2023 Annual Report by The First Academy

THE FIRST ACADEMY

2023

ANNUAL REPORT

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

Royal Families, It is with great joy and gratitude that I take this opportunity to share with you the remarkable accomplishments and blessings we have experienced at The First Academy. Our Annual Report serves as a moment of reflection, allowing us to pause and appreciate the incredible work that the Lord has done within our school community. It is also a time for us to give an account of His faithfulness and our commitment to stewarding His generosity. I am immensely thankful for the partnership we share with our families, the unwavering passion exhibited by our dedicated faculty and staff, and the remarkable dedication demonstrated by our exceptional student body. Together, we have been unmeasurably blessed. Our 2022-2023 school year was centered on the theme “For His Glory.” This theme held great significance as it reminded us of our purpose: to live For His Glory as we acknowledge that we were created In His Image. Guided by the power of the Holy Spirit and the truth claims of the Gospel, we sought to reach our students’ hearts and souls through various avenues such as Christian studies courses, discipleship groups, chapel services, and community outreach. We aimed to equip them to reflect the character of God in their pursuit of excellence (“Arete”) in academics, arts, and athletics. By doing so, we are preparing them to become servant leaders in various fields, including ministry, medicine, business, entertainment, law, and education. All of our efforts are ultimately directed towards His Glory. Embracing that theme enabled our school community to grow and flourish. I am proud to share that the Class

of 2023 members were accepted into more than 300 esteemed colleges and universities. The generous support of our donors, who contributed nearly $5 million to enhance our programs and facilities, has been instrumental in our progress. Our Athletics and Fine Arts programs continue to thrive, and we are elated to celebrate the achievements of 22 AP Scholars and 4 National Merit Recognized Students. Throughout last year, we remained steadfast in our faith, united as families, and committed to fostering a strong school community. We learned valuable lessons in living according to His Image, empowering us to pursue everything we do For His Glory. In the coming pages, you will find more information about the innovative practices implemented in our classrooms, the remarkable progress of our student body, the generosity of our supporters, tuition for 2024-2025, as well as inspiring stories from our dedicated teachers, accomplished alumni, and cherished families from the 2022-2023 school year. The first semester of the 2023-2024 school year has been tremendous as we have focused on thriving together as a school community (John 20:31). I look forward to a strong second semester and firmly believe that the best is yet to come!

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

table of contents Letter from Head of School

2022-2023 Snapshot 4 Alumni Moments & Milestones

Class Accents 8 Alumni Spotlights 9 Celebrating All 2nd Generation Royals

Spotlighting Our Living Curriculum Influencers

On Campus in 2023

Innovation in the Classroom Lower School Science Lab

Middles School STEAM 32 Senior Thesis Project 35 Upper School Masterworks Program

Royal Athetes 36 Royal Artists 39 Lifetime Giving Circles 40 Celebrating our Gospel Patrons

But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

Extended Education Programs The First Hope 42 The Classical School 43 The Nursery School 44 Letter from the School Board Chairman

Looking Ahead to 2024-2025

20220222023 023 PSHOT

l onship

t onships

ate onship

5th nts ted nal ary ety

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

SNAPSHOT

Voted by

Voted by Playground Voted Playground Magazine as by Niche as Magazine as Best Religious #1 Best Best Religious Preschool, Christian Preschool, Religious High School Religious Elementary in Orange Elementary School, County and Best School, Private School and Best Summer Camp Private School Summer Camp

