TFA 2025 Annual Report

2025

THE FIRST ACADEMY ANNUAL REPORT

Royal Families,

A LETTER FROM STEVE D. WHITAKER, PH.D. HEAD OF SCHOOL

With joy and gratitude, I’m pleased to share the remarkable achievements and blessings we have experienced together at The First Academy.

Our Annual Report serves as a reflective moment, allowing us to recognize the incredible work accomplished in our school community. It’s also a chance to share our commitment to honoring and stewarding the generosity we’ve received.

I am deeply thankful for the partnership we share with our families, the dedication of our exceptional faculty and staff, and the inspiring commitment of our students. Together, we have been richly blessed. Our theme for the 2024-2025 school year, “Worship - In His Presence,” held profound significance. Last year, we were intentional about weaving the school year theme of Worship into every aspect of campus life. From weekly chapel and classroom devotions to athletics, the arts, and service opportunities, students were encouraged to see worship as more than music—it’s a lifestyle that honors God in all we do. Teachers and staff modeled hearts of gratitude and reverence, reminding our community that true worship begins with a posture of humility and joy in the presence of the Lord.

Embracing that theme has allowed our community to flourish. I am proud to share that the Class of 2025 was accepted to over 400 respected colleges and universities. Our Athletics and Fine Arts programs are thriving, and we celebrate the achievements of 22 AP Scholars and two National Merit Recognized Students.

Throughout the year, we stayed united in faith as families and built a solid school community. In the following pages, you’ll find information about our Arts and Athletics Programs, the growth of our school community, the generosity of our supporters, and stories from our dedicated teachers, accomplished alumni, and cherished families from 2024-2025.

The first semester of the 2025-2026 school year has been tremendous as we have focused on our theme, “The Jesus Way” (1 John 2:6), as a school community. Thank you for choosing to be part of the TFA family. Your support and commitment are essential to our success. As we look to the future, I am confident the best is yet to come!

Steve D. Whitaker, Ph.D. Head of School

LETTER FROM THE SCHOOL BOARD CHAIRMAN

Dear TFA Family,

I pray this message finds you and your family well as we look ahead with excitement to the 2026–2027 school year. Each year around this time, I have the joy of sharing a few reflections and highlights from our current season at The First Academy—where a steadfast commitment to our Gospel-centered mission continues to guide our growth and success. These are truly inspiring days at TFA, and I’m delighted to share some of the ways God is at work across our community:

The Jesus Way

Each week in chapel, students in every division are exploring the three pillars of our school-wide theme: Being with Jesus, Becoming like Jesus, and Doing as Jesus Did. These lessons extend far beyond chapel; they’re lived out daily in classrooms, hallways, and friendships. Our students are walking The Jesus Way through acts of kindness, integrity, and service in the moments that matter most.

Service Before Self

TFA students have a remarkable heart for serving others. Our Middle School launched an Outreach Student Leadership Committee to guide service initiatives across the division, and together, Middle & Upper School students completed over 30,000 service hours, assembled nearly 400 Thanksgiving baskets for families in need, and led more than 25 clubs focused on making a difference in our community.

Biblical Worldview Training

A biblical worldview remains central to everything we do and who we are. This year, we strengthened our partnership with First Orlando to create even more opportunities for faith connection and spiritual growth. In the Upper School, our Visual Art students are collaborating with the Christian Service Center to design murals that minister to Orlando’s homeless community. Over 20 students in our Hybrid Home+School program made commitments to Christ during their first chapel of the year, and the number of faculty and staff serving as Commissioned Colson Fellows continues to grow.

A Growing Family

This school year brought our largest enrollment in TFA history, and early indicators from the Admissions Team suggest another record year ahead! What a blessing to live out The Jesus Way with outstanding students and families across every division.

Academic Excellence

We continue to celebrate remarkable academic achievements. Three members of the Class of 2026 were recognized as National Merit Commended Scholars, with two seniors being named Na tional Merit Semifinalists. The Mathcounts competitive team has been relaunched, our Robotics program is expanding, and we’re proud to honor 49 AP Scholars, 17 AP Scholars with Honors, and 43 AP Scholars with Distinction.

As School Board Chair, I’m honored to serve alongside a dedicated board that focuses on long-term vision and strate gic planning to support TFA’s mission and leadership. While we entrust daily operations to the Head of School and the adminis trative team, our work centers on ensuring the school’s spiritual and financial strength for generations to come.

Looking ahead, one of our top priorities for 2026–2027 is to continue attracting and retaining Florida’s finest Christian educa tors by providing competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits. Thanks to the Florida School Choice Scholarships, TFA families continue to experience some of the most reasonable tuition rates among K–12 FCIS-accredited schools in Orlando. In fact, when adjusted for scholarships, today’s average tuition closely reflects what it was during the 2019/2020 school year.

Each year, the School Board prayerfully and thoughtfully sets tuition with a commitment to fiscal responsibility, accessibility, and excellence in Christian education. This process carefully considers the resources needed to support our students, faculty, and programs while stewarding the school’s mission for generations to come. For details on tuition and payment schedules for 2026–2027, please visit our Tuition Webpage. The Business Office team is always available to answer your questions and provide

Enrollment for next school year is already progressing strongly, and we anticipate full classes and wait pools once again. We are deeply grateful for the partnership we share with each family as we work together to raise up the next generation of Christian

Please mark your calendars for the Enrollment Status Change Period, February 15–25. More details will be shared as those dates approach. For additional information, visit our website for FAQs and contact details, or reach out directly to the Business Office

Thank you for continuing to share the good news about TFA and for allowing us to partner with your family. The best is truly

Voted by Niche as #1 Best Christian High School in Orange County

20242025 AP SCHOLARS 104

S NA PS H O T

TFA OUTPERFORMED our peer-independent institutions BY 7.4% NATIONWIDE on the WrAP test

MEMBERS OF THE CLASS OF 2025 WERE ACCEPTED TO OVER 160 COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES

58

4th and 5th Grade Students were Inducted into the National Elementary Honor Society

team State championship 1

20,000

12 students received national recognition from the

The Class of 2025 completed over community Service/ Missions hours

Over $97,000 was raised for Royal-Thon, hosted by Upper School Students

23

Student-Athletes from the Class of 2025 Committed to Play Intercollegiate Athletics Committees

26 Senior Leaders Oversaw 8

Student Leadership comprised of 180 students

815 STUDENT-ATHLETES (Grades 6-12) participated on 47 TEAMS throughout the 2024-2025 SCHOOL YEAR

National Merit Recognized Students 2

118 Class of 2025 Graduates 30 of whom were 13-Year Seniors

Royal Alumni Moments

Moments & Milestones

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF 2025!

118 total seniors completed over 20,000 service hours and received $8.3 million in scholarship offers. 30 members of the Class of 2025 attended TFA from Kindergarten through 12th grade.

Join us in celebrating the shared experiences and accomoplishments of the Class of 2025. Go Royals!

Achey, Thomas

Adamson, Cadence

Ahmady, Sofia

Alemany, Sebastian

Atchison, Bethany

Beach, Abigail

Begley, Landon

Bieschke, Lucy

Blair, Wilson

Brian, Mia

Brown, Isabella

Bryant, Elizabeth

Casalese, Caroline

Chacon, Gabriel

Chillino, Dominick

Clements, Isabella

Comas, Samuel

Cospito, Madison

Coutinho, Luiza

Currey, Anna

Dailey, Jayden

DeBolt, Elijah

DeBoom, Hope

DeLoach, Carter

Devine, Noah

Dowling, Coltin

Fana, Elisabeth

Fields, Blake

Fink, Jessica

Georges, Salomon

Goesling, Haiden

Grimes, Evan

Grissom, Bennett

Hale, Melaina

Hans, Gianna

Hansen, Jillian

Haynes, Jamesyn

Hebert, Samuel

Herron, Morgan

Hodges, Caroline

Holiday, Zoe

Hong, Sophia

Hopper, Kyle

Indomenico, Remo

Jackson, Lauren

Jamison, Grant Jin, Ling Xin Judy Johnson, Elijah Joyce, Audri

Kalstek, Kollin

Kohler, Isaac Kourie, Amelia Lerner, Cael

Li, Mi

LI, Youyang

Machado, Luis

Martinez Hernandez, Erick

McFadden, Daniel

Melley, Daniel

Merritt, Austin

Miglore, Aly

Miklos, Meadow

Millar, Jack

Miller, Kylie

Miller, Sofiah

Mims, John

Minicz, Daniel

Mock, Lily

Moore, Michael

Nieves Font, Fernando

Pagan, Jackson

Parham, Kaley

Pellerito, Gregory

Pettit, Broden

Phillips, Amara

Pierzynski, Austin

Prendergast, Christian

Rearden, Ava

Reece, Nicholas

Regino, Isabela Helou

Reid, Timothy

Reineke, Ava

Rice, Alena

Rivera, Eva

Rizzo, Rymer

Robinson, Jewel

Rodriguez, Roy

Rogers, Andrew

Rosario, Ariana

Russo, Joshua

Santana, Matthew

Schaag, Zachary

Schafhauser, Joanna Mei

Schrimsher, Haven

Scott, Lorelai

Sheldon, Kennedy

Simmonds, Sariah

Simmonds, Seth

Sioson, Rocco

Smith, Victoria

Spalding, Davis

Speyer, Logan

Stokes, Hallie

Strickland, Olivia

Suarez, Santiago

Sun, Irvin

Sun, Langtai

Sun, Langting

Tate, Addison

Thomas, Hudson

Thomas, Serenity

Thompkins, Dane Edward

Vais, Jennifer

Van Dyke, Henry

Williams, Austin

Williams, Jarvis

Williamson, Elizabeth Yang, Katie

where our graduates are going

Jake McGee Class of

A Foundation for a Career of Global Impact

2004

When Jake McGee walked into The First Academy as a fourth grader in 1995, he was unhappy. Leaving behind familiar friends at his former Christian school felt like starting over. But almost immediately, TFA became more than just a new school—it became a home.

His teachers were intentional, his classmates welcoming, and before long, Jake found himself forming friendships that would last a lifetime. In fact, many of the TFA students he met in fourth grade remain his closest friends today.

Reflecting on his years at TFA, Jake points to The First Academy as the single most influential academic institution in his life—more impactful than college, law school, or even seminary. “TFA shaped me both academically and spiritually and prepared me to live as a faithful Christian for the rest of my life,” he explains. Lessons from his Upper School years still guide him, whether in matters of faith or in navigating the challenges of his professional life.

A Sense of Belonging

What set TFA apart for Jake wasn’t just the academics; it was the teachers. They cared deeply about his intellectual growth, as well as his character and spiritual maturity. Their investment in him left a mark that shaped not only who he was as a student but who he would become as a man.

One of Jake’s most vivid memories is his senior ski trip to Breckenridge, Colorado. Seeing snow for the first time and skiing with lifelong friends was a “capstone moment” that perfectly captured the joy, camaraderie, and sense of belonging that defined his TFA experience.

That foundation has carried Jake into a remarkable career of global impact. Today, he serves at the United States State Department as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Israeli-Palestinian Affairs and the Levant in the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs. His career has spanned international trade law, criminal litigation, congressional investigations, U.S. sanctions, and compliance advising for multinational corporations, as well as years spent living and working in the Middle East, where he coordinated cross-cultural exchanges, recruited executives, and taught English in a refugee camp near the border of Syria. Fluent in Arabic and seasoned in navigating complex international issues, Jake now stands at the forefront of promoting democratic freedoms and human rights worldwide.

Looking back, Jake credits TFA with giving him both the confidence and conviction to pursue such a path. “TFA set a spiritual and academic foundation for my life that has stayed with me for over 20 years,” he says. It’s a foundation that carried him through rigorous studies at the University of Florida, Southern Seminary, and the University of Chicago Law School, and continues to guide him today as he represents the United States on the world stage.

For Jake McGee, TFA wasn’t just a school. It was the place that shaped his faith, his friendships, and his future.

