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SPOTLIGHT ON EDUCATION
Take a Closer Look at Some of the Top Private Schools in Central Florida.
Foundation Academy
Foundation Academy (FA) is a PreK3 through 12th grade private, Christ-centered college preparatory school that was founded in 1958 as a ministry of Winter Garden’s First Baptist Church. It has grown to include three campuses where educators teach fundamental subject learning and enrichment classes that foster creative learning to place emphasis on developing the whole child.
Additionally, nurturing relationships with students and their families creates an environment where children feel emotionally safe while also opening their minds and providing a bedrock for learning. FA’s goal is to develop independent learners who reflect social, emotional and academic competence.
“Our educators engage both sides of children’s brains by providing hands-on activities as a natural part of the learning process,” Angel Whitehead, principal of FA’s Plant Street campus, says. “Teaching methods that stimulate both sides of the brain keep students excited and engaged in the learning process in a more meaningful and fun way.”
For older students, examples include practicing hands-on experiments in the science lab and, most recently, creating social studies projects to reflect the contributions of Black Americans in history. Younger students at FA’s Lakeside campus have the opportunity to learn STEM through planting seeds and participating in enrichment activities in its outdoor garden. Students in all grade levels, and across the school’s three campuses, participate in multimedia experiences such as art and music.
Amanda Donaho, principal at the Lakeside campus, notes that the first seven years of a child’s life are a critical time because this is when the right side of the brain, which is responsible for empathy, imagination and creativity, is developed. Combining a focus on the right brain while encouraging left brain growth through fun, engaging lessons lays the foundation for learning in the younger years.
“Overall, students need exposure in a variety of teaching methods, activities that spark curiosity and time to play,” Donaho says. “This is what helps grow well-rounded individuals who love to learn and have compassion for the world around them.”
Foundation Academy is more than a stop along the way in the educational process; it is an experience in learning that lasts a lifetime and beyond.
FOUNDATION ACADEMY
Plant Street (PreK - 6th Grade) 125 E. Plant Street, Winter Garden, FL 34787 407.656.3677
Lakeside Campus (Kindergarten - 1st Grade) 8464 Winter Garden Vineland Road, Orlando, FL 32836 407.204.9672
Tilden Campus (7th - 12th Grade) 15304 Tilden Road, Winter Garden, FL 34787 407.877.2744 FoundationAcademy.net
The Geneva School
The Geneva School, founded in 1993, provides K4 through 12th grade students with a Christ-centered education in the liberal arts tradition. Education is always about formation and discovery. The thoughtfully designed curriculum and commendable staff seek to educate the entire child: mind, body and soul. We recognize there is a calling on every life and take seriously the opportunity to educate a child so that he or she will confidently excel at whatever God has called them to pursue. Students at Geneva are involved; they can easily find a sense of belonging. Students perform on the dramatic, musical and fine arts stage; compete valiantly and with integrity on the athletic field; and seek ways to joyfully serve and encourage other students and those in the community. As they grow and experience accomplishments and challenges, this culture is one where those hard-won successes build confidence and resilience because of the supportive environment. The focus of a Geneva education is not simply what kind of student your child is now but rather what kind of person your child will be as an adult. While we firmly believe that college preparedness and acceptance is an important next step on a student’s educational journey, we also firmly believe that the goal of college acceptance is far too small for such an education in these formative years. Geneva takes the long view as we watch students grow in grace, wisdom and ability from young children into full-fledged adults. Education matters; it has the power to shape people and, therefore, cultures for generations to come.
THE GENEVA SCHOOL
Lower School Campus 2025 SR 436 Winter Park, FL 32792
Upper School Campus 1775 Seminola Boulevard Casselberry, FL 32707
407.332.6363 GenevaSchool.org
The First Academy
The First Academy is a Christ-centered college preparatory school serving over 1,300 Central Florida students from preschool through 12th grade. Since its opening in 1987, TFA has continued to grow the academic, fine arts and athletic programs that have elevated its students to the highest levels of achievement and helped them develop the strength of character that leads young men and women to serve their own communities and across the globe.
It’s the whole Royal package that The First Academy has to offer. TFA provides the strongest balance of accelerated academics and student leadership. With a 100% college acceptance rate, the teachers are certainly doing their part.
“My daughter is excited to come to school every single day because she is excited to see her teachers,” says Laura Eitel, TFA Parent and School Board Member. “She knows that her teachers love the Lord and she knows that they love her.”
Top reasons why Central Florida families choose and remain at The First Academy:
• Customized Learning • World-Class, Caring Teachers • Individualized Pathways • Spiritual Formation • Student Leadership Opportunities
“They say it takes a village to raise children, and we picked the right village,” says Heather Howell, TFA Parent , whose children attend TFA’s Lower School.
The First Academy provides a strong partnership with parents to produce powerful and effective leaders. Every day is an Open House at TFA - RSVP for a personal tour today!
THE FIRST ACADEMY 2667 Bruton Boulevard Orlando, FL 32805 407.206.8602 TheFirstAcademy.org
Windermere Preparatory School
Windermere Preparatory School is a PreK-3 - Grade 12 college preparatory private school that offers both day and boarding programs. Established in 2000, Windermere Prep nurtures students’ intellectual, emotional and social growth to prepare them for the ever-changing challenges of tomorrow.
Windermere Prep is the only private International Baccalaureate (IB) World School in Central Florida and a member of the Nord Anglia Education Family of Schools. Its diverse international community prepares the next generation of global leaders through exceptional academics, athletics and fine arts. Students also benefit from collaborations with world-leading organizations such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), The Juilliard School and UNICEF.
Windermere Prep’s global vision provides a stimulating and diverse learning experience. Students are inspired to research, develop and debate solutions to society’s biggest challenges. The school’s IB curriculum emphasizes critical thinking through a wide range of subjects in traditional academic disciplines while encouraging an international perspective. In addition to completing college-level courses and examinations, IB Diploma Programme students are also required to engage in community service activities, individual research as well as an inquiry into the nature of knowledge.
The IB program offers a rigorous curriculum that prepares students for success in college. With course offerings ranging from standard, honors, advanced placement and IB levels, students work with expert college counselors to craft a four-year academic plan designed to help them gain entrance into their first-choice college or university of best fit.
The senior class had 100% university admissions with 41% headed to the top 50 schools. On average, Windermere Prep students receive acceptances around the world with over 75% receiving acceptances to tier one and tier two colleges, based on US News and World Report College Rankings.
Windermere Prep’s Fine Arts programs showcase 100+ plays, operas, concerts, dance performances and more at the state-of-the-art Cypress Center each year. During the last school year, students received 33 Applause Award nominations.
Athletic programs start in Pre-K3 with competitive teams beginning in grade 6. Over 74% of students in grades 6-12 participate in at least one of over 20 sports. With a full-time strength and conditioning coach on campus, athletes can perform at their highest ability while maintaining their studies.
Windermere Preparatory School students are equipped with the knowledge, the desire to seek the truth and the fortitude to become life-long learners.