1 15,000 5 1 15,000 regional Championship

The Class of 2023 completed over

district Championships The Class of 2023

completed over community Service/

Team State Championship

Missions hours

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

73%

WAS NOMINATED FOR 11 DR. PHILLIPS CENTER APPLAUSE AWARDS

SHREK: THE MUSICAL

community Service/ Missions hours

SHREK: THE MUSICAL

WAS NOMINATED FOR 11 DR. PHILLIPS CENTER APPLAUSE AWARDS

We are proud to serve over

73%

of Middle & Upper School Second Generation Students participated in aWe are proud tfa students to serve over varsity sport

of Middle & Upper School Students participated in a varsity sport

Second Generation tfa students

MEMBERS OF MEMBERS OFTHE CLASS OF

THE CLASS OF

14 300 14

2023

2023WERETOACCEPTED OVER

WERE ACCEPTED TO OVER

300

COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES

Student-Athletes from the Class of 2023 Committed to Student-Athletes from Athletics the Play Intercollegiate

Class of 2023 Committed to Play Intercollegiate Athletics

COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES

merit

merit 4

National Merit Recognized Students

DR.W

OUR HEAD OF SCHOOL,

26 8

DR.W

CELEBRATED HIS

20TH YEAR SERVING

THE FIRST ACADEMY OUR HEAD OFATSCHOOL,

DR. STEVE WHITAKER, CELEBRATED HIS

20TH YEAR SERVING

20YRS AT THE FIRST ACADEMY

$105,000

Senior Leaders Student Leadership Oversaw

8 126

Committees comprised of

Student Leadership students Committees comprised of

126

students

AP 20YRS 22 DR. STEVE WHITAKER,

Over

Senior Leaders Oversaw

SCHOLARS

was raised Over for Royal-Thon, $105,000 hosted by was raised Upper School for Students

Royal-Thon, hosted by Upper School Students

Class of 2023 Graduates

9819

of whom were Class of 2023 13-Year Seniors

Graduates

of whom were 13-Year Seniors

ALUMNI MOMENTS & MILESTONES Dear Royals,

My name is Megan (Calvert) Fleming, and I am thrilled to introduce myself as The First Academy’s Creative Marketing and Alumni Manager. As a fellow TFA alum from the Class of 2014, I understand firsthand the profound impact that our alma mater has had on our lives. It is an honor to serve in a role where I can help foster connections and share our TFA stories with all of you. In my position, I am committed to sharing the TFA experience through various channels such as social media, our website, and external advertising. I am also working diligently to share the remarkable achievements of our alumni and their inspiring stories. We want each and every one of you to feel the encouragement and connection that TFA has provided long after you’ve walked its halls. I am also excited to share some updates on the horizon for our alumni community. We have a host of thrilling events planned, including expanded reunions and alumni gatherings. These events will serve as invaluable opportunities for us to reconnect, reminisce, and forge new friendships. Moreover, we are establishing an Alumni Collaboration Committee, a dedicated group that will ensure alumni stay connected to one another and The First Academy. This committee will create exciting initiatives to foster networking, professional growth, and support among our alumni. The First Academy has always prided itself on building a strong and vibrant community, and it is our goal to continue nurturing that spirit of togetherness. We firmly believe that the best is yet to come, and we want you all to be a part of this journey. Your involvement and engagement are crucial in making our alumni network thrive.

So, mark your calendars and keep an eye on your inbox for more updates and invitations to upcoming events. Together, let’s celebrate our shared TFA experiences, accomplishments, and dreams, and let’s continue to make our alma mater proud. Thank you for being a part of our incredible TFA community. Let’s embark on this exciting new chapter together! Warmest regards, Megan (Calvert) Fleming TFA Class of 2014 Creative Marketing and Alumni Manager

Have an important alumni milestone or story? Please share them with Megan at meganfleming@thefirstacademy.org.

Class Accents

Milestones and special moments from some of our graduating classes and alum

Class of 2006 and 2008 - Ashley Rowley and Michael Boyd - Married

Ashley (Rowley) (2006) and Michael Boyd (2008) were married on July 21, 2023.

Class of 2002 - Monica Bliss (Hornick) Vasquez;

Monica was honored as the award-winning Poster Artist of the 49th Annual Winter Park Autumn Art Festival.