There is something especially meaningful about welcoming alumni back home. In this section, you’ll hear from TFA graduates who have returned to serve the next generation as faculty and staff. Through their reflections, they share how the school has grown, what remains timeless, and why working at their alma mater is both a calling and a joy. Their stories are a powerful testament to the lasting impact of a TFA education and the enduring strength of our community.

Back To The Beginning

Megan Fleming (Calvert) Pathways Student Support Specialist, TFA Class of 2014

Justin Harris Hybrid Home+School Teacher, Class of 2020

Will Cohen Assistant Head of School for Campus Operations, Class of 2008

Angela Collins Preschool Coordinator, Class of 2019

Amy Cline Upper School Teacher, Class of 2013

Matt McGee Assistant Head of School for Spiritual Formation & University Provost, Class of 2002

Amanda Baldessari (Yates) Accounts Payable Specialist, Class of 2009

Bruna Whitaker (Endler) 2nd Grade Teacher, Class of 2021

Amanda Whitaker Director of the Writing Center, Class of 2012

Melissa Adams (Savage) 1st Grade Teacher, Class of 1996

1. Have you had any “full circle” moments since returning and how did that feel?

Angela Collins

Seeing my mom at the employee events and professional development days always feels like a full circle moment. I also feel this way when I joke with my tours that, when I graduated from TFA, I was a 19 year senior. I say that because my mom worked at TFA while pregnant with me, and I was a part of the Preschool back then when I was little and it was run by the church.

Megan Fleming (Calvert)

A “full circle” moment for me was getting to experience the first chapel in the Whitaker Auditorium inside the Natalie Thomas Student Center. I remember it as the gym from my time as a student: running around in Lower School PE, having Grandparents Day performances in there, and cheering on friends on the varsity volleyball and basketball teams. Seeing our students worship in a space that holds so many memories for me was really something!

Bruna Whitaker (Endler)

My biggest full-circle moment has been getting to work with people who taught both my sister and me.

Justin Harris

My full circle moment was when I started working with Robyn Whipple and Crystal Fitzgerald, who were the first teachers I had when I came to TFA. It was nerve-wracking and exciting because they both impacted me so much, so I wanted to live up to expectations, but it was amazing to partner with them to reach our students for the Gospel.

Amy Cline

I’ve been able to teach with teachers who taught me, which is truly special.

Amanda Whitaker

My office in the Writing Center is actually where I had study hall as a sophomore. That group of people and I had the best time, but probably didn’t get as much done as we should have. I hope I’m creating a place that brings that much joy, but with more productivity.

Will Cohen

Getting to work alongside so many of my former teachers has been a “full circle” moment for me.

Amanda Baldessari (Yates)

A “full circle” moment for me is getting to make payments on behalf of the school for its various activities. It is neat to see a piece of the puzzle that takes place “behind the scenes” and it makes me grateful for all the hard work that goes into making the school as special as it is.

Matt McGee

When I was a student at TFA, I was blessed to be discipled and mentored by Steve Kavanagh, who really taught me how to follow Jesus... Now it really feels full circle that my own children are getting to know Mr. Kavanagh, who continues to serve students here at TFA.

Melissa Adams (Savage)

A full circle moment occurred when I had the privilege of teaching the daughter of one of my former classmates, Trey Morabito. When his family entered my classroom on a tour, I was delighted to share about the progress of our school in the years after graduation. The following year, his daughter was in my class, and I felt blessed to reconnect with them.

2. What has been your favorite part of working at your alma mater?

Megan Fleming (Calvert)

My favorite part of working at TFA is the Christ-centered camaraderie here. There is nothing like having your colleagues pray for you and support you with Christ’s love each day.

Angela Collins

Getting to see all of the changes that time has brought to the school body and campus is amazing. So much growth has happened in my time here, and it’s wonderful to see that growth continue.

Bruna Whitaker (Endler)

The culture and the community I experience working at TFA is by far my favorite part.

Justin Harris

My favorite part of working at TFA is that I am able to share the Gospel with my students every day. This is what we are called to as Christians, so being able to see the Gospel go out and take root is such a blessing. We have the incredible opportunity and privilege to do this, and I have loved being able to partner with my fellow teachers to focus on how we can do this more.

Amy Cline

I love getting to serve the Lord at a place that was so formative in my faith journey.

Amanda Whitaker

I love being a listening ear because I know what students are going through in a way some teachers might not. I also love getting to work with some of my

old teachers. The ones that are still here are some of my very favorites of all time.

Will Cohen

Getting to spend every day working towards our mission to build Christian Leaders is the highlight of working at The First Academy. It is a joy to get to serve our students and families.

Amanda Baldessari (Yates)

My favorite part of working at TFA is supporting the school’s mission, which feels even more critical in the Romans 1:18-32 (self-loving/extremely sinful) culture that we currently live in. I could not think of a better time to encourage students and staff to be “Christ-centered” and to “choose character before career, wisdom beyond scholarship, service before self, and participation as a way of life” as we desire to see all people to not be given over to sin but to live righteously in Christ.

Matt McGee

My favorite part about working at my alma mater is my Godly and talented colleagues.

Melissa Adams (Savage)

My favorite part of working at TFA is connecting with families. I have had the opportunity to teach many children over the years, and I enjoy watching them grow and developing relationships with their families. .

Amy Cline

Megan Fleming

3. What brought you back to work for TFA?

Megan Fleming (Calvert)

I never thought that my career would bring me back to TFA. I knew I wanted to make an impact in the field of education, but after attending TFA for 13 years, I felt that impact was for another time and place. The Lord is so sweet in providing me the opportunity to be back here, something I never knew my heart actually desired.

Angela Collins

I started a job at Camp Roar as just a quick summer job, realized that working with kids was a passion of mine, and then I was hired at the Preschool!

Bruna Whitaker (Endler)

What brought me back to work for TFA is the loving Christ-centered community and work environment.

Justin Harris

I came back to work at TFA because the Lord used this place to show me what living a life of faith looks like. I was a believer when I first started at TFA in 5th grade, but as I went throughout Middle and Upper School, I was able to learn what having a relationship with Jesus truly looks like and what it means to follow Him. Many of my high school teachers, like Mr. Kav, Coach Oliver, Dr. T, Mr. Harvey, and Mr. Harrison, were instrumental in showing me what that looks like. They discipled me, and as I began to think about coming back to TFA, I reflected on how I would not be where I am today without them. I wanted to be a part of doing this for my students. I wanted to honor the Lord with my life and pray for and reach my students for the sake of the Gospel. It is an honor to walk in the footsteps of so many faithful men and women.

Amy Cline

TFA holds many great memories for me, and I love being able to give back here.

Amanda Whitaker

Lisa DeBoom said, “Hey, can you work part-time while my husband and I are in Boston?” and I said, “Sure, why not?” I was still in undergrad at that point. The rest is a bit tumultuous, so we can leave it at that.

Will Cohen

Honestly, at first it was a job that brought me back to TFA. I thought it would be a place that I would work for a couple of years and then move on to different things. That job, quickly turned into a calling and one that I cherish getting to serve the Lord as a steward for as long as He has me here.

Amanda Baldessari (Yates)

A desire to support an organization that has been an encouragement to me as an alumna and aligns with my values, and that is what brought me back to TFA.

Matt McGee

The vision to train the next generation of Christian leaders. I want to see the gospel of Jesus spread around the world, and I believe that is most effectively accomplished by training the next generation of Christian leaders.

Melissa Adams (Savage)

I returned to TFA after college and began teaching elementary music. After a few years, I started my own family. Once they got older, I returned to teach Kindergarten and have developed a deep passion for teaching and reading to young children.

Justin Harris

Will Cohen

4. What are you most excited about contributing to the current student body, knowing that you once sat in their seats?

Megan Fleming (Calvert)

It’s an incredible honor to touch the lives of the next generation, and I hope that my passion for loving others the way Christ has loved me and sharing my time as a student will encourage those I come in contact with.

Angela Collins

I look forward every day to watching the “light bulb” moments, the moments when a child figures something out or does something properly for the first time, and the joy and pride that comes with that moment.

Bruna Whitaker (Endler)

I love that I get to pour into my students spiritually the way that I was poured into as a TFA student.

Justin Harris

I am most excited about showing my students how they matter to God and to me. God loves each of us so much, and the magnitude of His great love that we see demonstrated in our world and in Scripture is incredible. I think now more than ever, our students are looking for someone who cares about them deeply. It is my hope that every student I have will know the deep love that God has for them because it is only through His love that we are transformed to be like Jesus. I seek to show them a glimpse of His love through the way that I interact with them, because that is what Jesus has called me to do. They need to know that they belong, that they matter to God and to us, and that their life has so much purpose found in Him.

Amy Cline

The foundation you gain from TFA will serve you in your next season, so don’t take it for granted.

Amanda Whitaker

I hope I’m helping them understand why it is so important to think critically and biblically. I can help them hone their writing skills, but those skills don’t mean nearly as much if they aren’t used for the glory of God and the betterment of society.

Will Cohen

This place changed my life. I came to TFA as a student in 6th grade who had very little purpose and no direction. I graduated as a young man who wanted to follow Jesus Christ. I hope to contribute a small part, similar to the teachers and coaches who stood in the gap for me as a student.

Amanda Baldessari (Yates)

I am most excited to support the school’s endeavors “behind the scenes” and to see these initiatives come together, knowing that I played a part in it.

Matt McGee

I hope I am able to contribute a love of the Bible to our students. If students can learn to love God’s word and, through it, encounter Christ, that will not only prepare them for any challenge but also equip them to be effective Christian leaders no matter the context.

Melissa Adams (Savage)

The most important contribution I can make while teaching students is to help them develop a love for Jesus. I also want them to live each day to the fullest while they are at TFA and soak up all the knowledge they can obtain.

Angela Collins

5.

What would you tell your high school self about the journey that brought you back here?

Megan Fleming (Calvert)

I would tell myself to keep running after Jesus because he is all you need. He reveals Himself to us in ways we least expect when we faithfully seek after Him.

Angela Collins

I would tell her to keep her eyes open! Life often takes you down unexpected roads, and what you may think is your path, God may have a different one laid out.

Bruna Whitaker (Endler)

I would tell my high school self that God can do far more than I could ever think or imagine.

Justin Harris

Get ready! It is beautiful to see how God uses everything to prepare us for where we are. I was not going to become a teacher at first, but as I followed God and knew Him more, it was clear that He was calling me here. It has been one of the greatest blessings of my life to see the Lord equip me to be here. I would also say to keep trusting Him because He is faithful to guide us.

Amy Cline

I would tell myself, what a neat experience that things will one day come full-circle.

Will Cohen

You never know where you might end up. Continuing to seek after Jesus’ will for your life is essential, and trust that His plans are greater than ours.

Amanda Baldessari (Yates)

I’d tell me to daily reflect on scriptural truths, specifically Colossians 3:23: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” Along with Philippians 2:3: “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” I wish I could say that I perfectly follow these verses everyday, but in my journey, I have realized that the less I focus on myself and the more that I focus on Christ the more fulfilled and content I am with life.

Amanda Whitaker

I think I would tell younger me to stop thinking so much. God’s too big to be contained in the box my anxious brain tries to put him in.

Matt McGee

I would tell myself, what Steve Kavanagh (my high school mentor) told me: Build your life off of Proverbs 3:5-6. It was true 20 years ago, and it is just as true today.

Melissa Adams (Savage)

I never thought I would return to TFA to teach, so I would tell my high school self to continue working hard because you never know where life will take you.

Bruna Whitaker

6. What’s the biggest difference you notice between the school culture/atmosphere when you were a student versus today, and what has remained exactly the same?

Megan Fleming (Calvert)

The times have definitely changed since I was a student (more technology, more crazy slang, a few new teachers), but the mission of our school is still the same. I love hearing the mission statement on the morning announcements each day because it displays what we stand for: character, wisdom, service, and participation.

Angela Collins

Something that has remained steadfast but has grown in power as time has gone on, is the cohesiveness and support of the school family. This school has always felt like a family to me, and I am glad to see other younger students experiencing the love and consistent support from their teachers.

