual Giving
Lauren Gilbert Executive Assistant to the Chief Development Officer
The First Academy Leadership Team Dr. Steve Whitaker Head of School Will Cohen Associate Head of School Brian Rose Chief Development Officer Patrick Barrett Chief Operating Officer Matt McGee Executive Vice President & University Provost Jennifer Jackson Assistant Head of School for Academics & Parent Relations Jacob Gill Assistant Head of School for Extended Education Programs & Spiritual Formation Joe Fana Lower School Principal Dr. Natalie Holter Middle School Principal Joyce Kwak Upper School Principal
The First Academy School Board Clark Keator, Chairman Verne Bragg, Vice Chairman/Treasurer Nikki Kearn Archbishop Allen Wiggins Bishop Derrick McRae Brian Blair Sarah Donovan Jay Calvert
Andy Chiles Senior Director of Athletics & Business Development Gissel Valois Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives Gloria Leeks Senior Director of Human Resources Rob Hensley Senior Director of Operations TJ Ross Assistant Head of School for School Growth & Engagement Chris Krieger Senior Director of Technology Will Pikalow Director of Annual Giving
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