Michael & Ashley Boyd

Monica Vasquez

Monica Vasquez Art

Class of 2003 - 20 Year Reunion

Class of 2014 - Foster Griffin

This past year, Foster Griffin (2014) played professional baseball abroad in Japan for the Tokyo Giants. Foster is married to fellow TFA Alum Gabrielle (Sims) (2015) and they have a daughter, Scottie.

The Class of 2003 celebrated their 20-year reunion in October.

Foster Griffin Class of 2003 Class of 2013 - 10 Year Reunion

The Class of 2013 gathered in December to celebrate their 10-year reunion.

Class of 2013

Class of 2017 - Gregory Summers New Addition (Tripp)

Class of 2017 Gregory Summers, Jr., and wife McKayla welcomed their first child (Gregory “Tripp” Eugene Summers III) on September 19, 2023.

Gregory Summers

Alumni Spotlight catherine cramer class of 2012 When Catherine Cramer graduated from The First Academy, she thought nursing was her future. She went on to check all of the boxes: • Earned a degree from the University of Florida. • Passed her licensure exam with flying colors. • Started working as a pediatric nurse. “But it was not the dream I thought it would be,” said Catherine, who grew up baking with her mom and grandmother and watching as they modeled hospitality toward others. So, she took care of the tiniest patients at night and hustled during the day to start a baking business. It wasn’t glamorous. She was the order-taker, the delivery driver, the marketing team, and the dishwasher. But it was worth it. A year later, in 2018, she opened her first storefront for Southern Home Bakery in College Park, FL. “I relate to TFA’s aspiration to be a relentlessly hard worker,” she said, just before she opened her second storefront in Winter Garden, FL. “I believe in having a big dream and working hard and honestly.” And because that strong work ethic is woven throughout the TFA experience, many of Catherine’s employees are students or alumni. She estimates she has hired 20 employees with links to TFA — some seasonal and some permanent — throughout the years. It’s hard

to keep an exact count, though, because when unusually large orders come in, she often turns to her school connections. For example, teachers stepped in to help when she had an order of 27,000 cookies to fill, and even her trademarked logo has a TFA tie. One of her former classmates designed it for her. The people she hires from TFA are reliable, hardworking, and honest, she said. Plus, even when she doesn’t personally know the alumni she hires, there is always a link to The First Academy’s way of doing things. “It’s really priceless. It has helped create a really special culture in my business.” Of course, part of that culture of hospitality and relationship-building is thanks to Catherine’s leadership skills, which she learned as president of the National Honor Society at TFA. As a student, she led monthly meetings, organized fundraisers, and pitched fun, creative ideas — all experiences that still help her and her 20 employees today. “The foundation that The First Academy offers academically and spiritually is unmatched,” she said, adding that she is beyond grateful for her 13 years there. “There are a lot of things in life that would have been so different if I had started somewhere else,” Catherine mentioned. “You can share statistics and rankings in sports, but it’s hard to understand what it is like to be in a school community that cares for you. These are some of the people who are helping me build this dream.”

Alumni Spotlight Kelly Maxwell Haer class of 2001 Dr. Kelly (Maxwell) Haer, TFA Class of 2001, came to The First Academy in Middle School after her sister had a negative experience in the public school system. “I am very grateful for the overall positive experience of faith in the classroom,” Kelly shared. “I had a really solid group of friends, and I think that was definitely a defining, critical part of my middle and high school experience. I am extremely grateful for the Christian component of TFA; it was a very good foundation for continuing to grow my faith as my own in college.” After graduating from The First Academy in 2001, Kelly went on to Furman University. When Furman did not have the major that she was interested in pursuing, she went on to create her own major in Furman’s Individual Curriculum Program in Nutrition. She was able to pull from her interests in biology, chemistry, and psychology another brick in the foundation laid during her time as a TFA student. While at Furman, Kelly was involved in Campus Outreach, a prominent campus ministry. Through Campus Outreach, she was discipled and further encouraged to develop her spiritual gifts. The deepening of her faith journey led her to get her master’s degree in counseling from Covenant Theological Seminary. “My time in seminary truly set me up to have a Biblical worldview when it comes to life and relationships.” Kelly also holds a Ph.D. in family therapy from Saint Louis University. The foundation that was built at TFA is now translating to how she lives life every day as a wife, mom to three boys, and Director