Bruna Whitaker (Endler)

I truly believe that TFA has only grown to look more and more like the body of Christ. In this way, TFA has both changed and stayed the exact same.

Justin Harris

Amanda Whitaker

The leadership team/administration’s health is really encouraging to me. I appreciate how they operate as a team. I also love how much Admissions and Development have grown. It has been amazing to see how God works in those areas.

Will Cohen

The biggest difference to me is the pursuit of excellence. From academics to fine arts to athletics, the way that we pursue excellence in so many different areas is much stronger than when I was a student. One thing that has stayed exactly the same is the mission. Every morning, we said the mission statement in our classroom. Building Christian leaders has not changed, and we pursue that with everything we have.

Amanda Baldessari (Yates)

This is a hard question to answer because I feel like so many things have stayed the same! The most important value that has remained over the years has been the dedication from my fellow teachers who work tirelessly to reach out students with the Gospel. It has been a blessing to labor alongside them and have that be our focus. The same care and love that I experienced as a student is still alive in our faculty.

Amy Cline

Each generation of students that comes through the school has a different school culture, but the heart of the families at TFA remains the same.

The school has grown in both number of students and in offerings and opportunities for students. It still has a positive family and community atmosphere that I remember from my time here as a student.

Matt McGee

The biggest difference between the school today from when I was a student is the significant investment in academic and athletic facilities. Today’s TFA students are so well-equipped with all that they need to succeed. Even with the significant growth at TFA, the unchanging mission remains the same to train the next generation of Christian leaders.

Melissa Adams (Savage)

When I attended TFA, I had some close, tight-knit relationships with my classmates. Today, the school has grown, and this allows students to build relationships with so many more students and faculty.

Angela Collins

7. What is one distinct memory from your time as a student here that you still reflect on?

Megan Fleming (Calvert)

There are so many memories from my time as a student that I still reflect on today- and especially because I am walking the halls each day! When I was in 8th grade at TFA, they did a promotion service at the end of the year. They would give a character trait to each student, and my teachers (one of whom was Mrs. Rymer, who still teaches 8th Grade Bible) gave me the character trait of discernment. That honor has always stuck with me!

Angela Collins

Truthfully, as a Lower School student, I got in trouble a lot. But something that I remember that made a difference for me was the tone and how I was disciplined. I always felt loved, even when facing the consequences of my actions. Not once did the faculty make me feel like a burden or a “troubled child” even though they could have easily done so.

Bruna Whitaker (Endler)

I have so many fond memories from my time at TFA, it is so hard to pick just one!

Justin Harris

Amanda Baldessari (Yates)

Some favorite memories include Speaking with Dr. Toenges about evangelism and asking him theological questions, along with learning from my teachers and how their subjects were tied into Scripture, gave me the opportunity to grow in my knowledge of God’s Word and encouraged me to continue sharing my faith with others.

Amanda Whitaker

One distinct memory I have was when I was given the opportunity to enter into spiritual leadership with being a chaplain and then also being a part of the chapel band during my senior year. I was equipped by my teachers, who showed me what it looked like to truly do ministry and follow Jesus with everything. The Lord used both of those opportunities to equip me for what I would do in college and for what I am doing now as a teacher. I am so thankful that the First Academy is a place that provides students with the opportunity to trust God and grow closer to Him.

Amy Cline

I loved serving on Student Government Association with my friends.

Will Cohen

There are so many. If I have to choose one, it would be the beginning of my senior year. The Senior Retreat had a significant impact on my life and direction, both during my senior year and beyond. It was there that the Lord began to transform me from the inside out into the man I am today.

My TFA experience was unique because of my dad. So many of my clearest memories surround him and my family. His office served as a home base while some of my friends and other TFA students were stranded in Haiti after the 2010 earthquake. Actually, two of my study hall friends were in Haiti. I saw firsthand how my dad’s job required more humility, courage, and love than my teenage brain could fathom. We didn’t get to see him on his birthday, actually, because he was working so hard to help bring everyone home. I stood outside his office every day, partly anxious and partly overwhelmed by pride in a dad who lived out his faith and his calling so well. When they came home, I remember how so few people seemed to understand what he’d done, but he didn’t care at all. I’m really thankful that he’s not only my dad, but the best boss in the world.

Matt McGee

One of my fondest memories was the Senior Ski Trip to Breckenridge. It felt like a culmination of my experience of TFA. It filled me with gratitude, both for God’s amazing creation, but also for the incredible privilege it was to have attended TFA.

Melissa Adams (Savage)

I was cast as Maria in The Sound of Music, where I solidified friendships and discovered an interest and talent that I had not previously explored.

Matt McGee

8. What unique perspective do you feel you bring to your team or department because you are an alumnus?

Megan Fleming (Calvert)

I think now that I am working with students, I provide solid insight and ideas into how things were done in the past so that we can move healthily and wholeheartedly into the future, helping to shape and encourage the next generation of Christian leaders.

Angela Collins

I think having been a student here and knowing how much things have changed is very valuable. It is easy for newcomers to come in and assume that “just because that’s the way it is, that that’s the way it’s always been, and always will be.” I think having witnessed the growth TFA has gone through first-hand is a very valuable experience because when situations do arise, I can let them know that the school is adaptable and open to change and growth opportunities.

Bruna Whitaker (Endler)

I feel like my school spirit and love for the TFA community help me to look at every situation from an optimistic perspective.

Justin Harris

The perspective that I bring to my team is understanding where our students might be while they are here. Even on my best days, I am an imperfect follower of Jesus, and that was especially true while I was growing up in Middle and Upper School. I needed to be shown what it looked like to follow Jesus; I needed to be discipled. Through the faithfulness of many of the teachers I had, I grew to know the Lord more deeply and commit to following Him for all of my days with all of my life. I know that many of the students we have are in a similar boat. They have questions about who Jesus is and what it truly means to surrender their lives and follow Him with everything. I get to encourage my colleagues that we are here to show our students a glimpse of what Jesus looks like. I get to encourage them that one of the most important things that we can do is share with our students what the Lord is teaching us and how we seek to follow Him. I get to encourage our team that just as Jesus said, “Come and follow me,” we get to invite our students in and share about the hope we have in Jesus.

Amy Cline

I understand where the families and students are coming from and seek to serve accordingly.

Will Cohen

I think the fact that I have walked in the shoes of a TFA student helps me lead with empathy. Having sat in the same seats these students did, I find it easier to make decisions through the lens of what is best for students.

Amanda Baldessari (Yates)

I have the unique perspective to know that even “behind the scenes” work has eternal value. Graduating from TFA had a positive influence on me in my faith, so it is a privilege to use my gifts to impact the school’s mission.

Amanda Whitaker

Our team is really small (two people), and Mrs. DeBoom’s daughters are also alumni. The two of us have a unique perspective that allows us to serve all the divisions because we can see patterns more easily and remember walking through some of the classes or seasons, whether as a parent or a student. I know several teachers because I was a student, and I can connect with them differently than some others might, so we can work together to help our students.

Matt McGee

Because I have been given so much by TFA, I feel a heavy stewardship to ensure the current TFA students are cared for the same way I was.

Melissa Adams (Savage)

The unique perspective I bring to TFA as an alumnus is that I understand the TFA culture and the high expectations.

ROYAL FACULTY SPOTLIGHTS

We’re excited to shine a light on the incredible educators who make The First Academy such a special place. In this Faculty Spotlight, we celebrate the teachers who go above and beyond—pouring into students, modeling

Christ-centered excellence, and inspiring a love for learning every day. Get to know the heart and story behind the people who make our classrooms come alive!

Mrs. Brittny Stephens Kindergarten Teacher

When you walk into Mrs. Brittny Stephens’ kindergarten classroom, you immediately sense her joy for teaching and her deep love for her students. With nearly two decades of experience in early childhood education, Mrs. Stephens brings both expertise and heart to The First Academy—where she has been teaching for a year and a half.

A graduate of the University of North Georgia, she holds a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood and Special Education, a Master’s in Early Childhood from Piedmont University, and a Specialist Degree in Curriculum and Instruction. Along the way, she earned endorsements in reading and autism and completed a two-year LETRS training program focused on the science of reading.

A Journey Led by God

Before joining TFA, Mrs. Stephens taught in North Georgia’s Dahlonega area for 18 years, serving students in kindergarten through second grade, including inclusion classrooms. Her move to Orlando followed her family’s exploration of new tennis opportunities for her son, a journey that led them to TFA. What began as a search for the right school for her children became a calling for their entire family.

“It was a big change for us,” she shares, “but the way God opened every door confirmed this was where we were meant to be.”

The transition from a Title I public school to TFA has been both refreshing and rewarding. “It warms my heart to see parents who are so involved in their children’s lives,” she says. “And being able to talk about God in every part of our day—it’s such a gift.”

A Calling, Not Just a Career

For Mrs. Stephens, teaching is not just a job—it’s a calling. “Whatever you’re excited about, the kids will be excited about too,” she says. “In kindergarten, you see the most growth, and being part of that transformation is incredible.” She describes TFA as a family— where her colleagues are uplifting, joyful, and deeply connected in faith and purpose.

A Family Rooted in Faith

At home, she and her husband, who teaches Language Arts at TFA’s Hybrid Home+School, are celebrating 17 years of marriage. They have three children: Lachlan (10th grade), who plays guitar in chapel band and enjoys both tennis and lacrosse; Maelan (7th grade), who loves playing basketball; and their youngest, three-year-old Irelan, who happily tags along to every adventure. Their golden doodle, Thor, rounds out the family—an energetic (and slightly anxious) 90-pound companion.

Living Out Her Values

When she’s not in the classroom, Mrs. Stephens treasures time with her family—sharing meals, being outdoors, and keeping God at the center of their home life. She most identifies with the Living Curriculum Influencer characteristics of Grateful Communicator and Engaging Instructor, striving to connect deeply with both students and parents. “I always try to put myself in the parents’ position—what would I want for my own child? Open communication and presence matter most,” she says.

Anchored by Faith

A former college soccer player, Mrs. Stephens knows the value of perseverance and faith. One of her favorite verses reminds her of that truth: “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). It’s a reminder that God walks before us—guiding each step, including the ones that lead to the classroom door.

Mrs. Abbie Nestler-Teremoto Middle School English | 7th Grade

When you step into Mrs. Abbie Nestler-Teremoto’s classroom, you’ll feel it instantly—a warmth, a joy, an unmistakable passion for both language and the Lord. Now in her fourth year at The First Academy, Abbie brings a vibrant blend of global experience, academic excellence, and a deeply personal faith journey that shapes the way she teaches every day.

A Journey Shaped by Curiosity and Calling

Born and raised in Bradenton, Florida, Abbie grew up attending public school at Lakewood Ranch High School before heading to Florida State University, where she earned a Bachelor’s in History and French. Her love of language and culture eventually led her to pursue a Master’s degree in Teaching English as a Second Language from Nova Southeastern University.

After college, her path took turns she never could have scripted. She moved back home to Bradenton, working in a restaurant while volunteering as an English tutor for adults from the Czech Republic. That experience opened the door to a remarkable opportunity—

a four-month position as a governess in Teplice, Czech Republic. Living abroad, she immersed herself in the family’s culture, traveled through Prague, Germany, and France, and discovered her passion for teaching English.

When she returned to the U.S., she began teaching ESOL (English As A Second Language) at Barry University in Miami, where she met her husband, Renato. Years later, with a growing family, the couple moved to Orlando to plant roots and provide a solid educational foundation for their children. Abbie taught English at Dr. Phillips High School for six years before God redirected her footsteps once again.

Finding Her Place at TFA

“I had been praying for God to use me somewhere else,” Mrs. Nestler-Teremoto remembers. “The public school system was emotionally draining. I knew He was using me, but I prayed, ‘God, can You please use me somewhere else?’”

She had heard about TFA through friends and had even applied years earlier, but the timing wasn’t right. Then, in the summer of 2022—during a season of deep prayer and discernment—TFA’s Human Resources team called. “It felt like God had opened a door I had been knocking on for years.” Since joining the Middle School team, Abbie says her life has been transformed in ways she never expected.

A Catalyst for Spiritual Renewal

Though she grew up in church, Abbie’s early years were filled with instability. “There were things that made me not seek God,” she shares. But through adulthood, she rededicated her life— and TFA became a catalyst for further spiritual renewal. “Being here has reignited a love for God that I can’t really put into words. There’s something so beautiful about starting class with prayer and worshipping alongside my students in chapel.”

Knowing that her daughter Gabriela walks the same halls and experiences the same Christ-centered environment has made TFA feel even more like home.

Teaching With Purpose

For Mrs. Nestler-Teremoto, the joy of teaching at TFA goes far beyond grammar lessons and essay writing. “The best part of teaching here is showing my students that living for Jesus is the key to life. I hope they see Christ in me. It’s John 3:30—‘He must increase, I must decrease.’”

Middle School can be a season full of pressure and comparison, but she reminds her students that “loving Jesus is cool” and that their identity rests in Him, not in what others think. She also sees relationships as a cornerstone of student success, saying that

“I cultivate authentic relationships with my students—jokes, shared interests, anything that builds trust. When students are comfortable, that’s when they learn best.”

A Community That Truly Cares

Mrs. Nestler-Teremoto speaks often about the closeness of the Middle School team and the way TFA staff embrace one another through every season. That support became deeply personal in 2023 when she faced a sudden medical emergency, was airlifted to the hospital, and required immediate surgery. Her team stepped in without hesitation, with meals, flowers, gift cards, childcare support, daily check-ins, and prayers.

“Even in the midst of fear and recovery, my husband was able to care for me and our children because TFA cared for us. They didn’t just support me—they supported my whole family.” She recalls walking back into school after her recovery, “The day I returned, Dr. Whitaker came into my room just to see how I was. I’ll never forget that. Those are the things that make TFA different.”

Family & Life Beyond the Classroom

Abbie and her husband, Renato—who is originally from Brazil— have been married since January 2015. They share two children, Gabriela, a 4th grader at TFA, and Aidan, her stepson, a college student at UCF, and one very beloved French Bulldog named Daisy. When she’s not teaching, you can almost certainly find Abbie running. She completed her first half-marathon last year and is already training for the next one in March.

Living Out the Living Curriculum Influencer Characteristics

Of TFA’s Living Curriculum Influencer characteristics, Abbie is most drawn to being a Relationship Builder. She says, “As a teacher, I focus on the relationships I cultivate. When students feel known, they grow—not just academically, but spiritually.”

Mr. seth ury

Upper School Latin & Mythology Teacher

When Mr. Ury arrived at TFA in the summer of 2022, he thought he was simply coming to teach Latin. Instead, he found himself stepping into the role he now sees as his calling—a place where language, story, Scripture, and relationship collide in the most meaningful ways.

Finding Passion

In his first year, he taught both Latin and 6th-grade Ancient History, and it didn’t take long for him to notice where students leaned in most. “Whenever we touched on Greek and Roman mythology, something lit up in them,” he recalls. That spark inspired him to propose an Ancient Mythology elective—one he now teaches with passion, weaving history naturally into the storytelling. “Students love entering a world bigger than themselves,” he says. “Mythology helps them see the deeper poetic, cultural, and moral truths God has embedded all throughout history.”

From Struggling Student to Lifelong Lover of Latin

Ironically, his relationship with Latin began when he was, in his own words, “a really bad student.” In 8th grade, despite his grades, an observant teacher saw his fascination with the language and urged him to keep going. He did—and never stopped. At Asbury University, Mr. Ury knew he wanted to teach but struggled with the traditional education track. “It felt methodical and boring,” he laughs. His advisor, who happened to be his Latin professor, gave him advice that changed everything: Dive into what you love. Seth switched to history… and accidentally double-majored in Latin because he kept taking Latin classes “just for fun.”

Continuing Education and Early Career

Today, he’s continuing his academic journey with a master’s degree in Biblical Languages, fueled by a passion to read Scripture with a deeper linguistic and historical understanding. After graduation, Seth had accepted a job teaching elementary students in Shanghai—an opportunity that covered practically everything and seemed impossible to turn down. But days before committing, a small classical Christian school in Georgia called. They were looking for a Latin teacher, and Asbury had recommended him. He went to visit—met the families, the students, the board—and something clicked. The school was rooted in Scripture and relationship in a way he had never seen. “If I hadn’t gone there, I don’t think I would love teaching the way I do now,” he says. Over the next five years, he taught Latin from 3rd–11th grade, was a lead teacher, coached volleyball and basketball, and even served as athletic director. It was the foundation that shaped the educator he is today.

Joining TFA

How did Mr. Ury make it to TFA? While he and his wife, Lexi, had long hoped to move back to Orlando—the city where she lived after college and experienced a deep-rooted Christian community— Seth wasn’t actively job-hunting. Then Brian Rose called him out of the blue, having seen his name on LinkedIn and recognizing a shared connection in Covington, Georgia. Seth wasn’t ready to leave his school, but he and Lexi prayed, talked, and recognized that the Lord was opening the door they had been quietly waiting for. They moved to Orlando in 2022 with their then-infant son, Foster.

Teaching as Worship

Ask him what his favorite part of teaching is, and his eyes light up. “There is no end to how Jesus connects to everything we learn,” he says. “Every story, every language root, every myth, every idea—

He’s there. When you leave that door open, curiosity and awe never run out.” For Mr. Ury, teaching isn’t just a job; it’s worship. Since arriving at TFA, Mr. Ury describes his experience as “coming home to what I’m made to do. I know this is the work God made me for—mind, heart, and soul. I feel blessed every day that I get to teach what is true, good, and beautiful…and that I get to talk about Jesus freely while doing it.”

Shaped by Community and Family

The impact of this work intertwines with his life as a husband and father. “Teaching here makes me a better dad and husband,” he says. “The Lord uses this place to shape me. I’m given the tools I need to love my family well.” What stands out most to him about TFA is the depth of community among the faculty. “Every year, someone new becomes the person I can talk to about really deep things. We cry together. We pray together. The conversations rarely stay at academics—we do life together.”

Seth married his wife, Lexi, in Orlando’s Leu Gardens on March 1, 2020—just weeks before the world shut down. After a season in Georgia, they returned to Orlando with their son Foster, now four. Their second son, Cyrus, was born in 2023. The boys stay home with Lexi, and their days are filled with bike rides, backyard sports, and endless imagination. Seth also loves disc golf and fantasy/sci-fi novels.

Living Curriculum Influencer: Relationship and Encouragement

Among the Living Curriculum Influencer traits, Mr. Ury most identifies with being a Strong Relationship Builder and a Faithful Encourager—two qualities anyone who knows him would affirm instantly. His classroom is a place of connection, curiosity, and joy; his presence on campus is a steady stream of encouragement and authenticity. “I have the job I want,” he says simply. “I’m blessed to be here. And the Lord is still working on me.” And anyone who sees him teaching, laughing with students, or connecting with colleagues knows: his calling isn’t just something he feels— it’s something he lives.

Mrs. Sharonda Snyder

K3 Preschool Teacher

For the past nine years, the joyful laughter of TFA’s littlest Royals has been a constant soundtrack in the life of our beloved K3 Preschool Teacher, Mrs. Sharonda Snyder. Though she’s served in several roles since joining TFA—from grades 1–6 aide to TK and K4—she says becoming the K3 Preschool Teacher in 2021 was where she finally found “her favorite place,” lovingly adding, “the littles have my heart.”

Educational Background and Early Calling

A Melbourne native and graduate of Eau Gallie High School, Mrs. Snyder went on to study Early Childhood Education at Eastern Florida State College. She also holds her VPK certification through Head Start, equipping her to serve preschoolers with both expertise and deep compassion. Her story with TFA began long before she ever set foot on campus. While working at KinderKare, she met Ivory Crockett, who would later become the person God used to point her toward The First Academy. Ivory told her about an open position, and the timing couldn’t have been more perfect.

Following God’s Lead

“God was calling me to be somewhere closer to Him,” Mrs. Snyder reflects. “That’s how I knew I was supposed to be here.” Since stepping into the classroom at TFA, Mrs. Snyder’s personal walk with the Lord has transformed. She recalls how working with Miss Cline in the Lower School became a turning point: “We prayed together. We did Bible studies while the students rested. It definitely brought me closer to Christ.”

A Family Atmosphere

The family atmosphere is what she treasures most—the way teachers care for each other, walk through life together, and cover one another in prayer through every season. For Mrs. Snyder, the greatest joy of teaching isn’t just helping students learn letters, numbers, or routines—it’s sharing the stories of God. She lights up when she talks about how her students respond, “Their little eyes just brighten when we talk about God. And then they go home and tell their parents about Him. Knowing that I’m part of planting those seeds—it makes me feel so impactful.”

Within the TFA community, she cherishes the closeness, unity, and prayerfulness that define the culture. “We’re like a family. We come together through good and hard seasons, and we lift each other up.”

Family Life & Outside of the Classroom

Married to her husband, CJ, for 15 years, Mrs. Snyder joyfully shares life with their three children, plus a much-loved guinea pig named Tiger. CJ owns a commercial cleaning business; her daughter works on TFA’s aftercare team; her oldest son plays football; and her youngest loves soccer. Their family story began on a blind date, set up through her best friend and his cousin—and the rest is history.

In her free time, Mrs. Snyder loves bowling with her family, relaxing at the beach, reading, and reminiscing about her high school days when she played trombone and was part of the color guard.

Living Curriculum Influencer: Relationship Builder and Faithful Encourager

The Living Curriculum Influencer Characteristics that resonate most with Mrs. Snyder are Relationship Builder and Faithful Encourager. Encouraging others is part of who she is—whether she’s uplifting families, supporting her team, or speaking life into anyone the Lord places in her path.

Mrs. Crystal Fitzgerald

Hybrid Home+School (HHS) High School

Bible

Instructor & Chapel Director

When you meet Mrs. Crystal Fitzgerald, you quickly sense her passion, her joy, and her deep love for students. To her, teaching in the Hybrid Home+School program (formerly The Classical School) is far more than a profession—it is her calling, her mission, and one of God’s greatest purposes for her life.

A Calling Filled With Passion and Purpose

For 13 years, Mrs. Fitzgerald has served The First Academy with contagious enthusiasm and unwavering faith. She first joined TFA in 2012, teaching 5th grade in the Traditional College-Prep 5-Day program before answering God’s call to pastor alongside her husband in Miami. But in 2018, the Lord brought her back home—this time to TFA’s Hybrid Home+School program, where she now teaches High School Bible and serves as the Chapel Director—pastoring students’ hearts every single week.

Educational Roots and Early Career

Mrs. Fitzgerald studied Biology with a minor in Physical Education at Warner University in Lake Wales, where she played both basketball and volleyball on scholarship. After college, she began teaching at City of Life Academy in 1999, then moved into a five-year role with OCPS in Apopka, earning Reading and ESOL endorsements and becoming certified in middle grades education.

She is an award-winning educator, having been nominated for Teacher of the Year in public school and later receiving TFA’s Christian Educator of the Year Award in 2021. She also holds her ACSI certification, earned in 2013.

Finding Her Way to TFA

After the birth of her second child, her college friend Christy Requejo encouraged her to apply to TFA. She sent the job link, and within hours, Crystal received a call to interview. She began teaching the very next year—and has now spent 26 years in education, still fueled by the same passion God instilled in her as a young teacher.

Ask Mrs. Fitzgerald about the most impactful part of her TFA journey, and she won’t mention awards or accomplishments. She’ll tell you about revival. Over the last two years, she has witnessed something she describes as the greatest success of her entire career.

God told her one day, “You are going to baptize students at school.” She brought the idea to her director, who was on board but needed First Orlando’s approval and a partnership with TFA. Within three days, the church approved it. That year, eight students were baptized at HHS, with Pastor David Uth joining in the baptisms. The following year, 17 more stepped forward to be baptized— including one teacher. “God is doing something amazing here,” she says. “Revival is happening in HHS—and I get to watch it.”