of Pepperdine University’s Boone Center for the Family. “The faith foundation at The First Academy led me to the other faith experiences in my life which now impact me every day in my work and as a mom to help encourage healthy relationships.” Kelly has helped develop Relationship IQ and the Relate Strong programs, which help Pepperdine’s students, as well as other students and adults, create a God-centered perspective regarding healthy relationships in every aspect of life. Her sources and insights have also touched schools, churches, and youth programs across the country. “I get to live out a life teaching others how to live in the fruit of the spirit, how to extend grace, humility, and truth, and how to do those things well in the world we live in today - all things developed in me during my time at The First Academy.” “Relationship-building is so important, but it all boils down to your walk with Christ. If you are able to do that well, you can then go on to be a servant leader, great communicator, and relationship builder. My time at TFA instilled that in me. The mission statement is something that I relate to often in my life.”

Alumni Spotlight

Caleb, Seth, & Asa de Armas class of 2004, 2005, & 2010 When you are a child, the sports you play, the classes you take, or even how your parents choose to raise you do not have much impact on you at the precise moment it occurs. The de Armas brothers, Caleb (Class of 2004), Seth (Class of 2005), and Asa (Class of 2010), know now that the seeds that were planted during their individual experiences as students of The First Academy have grown roots that are now fully established and thriving. The de Armas brothers spent most of their academic careers at The First Academy, Caleb attending for 12 years, Seth attending for 13 years, and Asa attending for 11 years. Seth proudly boasts of being a “TFA Lifer” and “the winner” amongst his brothers, starting at First Orlando’s Moms-Day-Out program before becoming a 13-year TFA Senior. The brothers shared experiences during their school days on the soccer field, in the classroom, with Caleb serving as student body president, and more. Seth shared, “Our dad was even our soccer coach for a time. I remember him getting to the field and having to change out of his business attire for practice quickly.” Further memories of campus involvement and special teachers also shaped the boys’ childhood memories. Mr. Siler, former TFA History teacher, helped instill a love of history in Caleb, who went on to get a Master’s Degree in History from Liberty University after serving in the United States Army for 13 years. Mr. Kowars, a former TFA

Caleb de Armas & Family

Seth de Armas & Family English teacher, fostered a love of reading in Asa and his classmates. “We became obsessed with reading. We would talk about it outside of school, even when we weren’t working on homework. I remember a group of us went to hear an author speak on our own accord because Mr. Kowars changed many of our outlooks on reading.” Seth shared that when he got to The University of Florida, one of his English professors told him that he had written the best paper he had ever read from a student. “I never felt like I was a good writer, but we were held to such a high standard at The First Academy that I was more than prepared, and I didn’t even know it!” Caleb, Seth, and Asa are now TFA parents - their 8 children between the three of them are all 2nd Generation Royals. The seeds of community and commitment that were planted all of those years ago are now blooming within each of their families. Seth shared, “What my brothers and I had and are now living out is the mixture of being involved in The First Academy with our parents being integrated into our lives and being plugged into church. We are all in a life group today with many TFA Alums and other TFA families.” “I attended a high school in North Carolina for two years, and something that I missed while I was there was the TFA community. It’s something that my wife and I are blessed to be a part of and love about this school,” Asa shared.