Teaching With Love and Purpose

The best part of teaching at TFA for Mrs. Fitzgerald is simple: loving students with the fruit of the Spirit and pointing them to Jesus. She also cherishes the authenticity and transparency allowed within TFA’s Christ-centered culture. She recalls a season when her husband was between jobs. TFA stepped in and helped in impactful ways to bless Crystal and her family. Mrs. Fitzgerald said, “This school is not just a workplace. It is family—through thick and thin.”

She is so grateful for the HHS team, including Robyn Whipple, who creates a healthy, supportive staff culture; Christine Day, who tirelessly supports the program with excellence; Justin Harris, who organizes a prayer team of teachers; and countless staff who show up, pray, support, attend student events, and serve beyond their job descriptions. “Every teacher here understands their role reaches beyond academics. We pastor these students together.”

A Family Rooted in Faith and Service

Mrs. Fitzgerald’s family is deeply rooted in TFA and ministry. Her son is a TFA alum (Class of 2024) and is now studying theology with a minor in graphic art at Southeastern University. Her daughter is a TFA sophomore and an active member of the Sports Medicine Team. Her husband, Jeff, is the Executive Director at Edgewood

Children’s Ranch and a former pastor of 26 years. The Fitzgeralds have been married since 2000. They met at Warner University while both recovering from sports injuries—and singing together in chapel. And then there’s Rari, their beloved Shih Tzu, a true diva with a ponytail and sweater to match.

Life Outside the Classroom

Together, the family values fitness, nutrition, and faith. They love working out, taking beach vacations, and investing deeply in the health of their home—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. A fun fact: when Mrs. Fitzgerald first came to TFA, she signed with an independent record label and recorded music for Chick-fil-A and Z88.3—but she chose teaching over performing, following God’s lead. She and her husband also serve on the leadership team for Rashad White’s Tampa Bay Running Backs Camp.

Living Curriculum Influencer: A Prayer Warrior

Mrs. Fitzgerald identifies most strongly with the Living Curriculum Influencer characteristic of Modeling the Life of a Prayer Warrior. For her, prayer is the foundation of everything—classroom discernment, loving students well, and hearing God’s heart for each student. Most days, she takes a prayer walk after school, asking the Lord to lift up specific students. “Before Jesus was crucified, He prayed. Prayer brings power, discernment, love, and guidance. It is the greatest communication God invites us into.” Mrs. Fitzgerald sees TFA as one united body made up of beautifully diverse parts. “It’s so encouraging to watch what God is doing across this campus. We are unified—but not uniform. That is the beauty of this place.”

Ms. Laura Johnson Distinct Abilities Learning (DAL) –Strategic Education Lead Teacher

For more than a decade, Ms. Laura Johnson has poured her heart into shaping the Distinct Abilities Learning program (formerly The First Hope) at The First Academy. As the Team Lead for the Strategic Education (SE) side and Lead Teacher, she has the privilege of teaching students from middle school through high school—students who, she says, “just need the gift of time, the right environment, and someone who sees how they learn best.”

A Classroom Built on Safety, Belonging, and Growth

Her classroom is designed with intention, a behavior-led, academic-supported environment where foundational skills come before rigid curriculum pacing. Instead of Florida’s traditional academic standards, she uses access points that honor each student’s unique learning profile. The result is a safe space where students feel they belong, can be themselves, form friendships, and thrive academically. She says, “If they feel safe and engaged, the behaviors fade. Most behaviors come from feeling out of place in a typical classroom—not from an inability to learn.”

A Calling Is Born

Ms. Johnson’s path to teaching didn’t follow a typical timeline. She returned to school at 40, after working in early childhood education and spending a decade in the insurance industry. But God had already planted a seed years earlier. During a mission trip to the Malaysian Islands, her worship pastor at her church adopted a little girl with significant special needs. Ms. Johnson began volunteering to care for her during church services. “She couldn’t walk, couldn’t talk, couldn’t speak at all. I held her during worship for years—she would feel the music, and she would respond to it. Watching her joy, her progress, her spirit… That changed me.”

After eight years of walking alongside this child, something in her heart shifted.

“Special education was because of her. She was my ‘why.’ And now she can walk and talk. I got to witness that miracle.” This inspiration led Ms. Johnson to earn her AA from Southeastern University and later her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a minor in Special Education from Liberty University.

A Door Opened at Just the Right Time

The night she graduated in December, she lay in bed searching for where to apply. She found The First Academy’s website and assumed it was out of reach—until she saw the option for The First Hope program. Eight months later, on July 30, she got a call.

She interviewed with Mr. Fana and the TFH lead at the time and started the next day.

She came in the third year of The First Hope’s existence and has never looked back. “There’s no place I would rather teach. I wake up every day not feeling like I’m going to work—I get to go to school. I get to do what God made me to do.”

Walking With Students From Childhood to Adulthood

One of the greatest joys of Ms. Johnson’s career has been walking alongside students from childhood to adulthood. She beams when she talks about students like Evan Grimes, now part of the work program, whom she taught back when he first began, and Meadow Miklos, who was in her kindergarten class—and later in her senior class. “To watch their journeys, to see victories big and small… That fuels me. Every milestone matters.”

She recalls a student who suffered a traumatic brain injury. She taught him from 2nd to 5th grade, and recently, his mother returned to share that he was making neurological progress far beyond expectations. Ms. Johnson said, “Hope can do that. The right environment can do that.”

A School That Makes the Extraordinary Possible

For Ms. Johnson, the greatest joy is playing a role in a student’s journey and helping them figure out what’s possible. She is deeply grateful to teach at a school that supports diverse learning styles and creates life-changing opportunities for students who might not have them anywhere else. “If TFA weren’t open to this program, where would these students be? One school supporting all of these needs— with Christ at the center—that is extraordinary.”

She also treasures the blessing of a deeply connected team, saying, “We are truly a family. We pray with and for each other. The Lord uses us to speak into each other’s lives. That kind of community is priceless.”

Family, Loss, and Strength

Ms. Johnson is a proud cat mom to two cats. Her son recently got married in March, and family remains one of her greatest joys. This year brought heartache—she lost both parents and her sister in early 2024—but her family’s Sunday dinners remain a cherished source of strength and connection. In her free time, she enjoys reading, crocheting and knitting, beach days, and walking and hiking.

Living Curriculum Influencer: Encourager and Prayer Warrior

Ms. Johnson most identifies with the Living Curriculum Influencer characteristics of being a Faithful Encourager and Prayer Warrior. “God has been so faithful to me, so I love encouraging others. Praying for someone—and having people pray for you— is one of the most beautiful gifts you can ever give.”

On Campus In 2025

January

Royal Nation returned to school in festive fashion following the Christmas Break. Students were welcomed back with “2025” glasses and New Year’s horns, special treats, a dress-up day themed around the year 2,000, and more!

Upper School Media Arts and Theatre students traveled to New York City for an unforgettable trip! Students and chaperones took in Broadway shows, sightseeing tours, and even visited the Today Show to watch and learn from the pros!

Due to a hurricane or two, our annual Royal Carnival was moved from the fall to January! Over a thousand Royals filled the Payne Stewart Athletic Complex for a night to remember, enjoying traditional carnival games and rides while sipping on hot chocolate.

Young ladies and their dads danced the night away “Under the Sea” at the 2025 Father-Daughter Dance! From a delicious dinner to photo opportunities, to the DJ spinning the “ones and twos,” it was a night to remember.

February

The Middle School production of the musical Annie! was amazingly well executed. Not only were the students performing the full Broadway production, but they were also using their God-given talents to raise funds to benefit an orphanage in Trinidad.

Missions Week was launched in 2025, with multiple chapel services dedicated to helping students gain a deeper understanding of God’s heart for the nations and call to serve others. A luncheon was hosted for Upper School students interested in or being called to mission work, and special speakers were brought in to share the impact of missions with students.

We hosted the National Elementary Honor Society, National Junior Honor Society, and National Honor Society Inductions in the Whitaker Auditorium, celebrating excellence in academics and service of hundreds of our TFA Lower, Middle, & Upper School students.

We celebrated College Week and the Class of 2025, with all of campus decked out in college attire. Our College Advisors hosted several student and parent events focused on college preparedness and life after graduation from TFA.

Royal-thon, an initiative led by Upper School students to support local children’s hospitals, raised over $97,000. Students work diligently throughout the year to raise funds for this important cause. The culmination of Royal-thon is the school-wide dance marathon in February, where all divisions are invited to participate and get involved in the fundraising excitement.

TFA hosted over 115 school leaders from ACSI’s (Association of Christian Schools International) Converge Conference. These national and international attendees visited TFA to learn more about our Gospel-Centered School Culture and our academics to excel and faith to inspire.

March

We hosted a special concert with Avalon Worship in the Whitaker Auditorium in the Natalie Thomas Student Center. It was a wonderful evening filled with joy, music, and camaraderie!

Leading into Spring Break, our parents celebrated our faculty and staff with a “Groovy” Teacher Appreciation Week. Teachers and administrative staff were pampered with sweet treats, a spec-taco-ular lunch, and gift cards as a thank-you for all their dedication and hard work.

Our Seniors went on their annual Ski Trip to Breckenridge and took part in the time-honored TFA tradition, Senior Brick Laying.

The Upper School Theatre Department presented Little Women in the Whitaker Auditorium to large crowds. The cast and crew did an exceptional job with the show, earning three Dr. Phillips Center Applause Awards for their hard work.

April

The Parent Association hosted our annual Thank You Breakfast, with one of the largest turnouts to date. Following breakfast, all families were invited to the school-wide Easter Chapel. The chapel included praise and worship, student speakers, an impactful video message, and a message from Michael Neale, award-winning songwriter, worship leader & speaker, and best-selling author.

We were proud to host the Senior Thesis Finalist Competition in the Whitaker Auditorium, where five exceptionally talented students took the stage. Each finalist captivated the audience with confident delivery, compelling storytelling, and thoroughly researched topics—truly showcasing the strength of their scholarship, faith, and preparation.

We unveiled the Ed Gamble Softball Field in honor of a previous Head of School at TFA. It was a special night honoring the legacy and investment of Ed Gamble.

The Lower School Evening At The Arts presented Disney’s The Little Mermaid JR. in the Whitaker Auditorium. The 4th and 5th grade cast was one of the largest in recent history, and both shows were nearly sold out.

May

We hosted the inaugural School-Wide Art Exhibit in the Whitaker Auditorium, showcasing over a thousand pieces of artwork from students in the Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools.

118 seniors graduated in The Class of 2025 with a 100% college acceptance rate. Class of 2025 graduates were accepted to colleges and universities such as New York University, Wake Forest University, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, The University of Florida, and many more.

The Royals Baseball Team earned the second Class 2A Baseball State Championship in school history, finishing their season with a 30-4 record and as a top 10 team in the country.

The conclusion of the 2024-2025 school year was celebrated in grand fashion with awards ceremonies and celebrations, Senior Step Up for the Class of 2026, fun field trips, and year-end chapels.

June & July

For three days in June, TFA hosted over 50 school Marketing & Communications professionals for the Elevate School Marketing Conference. Attendees toured the campus and participated in presentations and round table discussions with school marketing thought leaders from around the country.

We kicked off another exciting season of Royal Summer Camps, featuring Camp Roar, Athletics Camps, and Middle & Upper School programs. Camp Roar’s weekly themes kept the campus vibrant and full of energy, and several of our camps reached full capacity, making it a lively and memorable summer for our students.

At Camp Orlando, eight TFA students proclaimed Jesus is the Lord of their life through Believers’ Baptism. Five Seniors were baptized at the Senior Retreat.

August

August kicked off with key milestones: Senior Retreat, Meet the Teacher, and the first day of school. To wrap up the first week, our 8th grade students enjoyed their annual 8th-Grade Social, and the Upper School held its first Worship Night of the year on August 18, concluding our annual TFA Day of Prayer with a powerful evening of praise and worship.

Over 425 parents attended the Welcome Breakfast hosted by the Parent Association on August 21. First Orlando staff assisted in welcoming families to our All School Chapel, which followed the breakfast. TFA alumni and First Orlando’s Worship Team members led us in worship; we focused on our school year theme and honored Dr. Jim Henry (TFA founder) with the Founders Day Award.

September

College visit season kicked off in the Upper School, giving students valuable opportunities to attend information sessions and explore future college options. TFA also hosted the Christian College Fair, welcoming high school students from across Orange County. More than 25 Christian colleges and universities were represented, making it a meaningful and impactful event for our community.

We kicked off our first Royal Roundtable event for TFA dads for the 2025-2026 school year, with TFA alum Jake McGee speaking to dads. Read more about Jake and his story on page 12 of this publication.

The National Merit Semi-finalists were announced, and we celebrated two of our seniors who earned the prestigious award. Three seniors also earned the status of National Merit Commended. We kicked off a 30-day focused giving period for the Royal Nation Fund (RNF). The primary focus of the RNF this year is the renovation of the Lower School. Families received car coasters and followed along on social media as we celebrated school-wide participation in the fundraising fun!

October

We celebrated Pastor Appreciation Month in a big way! Our Middle School Student Impact Team led the First Orlando pastoral team in praise and worship; students wrote notes and created gifts for the pastors; and the TFA community dedicated time to prayer for our pastors at First Orlando and throughout Central Florida.

We welcomed Dr. Kathy Koch, founder of Celebrate Kids, Inc., to campus. Dr. Kathy hosted a Parent University focused on raising resilient kids and spoke to faculty and staff about core needs and building resilient faith, the 8 Great Smarts, and Teens and Screens during our October Professional Development day.

Homecoming 2025 was celebrated with the theme “There’s No Place Like Homecoming,” and students enjoyed hallway decorating, fun dress-up days, the powder puff game, a parade, and the Homecoming football game with the crowning of the King and Queen. There was also a special shout-out to all alumni and our 2nd-generation Royals during the game.

November

The Veterans & Grandparents Celebration was one for the record books, with over 2,500 guests in attendance, five of whom were World War II Veterans. TFA community members honored our Veterans and Grandparents with special songs, gifts, and memorable moments. Faculty, staff, and choir students sang, and we were honored to welcome Lincoln the bald eagle to campus.

8th-grade students visited Washington, D.C., learning about civics and the history of our nation while bonding as a class.

We were transported to the Land of Oz in the Middle and Upper School production of The Wizard of Oz. Our thespians performed for three packed shows, with the final show benefitting disaster relief in Jamaica through Convoy of Hope.

december

December 1st was a beautiful day at Isleworth Golf & Country Club for the Tom Kalimanis Royal Golf Classic. This special event supports TFA Athletics and is a highlight for many TFA parents and partners.

Lower School students performed in C.A.K.E. (Christmas Acts of Kindness Experiment) for the Lower School Christmas Program on December 12 in the Worship Center. Families were treated to musical numbers, dance vignettes, and a wonderful story about a group project that becomes much more significant than anyone could imagine.

The Winter Band Concert delighted families with our students playing Christmas classics to get everyone into the holiday spirit.

Families joined in Henry Chapel for the Middle and Upper School Choir, Guitar, and Keyboard Concert. Attendees enjoyed performances by the Middle School and Upper Chorus, and several students also performed solo numbers in celebration of the season.

Our Visual Arts students stunned in the Middle & Upper School Art Gallery Exhibit, hosted in the Natalie Thomas Student Center. Throughout the week, students and families were invited to explore the gallery and admire the beautifully crafted pieces created by our talented young artists.

Upper School students volunteered with Snowball Express, a four-day event at Disney World sponsored by the Gary Sinise Foundation for Gold Star Families from across the United States. Students welcomed these families with fanfare as they arrived at their Disney Resort and assisted in the event check-in and kick-off process.

Before the Christmas holiday break, our entire campus was filled with festive cheer! The Lower School halls were beautifully decorated, while Middle and Upper School classroom doors sported colorful wreaths. Students and faculty joined in the holiday fun during Christmas Dress-Up Week, showcasing their most festive socks, sweaters, pajamas, and more!

Strategic Plan Progress Report

It is with gratitude that we share several exciting updates regarding the progress of the 2020-2030 Strategic Plan that was released in early 2023. We have made significant strides in implementing key strategies outlined in our plan, which are already evident throughout campus.

The First Academy is committed to providing an education that nurtures the spiritual, academic, and personal development of our students, and our strategic initiatives continue to guide us toward fulfilling our mission of preparing future Christian leaders.

Goal 1: We want to make sure TFA is a great place to grow the mind, body, and spirit of each student enrolled (Lk. 2:52).

Entrepreneurship & Business Education

The First Academy is actively developing a new Business and Entrepreneurship program for Upper School and Hybrid Home+ School students. This program is designed to equip students with real-world skills in innovation, leadership, financial literacy, and biblical stewardship. Using a project-based model and support from school constituents with entrepreneurial experience, students will learn how to identify needs, design solutions, and bring ideas to market while integrating Christian principles of purpose, integrity, and service. As the program expands, TFA aims to offer hands-on experiences—including mentorship, pitch events, and hands-on business experience—that prepare students to think creatively, lead confidently, and pursue entrepreneurial opportunities with a Kingdom mindset.

STEM: Since the launch of our current Strategic Plan, several STEM courses have been added across the Middle and Upper School course catalogs. New offerings include Upper School Physics II and an Introduction to Computer Science course for eighth-grade students, along with a Middle School STEAM elective. As our STEM program continues to grow, the Lower School

Science Lab plays a vital role in building a strong foundation in the scientific process while integrating STEM concepts and coding. At the Upper School level, the Computer Science program now offers multiple levels of instruction, including AP Computer Science. Additionally, we have launched a competitive Computer Science & Robotics Team, Full Steam Ahead Fridays, and have included STEM & Robotics classes within the Academies Program.

Flourishing Faith Index

We are pleased to present the key findings of the ACSI Flourishing Faith Index (FFI) survey, a powerful initiative undertaken with the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI). Thank you to all of the students, parents, faculty, staff, administrators, board members and alumni who participated in this initiative in November. This collaboration aligns directly with The First Academy’s mission to nurture the next generation of Christian leaders. The FFI, a specialized and validated tool,

provided deep insights into the current state of spiritual formation and the growth of a biblical worldview within our school

Flourishing faith is grouped into three inner-core domains—Head, Heart, and Hands.

• Head measures intellectual agreement with 25 ACSI Statement of Faith items.

• Hands captures how often respondents practice ten spiritual disciplines.

• Heart assesses their internal disposition toward the Christian faith using validated measures.

The outer ring of spiritual formation also contains three domains—Intellectual, Nurture, and Practical—which reflect validated practices used by the school and community to support student growth. While each outer domain aligns most naturally with its inner counterpart (Intellectual→Head, Nurture→Heart, Practical→Hands), spiritual formation is ultimately complex and interconnected: intellectual belief, heart transformation, and lived practice should develop together.

This report synthesizes results across all six domains of flourishing faith: Head (knowledge), Heart (disposition), Hands (practices), Intellectual (mind formation), Nurture (relationships), and Practical (faith in action).

Foundational Commitments and Practices

• Distinct Christian Education and Professional Development: School constituents are committed to ensuring that the education provided at TFA is distinct in both content and instructional methods (pedagogy). Our teachers actively pursue professional development to effectively integrate Christian faith principles into all academic disciplines.

• Intentional Discipleship: Our school personnel actively embrace the discipleship role, consistently guiding students as they navigate questions and work through doubts about their Christian faith. Alumni affirm this commitment, recalling the school provided a safe and nurturing environment for spiritual inquiry and growth.

• School-Parent Partnership for Spiritual Growth: The First Academy actively cultivates a strong school-parent partnership, acknowledging its foundational role in effectively stewarding every student’s spiritual development. Parents are committed to providing a protective environment for their children while continuing their own personal growth in biblical understanding and practice.

• Personal Spiritual Practices: Students reported a high frequency of engagement in essential personal spiritual practices, including reading the Bible, praying, and having personal devotions.

Current Student Engagement and Areas for Growth

• Applied Biblical Thinking and Stewardship: A critical area for growth is to deepen students’ applied biblical thinking and worldview integration. This intentional focus will significantly enhance their practical skills for critically evaluating contemporary culture and effectively stewarding their personal health and financial resources through the lens of scripture.

• Community and Family Discipleship: A key area for growth is strengthening students’ consistent engagement in community and family-based discipleship. This involves promoting active, regular participation in church and youth group activities while concurrently establishing a strategic partnership with parents to foster growing faith integration in the home environment.

K-16 Model: In November of 2023, Orlando Christian University officially launched with the FDOE/Commission on Independent Education authorizing Orlando Christian University to legally operate as a religious institution of higher education in the State of Florida. Since then, staff and faculty have worked diligently behind the scenes to build the infrastructure needed for higher education accreditation and the beginnings of a formal college.

The year 2025 brought encouraging progress as accreditors received OCU’s first major report. The commission responded with no comments (required changes) and encouraged OCU to apply for acceleration of the accreditation process. The application was approved, allowing OCU to move to the next step: an Institutional Self-Study (due May 2026). TFA’s strong history of accreditation and academic excellence in the K-12 sphere gives OCU a firm foundation to excel as we strive to be faithful stewards of the good gifts God has entrusted to this community. Currently, OCU offers dual enrollment courses exclusively for TFA students, with the goal of expanding those offerings in the near future. OCU’s mission is to “prepare servant leaders who seek the welfare of society, the advancement of the Church, and the proclamation of the gospel to all nations and peoples.” In pursuit of that end, OCU is eager to work towards soon providing excellent biblical training alongside practical ministry and leadership experience for the TFA and greater Orlando communities.

Academic Scorecard -The First Academy is in the process of developing a comprehensive Academic Scorecard that will provide a clear snapshot of school-wide progress in academic achievement, spiritual formation, leadership, and extracurricular

engagement. This framework will allow each division: Lower, Middle, and Upper School—to establish goals, monitor outcomes, and ensure ongoing alignment with our Christ-centered mission.

As the scorecard is being designed, Admissions and Enrollment metrics such as retention, mission alignment, and student readiness indicators are being identified to help the school monitor community health and long-term stability.

In Academic Achievement, the developing scorecard will incorporate standardized test results, student growth data, AP/Honors course rigor, college matriculation, and faculty qualifications. These measures will help the school evaluate student learning and instructional effectiveness while striving to meet or exceed national Christian school benchmarks.

Spiritual Formation and Leadership indicators— such as chapel engagement, Bible course performance, service hours, and leadership participation—are being refined to assess how well students are growing in discipleship, character, and servant leadership.

The school is also defining Extracurricular Engagement metrics to capture student participation and success in athletics, fine arts, and clubs, along with student well-being and connectedness.

Together, these developing measures will form a mission-centered scorecard that equips The First Academy to evaluate progress, celebrate strengths, and identify opportunities for continued excellence across all divisions.

Mission Outreach: Missions Week was launched in the 20242025 school year and is a meaningful time for Middle and Upper School students to grow in awareness of God’s work around the world. Throughout the week, students attend special mission-focused chapels featuring guest speakers who share firsthand stories of service, calling, and faith in action. In addition, students have the opportunity to participate in lunch-and-learn sessions, where they engage more personally with missionaries and ministry leaders, asking questions and learning about the many ways God is at work in the missions field. Missions Week encourages students to think beyond themselves and consider how they might use their gifts to serve others and advance the Gospel.

For the 2025-2026 School Year, Student Outreach was added as a Student Leadership Committee in the Middle School, and the National Junior Honor Society completes regular community service projects.

Goal 2: We want to make sure TFA is a great place for faculty/staff to flourish in their calling (II Thess. 2:14).

Biblical Worldview Integration: 16 faculty and staff members have achieved the status of Commissioned Colson Fellow with the Colson Fellows program. These leaders are facilitating monthly cohorts focused on Biblical Worldview Immersion. There are now 11 Colson Fellows in Training for the 2025-2026 school year, and TFA was invited to pilot the Colson Fellows Academic Affiliate Program for the 2025-2026 school year. The goal after this year would be to expand the program to include TFA parents and other school constituents.