“Growing up, I didn’t know what I didn’t know. But now, being a parent and having those tough conversations about what is going on in the world, I am more than grateful to have the institutional support of TFA backing what my wife and I are teaching at home,” Caleb shared. “Building successful Christian leaders and sowing the seeds of becoming committed servant leaders starts early at The First Academy. I learned as a student that leadership doesn’t always mean being the captain or president, but it goes beyond that to how you will lead in the different areas of your life,” said Seth de Armas. Today, Caleb works in the paint industry following his time in the United States Army. Seth graduated with his accounting degree and now works for Orlando Health. Asa followed Seth’s accounting footsteps and is now the CFO for Jr. Davis Construction Company. The de Armas brothers shared that a pillar of their families’ lives is based on participation as a way of life. A memorized TFA mission statement from many moons ago still is producing fruit far beyond the initial seed that was planted.

Asa de Armas & Family

Celebrating All 2nd Generation Royals

The Kuck Family

The Adams Family

The Larson Family

The Arent Family

The Loveless Family

The Brown Family

The Martin Family

The Crandall Family

The McGee Family

The Cospito Family

The Morabito Family

The Chas Crofoot Family

The Morgan Family

The Clayton Crofoot Family

The Oerther Family

The Ike Crofoot Familiy

The Page Family

The Kyle Crofoot Family

The Peacock Family

The Asa de Armas Family

The Romani Family

The Caleb de Armas Family

The Schick Family

The Seth de Armas Family

The Schrimsher Family

The Duffey Family

The Shaffer Family

The Headley Family

The Simms Family

The Herrington Family

The Uth Family

The Hopkins Family

The Warren Family

The Kearn Family

The Williamson Family

SPOTLIGHTING

OUR LIVING CURRICULUM INFLUENCERS faculty Spotlight

Mrs. Begley

Lower School 2nd Grade teacher Five years ago, Mrs. Begley joined TFA’s team as a firstgrade teacher before moving up to second grade the following year. Mrs. Begley is a Central Florida native, graduating from West Orange High School before moving on to the University of Florida to study Elementary Education. Her husband, Golden, also attended West Orange High School and the University of Florida, making them certified high school sweethearts. Upon graduation from UF, Mrs. Begley taught 4th grade at a Title 1 school for four years. She has also served as a faculty member in public schools throughout Central Florida, teaching nearly every grade level except for third. After marrying and having her three children, Jaxson, Landon, and Brinkley, Mrs. Begley took some time away from teaching to spend precious time with her babies. When Landon was two years old, she returned to public school, beginning to work in the many long-term substitute positions that were available at the time. Mrs. Begley then taught at Windermere Elementary for two years before beginning to research Christian schools in the area as her boys neared Middle School age and Brinkley began to get older. The Begley family made the choice to tour The First Academy for their children and just knew that it was the right place for them. It wasn’t long before Mrs. Jackson (Lower School Principal) came knocking, as TFA is always building the bench of top-notch Living Curriculum Influencers to pour into the students. Mrs. Begley joined the team, serving as a substitute during Jaxson’s 6th- and 7th-grade years before coming on board fulltime at the start of his 8th-grade year. When we asked Mrs.

Begley how being a part of the TFA community has impacted her and her family, she said, “I feel like being here has enhanced my life as a Christian; we can live out our Biblical Worldview at school. We are free to pray, share testimony, encourage, and lead with the word. This was very different from public school, where you are not allowed to express your beliefs freely.” She said that it has been so refreshing to feel like you are part of a family that walks alongside you, both professionally and personally. Some of Mrs. Begley’s favorite things about teaching at The First Academy are the strong sense of community and fellowship. She also mentioned that the administrators here are the “secret sauce” that makes everything function so well. She loves the connections she makes with the kids; she said that she loves when they learn something new, and the lightbulb moment when they get excited about new content. I love to see the impact of those conversations that we have about the Bible and Bible stories in their everyday life. Even issues with friends, problem-solving, and everything are all brought back to scripture.” Mrs. Begley also mentioned that through the lens of TFA, teachers are able to build relationships with students, building the relationships and integrating that with their