Professional Development: Leti Branz serves as part-time Academic Dean to enhance the professional development experience and align the 5 Aspirations for every student and the 7 Characteristics of a Living Curriculum Influencer into each development session.

2024-2025 Professional Development

• Colson Fellows Program

• Orton Gillingham Level 1 Training

• Conscious Discipline

• Frog Street Early Childhood Curriculum

• ACSI Early Education Resource Training Center

• TFA Reading Renewal Professional Development

• TFA Students with Disabilities Professional Development

• College Board Advanced Placement Summer Institute

• AP African American Studies

• AP Music Theory

• AP Economics

• FACTS Conference

• ACSI Student Leadership Institute

• Orlando Learning Summit

• FCIS New Teacher Institute

• FCIS Annual Convention

• FAEA Conference

• ACSI Flourishing Schools Conference

• FMEA Conference

• FETC Conference

• ERB National Conference

• Annual Innovation Institute-Pine Crest School

• Florida Council for the Teacher of Mathematics Conference

• Association for Middle Level Education On-Site Training

• Ignite to Write Conference

• Model Schools Conference

• 2025 Get Your Teach On

• ACSI/Colson Center-Rooted Conference

In the fall of the 2025-2026 school year, TFA hosted Dr. Kathy Koch with Celebrate Kids for both a Parent University focused on building resilience in their children and a Professional Development Day with faculty and staff focused on helping meet the five core needs of students.

Five Core Needs: The five needs are progressive — we start with security and build upon our needs from there. All of these needs are connected and affected by each other; they are inseparable.

SECURITY Where we ask the question: WHO can I trust?

We must learn to trust God, trustworthy people and ourselves — but never things (eg…power, popularity, etc)

IDENTITY Where we ask: WHO am I?

God’s Word, the Bible, is filled with life-giving verses about our true identity that comes from God alone. (See Genesis 1:27, Ephesians 2:10, Colossians 2:13, etc).

BELONGING Where we ask: WHO wants me?

With today’s social media, we tend to value a quantity of friends over quality friends. God created us for community, but first and foremost meets this need Himself as we relate to Him.

PURPOSE Where we ask: WHY am I alive?

You may never ask this question aloud, but all of your choices,

commitments, and priorities reflect your purpose. God created you on purpose with purpose!

COMPETENCE Where we ask: WHAT do I do well?

Competence means you have the required skill, knowledge, qualification or capacity to do something. You can learn it and God will supply it. Competence is what you need to fulfill God’s purpose for your life.

Living Curriculum Influencers: Faculty and Staff Growth Plans, evaluations, observation forms, the hiring process, and the Christian Educator and Staff Member of the year have all been developed and aligned to the 7 Characteristics of a Living Curriculum Influencer.

All faculty and staff develop a personalized Living Curriculum Influencer Growth Plan. The Living Curriculum Influencer Growth Plan is a reflective and developmental tool designed to help faculty intentionally grow in both their spiritual leadership and instructional practice throughout the school year.

Grounded in Scripture and TFA’s Living Curriculum Influencer framework, the form guides faculty members to assess their strengths, identify areas for growth, and establish actionable steps across key areas such as Christ-centered living, prayer, servant leadership, relationship building, encouragement, gratitude, and engaging instruction. A faculty member uses this plan in partnership with their divisional principal to prayerfully reflect, set goals, and align daily practices with TFA’s mission and values. The plan is revisited and summarized later in the year, serving as a meaningful component of ongoing professional growth, reflection, and evaluation.

Faculty Fellows: The Faculty Fellows Program launched in the fall of the 2023-2024 school year, with the first participant learning and serving in a second-grade classroom alongside a master teacher. For the 2025-2026 school year, we welcomed our first member from the Faculty Fellows Program into the classroom for a full-time teaching position.

Goal 3: We want to make sure TFA is a great place for family and friends to invest their God-given resources (Prov. 21:5).

Campus Safety: The Orlando Police Department Safety Audit was completed and campus safety and security were noted as a commendation from the October 2023 Accreditation Visit. Evening TFA security has been added for an additional layer of student supervision in the afternoon.

Over the summer of 2025, thanks to TFA’s Gospel Patrons, we were able to install security fencing to enclose our campus. A guardhouse was also completed in early 2026, where security will screen visitors for campus entry. Additionally, we completed the installation of a new Lower School Playground. The new play area is shaded to protect students from the hot Florida sun, and turf was installed beneath the playground to act as a soft play space for students.

Financial Stability: The First Academy was blessed to be able to pay off all debt in 2025, thanks to the financial leadership and stewardship of our School Board and Leadership Team.

Master Plan: The campaign and remodel of the Natalie Thomas Student Center were completed in January 2024. The ribbon cutting for the Natalie Thomas Student Center & Whitaker Auditorium took place in late January, and the dedication of the space was on March 2, 2024. The completion of that space was a large step in completing the initial vision of TFA’s founders. In the summer of 2026, we will be able to complete the renovation of the West Wing of the Lower School and look forward to completing the East Wing in the summer of 2027.

Extended Education Programs: Throughout the summer of 2025, we renamed two of our unique programs—The Classical School & The First Hope—to better reflect who we are, what

we offer, and where we’re headed. Part of this strategic effort was to unify all TFA divisions under a cohesive brand and enhance how we present our programs to the community. All students attend The First Academy, where our teachers are Living Curriculum Influencers, our students share the same five aspirations, and all parents are partners. The mission and vision of TFA remain the same, regardless of which TFA division a student attends.

This was not just a name change—it’s a thoughtful, collaborative move to ensure that the incredible work we are doing is understood, valued, and celebrated through stronger messaging and a more apparent identity. This is an identity that is TFA first, and the division a student attends second. This is an opportunity to better serve families and empower these programs to focus on what they do best. We are blessed to now call these programs the Hybrid Home+School and Distinct Abilities Learning. In addition to the renaming, we were able to expand the opportunities available at the Hybrid Home+School to offer both Tuesday/Thursday or Monday/ Wednesday on-campus instruction tracks. We are also revisiting the structure and offerings at the Distinct Abilities Learning program to ensure we are best serving the families enrolled in that program.

As we reflect on our accomplishments and the journey ahead, we are inspired by the support and dedication of our TFA community, and we remain steadfast in our pursuit of excellence. Thank you for your partnership.

“Steady plodding brings prosperity; hasty speculation brings poverty.” Prov. 21:5

Royal Artists

Middle & Upper School Theatre:

In February of 2025, 41 students were involved in the cast & crew of the Middle School production of Annie The Benefit Performance of the show earned nearly $30,000 to bless an orphanage in Trinidad. The show also received three Superior Ratings and one Excellent Rating at the State Thespian Festival.

Upper School Thespians performed in Little Women. Students performed over three nights in The Whitaker Auditorium for nearly sold out crowds and many cast members were nominated for and won Applause Awards.

In November of 2025, 65 Middle and Upper School students were involved in the cast & crew of The Wizard of Oz The Benefit Performance for this show earned nearly $10,000 for the Convoy of Hope and disaster relief in Jamaica.

Middle & Upper School Visual Arts

In the spring of 2025, our Visual Arts students participated in the Windermere Fine Arts Festival and the Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival.

From those chosen to display work for the Youth Division at the Windermere Fine Art Festival Exhibit, 1st Place 3D was awarded to Isaiah Nelson for his Ceramic Teapot, and several students participated in the street painting event, and 1st Place 2D went to Luiza Coutinho and Ella Williamson!

From those chosen to display work at the 66th Annual Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival Exhibit, Amelia Kourie received an Award of Merit for her Ceramic Teapot, and Aliya Asfour received an Award of Merit for her Mixed Media Piece!

At the 2025 FAEA Awards, Isaiah Nelson received a perfect score, for an Award of Excellence with distinction for his

ceramic ‘Wooden Keg Teapot,’ Amelia Kourie received a Tier 2 Award of Excellence, for her ceramic ‘Baggins Teapot,’ and Awards of Merit were given to Lilley Suter for her Acrylic ‘Summer Beauty,’ Aliya Asfour for her Mixed Media ‘Fragments of a Beating Soul,’ Caroline Casalese for her Acrylic ‘Island Getaway,’

Luiza Coutinho for her Acrylic ‘Bondinho de Santa Teresa,’ Isabella Hidalgo for her Ceramic ‘Weaver Bird Teapot,’ Julia Coutinho for her Ceramic ‘Teapot,’ and Hannah Giles for her Ceramic ‘Flower Dish.’

TFA escaped into the Art culture dimension to stroll through live sculpture! AP Art 3D exhibited their ‘Wearable Art’ in a Live Mannequin Exhibit, inspired by Live Street Sculpture seen in many of our big cities. Students enjoyed refreshments and music by our own band ensemble during Royal Recharge while enjoying the exhibit. AP Art 2D captured the moment on their drawing boards. Students, parents, teachers, staff, and administration enjoyed the exhibit. In April of 2025,

The National Junior Art Honor Society hosted a Visual Art Workshop for our Distinct Abilities Learners, K-12! Middle School Members of NJAHS traveled across the pond to our DAL Division and shared Visual Art Lessons with each class. We love combining our talents to serve other divisions at TFA, with the universal language and expression of Visual Art.

Visual Arts’ adventure at Christian Service Center began with a huge vision to bring God’s color and joy into the lives of the homeless population of Orlando. We didn’t realize that our National Art Honor Society would also feel these blessings as they started on their journey for the 8ft. by 30ft. mural!

Visual art students participated in the Street Painting Competition in Winter Park. We walked away with a Middle School award as well as a High School award. It was a fun day creating in the park.

Winter Park

Sidewalk Art Festival

Middle & Upper School Band & Choir

The Band Program offers many opportunities for students to get involved, from Beginning Band to Concert Band, Contemporary Band, Wind Ensemble, and more; there is something for everyone. TFA families can enjoy two band concerts each year, and can cheer along with the Pep Band at TFA’s sporting events and pep rallies.

The Middle & Upper School choir performs throughout the year at various TFA events and also hosts Christmas and Spring concerts. This group performs both beautiful and challenging arrangements to grow in their craft.

Lower School Fine Arts

The Lower School celebrated a vibrant 2024-2025 school year in the arts, showcasing exceptional student talent across music and visual arts. Our impressive 54-member Lower School Choir captivated audiences at both the annual Christmas program and the Spring Choral program, delivering performances that spanned varying genres and languages. The art department celebrated student visual creativity, ensuring that every student was represented by featuring at least one unique piece in the All-School Art Show. Closing out April, the 4th and 5th-grade students wowed the community with a magnificent rendition of Disney’s The Little Mermaid JR, involving over 55 enthusiastic participants.

During the first semester of the 2025-2026 school year, the Royal Choir was prominently featured in the nearly standing-room-only Veterans & Grandparents Celebration, where they performed the patriotic favorites

“Salute to the Armed Forces” and “Grand Old Flag” along with 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students, The program also included a beautiful song dedicated to grandparents, sung by the 1st and 2nd-grade students.

Visual artists in Lower School work with various mediums like sculpture, watercolor, drawing, painting, and more to bring their art to life. All Lower School students prepare Christmas scenes, with artwork by 5th-grade student Addison Rhodes chosen as the cover of The First Academy’s annual Christmas card!

Celebrating Creativity & Calling with Middle School

Art & STEAM Teacher

Mrs. Kristin Tyler

A Journey of Faith, Creativity, and Connection at TFA

When you walk into the Middle School art room at The First Academy, you find a space alive with imagination, curiosity, and the joyful chaos of creation. At the center of it all is Mrs. Kristin Tyler—an artist, photographer, educator, coach, and encourager whose path to TFA is as vibrant as the work she inspires in her students.

A Creative Journey Rooted in Calling

Her story begins at Florida State University, where she studied Studio Art and Art Education. After graduating, she stayed in Tallahassee and earned an additional certification in English to secure a teaching job. She spent her first year at a Christian classical K–8 school, where she taught every student on campus—an experience that shaped both her creativity and her classroom resilience.

A move to Orlando opened the door to new roles: teaching English, then transitioning to art in the public schools of Lake County. After several years in education, she took a strategic pause to pursue another passion: photography. Her love for photography started early—with a tiny Barbie film camera in elementary school. “Film photography was my first artistic love. It just kept developing—no pun intended.” She explored commercial work, brand photography, and even restaurant imaging before returning to teaching with renewed artistic energy.

In Fall 2022, she joined the TFA family. “I knew I needed a change if I wanted to stay in education long-term. Being in a Christian environment became a non-negotiable. I wanted my classroom and my calling to align.”

Falling in Love With Middle Schoolers— During an Unpaid Internship

When preparing for her college internship assignment, Mrs. Tyler was asked a bold question: “Are you brave enough to try middle school?” She saw it as a challenge.

“I figured if I could make it through 40 unpaid hours with middle schoolers, then I could survive anything,” she laughs. “But instead of just surviving, I fell in love with the age group. Their weird and crazy matches my weird and crazy. After that internship, I knew—this is where I’m meant to be. I don’t want to teach any other age.”

A Philosophy Where Faith and Art Intersect

Her philosophy of art education is deeply grounded in her faith.“As a Christian educator, I get to model what it means to ‘glorify God and enjoy Him forever.’ God is the ultimate Creator—the source of all beauty—and our artwork reflects Him. My classroom becomes a place where creativity becomes worship.”

She views her work as both instruction and ministry. “The students God has entrusted to me are reminders of His faithfulness. I’m responsible not only for their artistic growth, but for shaping the Christians of tomorrow.”

Why She Loves Teaching Art & STEAM at TFA

Mrs. Tyler says, “I love teaching the craft of art, the cultural context, the history—but especially the process of growth. Watching students make mistakes, try again, and push through challenges is why I do this.”

A standout part of her STEAM curriculum is the long-term project developed with the Guy Harvey Foundation. Kristin actually helped write the foundation’s curriculum earlier in her career. Students track shark migration using coordinate pairs, data mapping, scientific research, and environmental study—then translate their findings into original artwork. “Art isn’t isolated. We’re not isolated people. STEAM lets science, math, technology, and creativity work together in a way that’s both practical and beautiful.”

When asked what she wants her students to walk away from her class with, Mrs. Tyler said that she thinks it is so important for students to develop transferable life skills like creativity that carries into adulthood, critical and observational thinking, the ability to give and receive meaningful feedback, and creative problem-solving in a world where technology can’t replace human imagination. She said, “Being able to think uniquely is vital for future success.”

At TFA, the faith connection shines brightest. “Students naturally connect their work to their faith. They want to show God’s glory through their art—not because I ask them to, but because it’s who they are.” And the Middle School team?, Kristin said they are “unmatched, supportive, hilarious, prayerful—we’re always there for each other. It’s a special atmosphere to be part of.”

A Family Rooted in TFA

Kristin met her husband, Trey, in 2015. Trey Tyler has served in TFA’s Athletics Department since 2010. She says, “We went on our first date on New Year’s Day, were engaged by May, and married in July. When you know, you know.” They’re approaching their 10-year anniversary and share life with their daughter,

Kinzie, and two cats—Rico and Rosie. Their family loves walks and runs, working out in their garage gym, cooking and baking, and—of course—photography. Mrs. Tyler said, “Photography is still my creative outlet. It keeps me inspired.”

Trey and Kristin coach TFA Boys and Girls Weightlifting together, and Kristin also coaches Middle School Cross Country. “It’s amazing working on the same campus. We actually understand each other’s days because we know the same students. Coaching together has been such a blessing.” Their daughter Kinzie attends TFA’s Preschool, and Kristin said that having a child at TFA has deepened her appreciation for the school.

“I never pick her up worried. She is loved, celebrated, and cared for. As a parent and teacher, that peace means everything.”

A Living Curriculum Influencer

When asked which traits of a Living Curriculum Influencer she feels most connected to, Mrs. Tyler said that she embodies both a Relationship Builder and an Engaging Teacher.

“Middle school is a challenging time. I want every student to know they have someone in their corner. I want students excited to walk into my classroom. I want them thinking, What are we creating today? I want them growing artistically and as critical thinkers—all while knowing their creativity matters.”

Royal Athletes

Athletic highlights

16

WAS ONE FOR THE RECORD BOOKS, AND THE FIRST HALF OF THE 2025-2026 SCHOOL YEAR HAD MOMENTS TO CELEBRATE AS WELL. The 24-25 year championships 25-26 first semester championships district championships 5 district championships 1 individual state championship

2026 Athletes signed to play at the next level during the first signing period

24 athletes in the class of 2025 went on to play a collegiate sport (LARGEST EVER)

1 regional championships 3 regional championships

1

Boys and Girls Golf both Qualified for the State Tournament team state championships

1

Baseball won their second State Championship in five years, winning 7-2

Coach Tarrik Mabon: More Than Basketball

When you meet Coach Tarrik Mabon, it doesn’t take long to realize that basketball is simply the platform; people are the mission. As The First Academy’s Head Boys Varsity Basketball Coach and Director of Student Discipleship, Coach Mabon is a steady force of humility, connection, and Gospel-centered leadership who uses every opportunity on campus to point students toward something deeper than wins and losses.

A Calling Rooted in Connection

Coach Mabon’s story doesn’t begin on the court—it begins with connection. A Morehouse College graduate, he carries with him the legacy of community, accountability, and identity that shape leaders. His life’s work has followed that pattern ever since.

Before moving to Orlando, he served in Atlanta as a teacher, coach, and founder of Men of Mount Vernon—a ministry created at that school to encourage men to show up, lead well, and model Christlike character. It continues to this day. “I am here to do God’s work,” he says. “I share my testimony freely because it

humanizes us as adults. Kids see us as employees or mom and dad. But when they hear what we’ve actually been through… connection happens.” And connection is where he thrives.

A Journey Directed by God

His transition to TFA is a story he still marvels at. Fresh off a state championship in Georgia at Mount Vernon and having just bought a house, he had no plans to leave. But after bringing his team to TFA’s Christmas Tournament—and leaving impressed by the atmosphere, intensity, and culture—

Coach Mabon found himself unexpectedly on TFA’s radar.

Two days after casually telling his wife he would only leave his current role if God made it unmistakably clear, Dr. Whitaker called with an invitation to interview.

“I went to God in prayer and asked Him to make it obvious. If it was supposed to be ours, TFA would offer.” God didn’t just open the door—He widened it. And for Coach Mabon, the clearest blessing of all was this: “At the end of the day, God was protecting my family and giving my kids a place where Christian values are lived out.”

A Heart for Students— Across Every Division

Coach Mabon’s impact touches Lower School, Middle School, Upper School, and Hybrid Home+School. Same mission, different approach. In his role as Director of Student Discipleship, he partners with teachers, meets with faculty, and builds or strengthens systems and programs that ensure students feel seen, valued, and safe. Some inititatives include the following:

• Lunch with Coach T – A space for students to feel seen, form connections, and seek guidance

• United in Royalty – Connecting Traditional College Prep and Hybrid Home+School student-athletes

• Student-Athlete Leadership Team – Building consistent leadership habits with our student-athletes

• Royal Leadership Academy – Working with the RLA team to assist in building Christ-centered student-leaders in our Upper School

• Middle School Mentorship Events –

Addressing words and behaviors that can harm and celebrating the “wins” that foster spiritual growth

• Diversity Initiative (Micah 6:8) –

Helping students live out Christ-like compassion, understanding, and humility.

Whether at a pep rally, chapel service, or in a quiet moment with a student needing guidance, he works with a singular goal: “We don’t want any family feeling like their child is unsafe. We put in the work to make sure our kids feel safe— spiritually, emotionally, and socially.”

Loving the Jesus Way

When a few TFA teachers battling breast cancer had reached the end of treatment, the Athletics Department— prompted by Coach T.—showed up with Crumbl cookies. Not an event. Not a program. No cameras. Just love. “I do things organically that I feel are needed—loving the Jesus way. I’m thankful the school enables me to do this.” This is who he is—someone who sees needs and fills them without a spotlight.

The Basketball Platform

Of course, he loves the game.“I’m a maniac when it comes to basketball,” he laughs, and his players know it. From intense practices to transformative events like the annual Basketball Retreat, Coach T. uses the sport to build something eternal. The retreat is where players hear testimonies, share openly, and are poured into by the coaching staff. “We try to create a transformational experience so they can really open up. We hope what happens there ushers in a new season—not just on the court but in their lives.”

And through it all, he reminds them, “All athletes want to be elite. I’m an elite mistake-maker. But God gave me this 100th chance.”

Why He Leads the Way He Does

Coach Mabon didn’t grow up with stability. He speaks openly about the brokenness of his childhood, which fuels the way he fathers his children and leads the students entrusted to him. “To have the family we have now… I can’t put it into words.” His wife works at the Hybrid Home+School as a teacher, and he is blessed to have his three boys at TFA. His past shapes his purpose. His testimony is his bridge to students.

“My testimony is my entry ticket to connect with teenagers. God made this beautiful experience just for me.”

If there is one Scripture that captures his mission, it is Matthew 7:24-27—building a life on the rock. “We want to build a student experience that is rooted on the rock. Basketball is the platform. It allows me to do the real work.”

His vision is simple and profound: If TFA is going to be healthy in athletics, diversity, leadership, student life, and fine arts, then all of it must sit in a spiritually healthy bowl. That is Gospel unity.

A Coach, A Disciple-Maker, A Connector

Coach Mabon is more than a coach. He is a builder of culture, a champion of unity, and a man who wakes up every day ready to invest deeply in the next generation. “It’s more than just coaching. I have the freedom here to live out my mission.”

And that mission, shaped by humility and authenticity, continues to make TFA stronger—one relationship at a time.

Celebrating Our

Our Gospel Patrons

Total revenue

$2,245,872

Total Gifts 509

THE FIRST ACADEMY STANDS on a strong foundation laid by the generosity of our Gospel Patrons. Today, our students thrive on a beautiful campus where they grow academically, spiritually, artistically, and athletically—all thanks to those who came before us and invested in the development of future Christian leaders.

In 2025, TFA was blessed with gifts supporting Lower School renovations, campus safety, tuition assistance, and more. The First Academy saw the completion of fencing for enhanced campus security and a new Lower School Playground, thanks to Gospel Patron generosity to the Royal Nation Fund.

We are deeply grateful for the prayerful and financial support of all of our Royal Families and the broader TFA community, whose commitment continues to shape the next generation of leaders through the Royal Nation Fund.

Updated Technology

Classroom Furniture

Classroom Cabinetry

LIFETIME GIVING CIRCLES:

One way that TFA says thank you to our generous donors is through our Lifetime Giving Circles. These circles were created to celebrate families and friends who faithfully include The First Academy in their annual giving.

Learn more about these circles by contacting our Development Office at brianrose@thefirstacademy.org.

Each year, the Annual Report offers us a meaningful opportunity to pause—reflecting with gratitude on the year behind us, assessing where we are today, and celebrating the milestones God has allowed us to reach. This year’s report gives us even more reason to rejoice. When we invest in our facilities and faculty, we are ultimately investing in our students and their future.

As a School Board, we are deeply encouraged as we look back on the progress made from one year to the next. Yet our backward glance is brief, because we understand the urgency of preparing wisely for the days ahead. The First Academy School Board exists to make mission-centered, viability-focused decisions that secure a strong future for the next generation of Royals. We do this by remaining anchored to our mission, stewarding resources to advance the vision, and building a legacy that will bless our children’s children.

We are inspired by the story God has already written in the life of our school—a story that fuels our prayers, our planning, and our commitment to the future.

SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS

Mr. Clark Keator, Chairman

Mr. Jay Calvert

Mr. Brian Blair

Mr. Will Grindle

Mrs. Sarah Donovan

Pastor Derrick McRae

Mrs. Nikki Kearn, Class of 2001

Archbishop Allen Wiggins

Mr. Verne Bragg

Dr. Steve Whitaker, Head of School (ex-officio)