spiritual connections and enhancing their educational growth. When asked which Living Curriculum Influencer Characteristic she identifies with most, Mrs. Begley said, “Strong Relationship Builder, I feel that it is important to be a loyal friend, a support system in the workplace, and honor friendships and family.” One of Mrs. Begley’s biggest priorities is her family; her three children brought her here as a parent, and that is so important to her. She mentioned that the personal growth that she has seen in her children since arriving at TFA is amazing. Her kids can recite scripture and tell stories from the Bible far better than she could at their age, and that is all thanks to all of the teachers who have poured into them. The most important part of being a part of the TFA community is the impact it has had on her children and family. She mentioned the opportunities that her children have had for growth in the classroom, through after-school clubs, and sports are such a blessing to her and her family. Today, Jaxson is 18 years old and is a graduate of the Class of 2023. He is currently attending Samford University majoring in Business Administration. Landon is 16 years old and in 11th grade. He is involved in Student Leadership, Sports Medicine, Royal-thon, and is a Royal Ambassador. Brinkley is 11 years old and in the 5th grade. She dances competitively and loves reading, PE, and singing with Mrs. Savage in TFA’s Lower School Choir. In the Begleys free time, they enjoy going to the beach, spending time together, going out to eat, and playing with their two golden doodles, Lola and Millie. Mrs. Begley’s Favorite Bible Verse is: Philippians 4:6: “Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

faculty Spotlight

mr.weeldreyer

middle & upper school math teacher

Math teacher. Wrestling coach. Commissioned Colson Fellow. In his seven years at The First Academy, Mr. Weeldreyer has found a way to help students thrive in so many aspects of their lives. Though he has become fond of the Florida sunshine, Mr. Weeldreyer is a South Dakota native and attended Northwestern College in Iowa, a small Christian liberal arts college. His degree was in Elementary Education, with Middle School endorsements and a math emphasis. It is no surprise that Mr. Weeldreyer also wrestled in college and went on mission trips.

Right out of college, Mr. Weeldreyer took a job at a very small Christian school about a half hour away. He was there for two years but wanted to try something new and different, so he started looking south at warmer locations. He almost moved to Phoenix, Arizona, before being offered a position at Orangewood Christian School right here in Orlando. He taught math at Orangewood for nine years; since they are a smaller school, he taught Algebra 1, Pre-Algebra, and 7th-grade math. After his nine years at Orangewood, Mr. Weeldreyer got the itch to move back home to South Dakota. While there, he taught for three years at a public school. He mentioned that the school was wonderful, but he missed teaching and being surrounded by a Christian environment. He also missed Orlando. Because Mr. Weeldreyer had been a part of the Orlando Christian school community previously, he had several connections. When a position opened up at The First Academy, he knew he had to apply. He wasn’t looking for a new job at the time, but God had other plans, and the opening at TFA happened at the right time for Mr. Weeldreyer. TFA was the only school that Mr. Weeldreyer considered and applied to, and within a couple of weeks, he had been hired and moved back to the Sunshine State. We asked Mr. Weeldreyer how being a part of the TFA family has impacted him, and he replied, “For me, it has been great to teach in a Christian environment where the kids have a passion for learning, and the families are so supportive. I have the freedom to share my faith. I moved here for me, but also my kids and TFA really appealed to me for them. It has been a true blessing for me and my family.” Mr. Weeldreyer mentioned that he really enjoys building relationships with his students. For him, one of the best parts of being a math teacher is seeing

the students “get it” and understand a difficult concept. He said, “It is so rewarding to help students understand and be able to help them when they have questions.” For Mr. Weeldreyer, another important element of being a part of the TFA community is that he has developed some great friendships working at TFA. He has a lot of colleagues who share beliefs and priorities very similar to his. He is able to have his “go-to” people for prayer requests and help through struggles and questions. He has his prayer warriors and those wise people on staff with the same beliefs. When asked which Living Curriculum Influencer characteristic he identifies with most, Mr. Weeldreyer pointed out being a Strong Relationship Builder and Engaging Instructor. He really enjoys building those Christ-centered relationships with students and loves to teach in a way that “turns on the lightbulb” for kids. Mr. Weeldreyer has been married to his wife, Rachel, a property accountant, for 21 years. They have three children: Karly (8th grade), Bryce (5th grade), and Hope (1st grade). Karly enjoys playing the French horn and mellophone and helping out backstage for the theater program. Bryce plays baseball and is beginning to show an interest in wrestling. Hope is an avid reader and loves art and animals. The family has a white lab named Lucky, who is a very active seven-month-old puppy that always keeps the family on their toes. The Weeldreyers like to do outdoor activities like going to the beach and state parks. Mr. Weeldreyer likes paddleboarding, going to the gym, and watching movies. Mr. Weeldreyer’s Favorite Bible Verse is: “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

17 faculty Spotlight

Mrs. branz Upper School Math Teacher & Academic Dean

In the six years that Mrs. Branz has been teaching at TFA, she has been so much more than a math teacher for her students and fellow faculty members. Mrs. Branz currently teaches Honors Physics, Probability and Statistics Honors, and AP Statistics. She is also the Academic Dean, crafting professional development for all TFA faculty and staff. Mrs. Branz is a Commissioned Colson Fellow and leads the yearly Biblical Worldview Integration Cohort planning for all faculty. Mrs. Branz’s engaging teaching style and love for the Lord are evident in all that she does at The First Academy. If you were to sit in her classroom or interact with her during professional development sessions, you probably wouldn’t know that teaching was not what Mrs. Branz had intended for her career. Mrs. Branz was born in Venezuela, moved to Arizona for middle school, and then moved to Florida and attended Dr. Phillips High School. She was able to take technology-focused classes and graduate with a drafting certificate for engineering. She also met her husband, David, in high school. She went on to UCF to earn her undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering with an emphasis in Structural Engineering. While obtaining her under-

graduate degree, Mrs. Branz was able to work for an engineering firm, completing all of their drafting. One year before graduating from UCF, she received an offer from a professor to be a teaching assistant. While this honor was usually reserved for graduate students, Mrs. Branz was offered the position and accepted, moving on from her drafting job at the engineering firm. While the professor taught the classes, Mrs. Branz would teach the students how to survey in the lab sessions. When she graduated from UCF with her undergraduate degree, Mrs. Branz was offered a fellowship for her Masters in Structural Engineering. She began working on her Masters, and when she began the full fellowship, she taught more classes focusing on surveying, statistics, structures labs, research on fiber-reinforced plastics, and more. By this time, Mrs. Branz was married to her husband, David, and became pregnant with her first child, Franco. She and David prayed a lot about the future, and Mrs. Branz knew that she could not continue to work on campus as a new mom. She decided to leave the Masters Program and eventually began to look for work in the engineering field. Unfortunately, at that time in Central Florida, the engineering field was difficult, and she was unable to find open positions. It was then that Mrs. Branz considered substitute teaching, as she had so much teaching experience from her undergraduate years and Masters fellowship. After just two weeks of substitute teaching in Orange County, Mrs. Branz was asked to stay on full-time. That weekend, she took the 6-12 math test and received her temporary certification. She taught for two years in middle school in Orange County before applying to her alma mater, Dr. Phillips High School. She was hired to teach math there for three years. While there, there was a scholarship program opportunity for STEM majors to earn a Master’s at UCF. She received the invitation, applied, and was selected to participate in the program called RTP Cubed. This was how she completed her Masters in Secondary Mathematics. She had to learn very challenging math to make her a better teacher. At that time, Orange County Public Schools were hiring for curriculum writers, and Mrs. Branz was then hired to work at the district. She wrote their curriculum for math (mostly geometry). The year that the curriculum was completed and implemented, there was a 40% gain across the board in the district, which had been unseen for a long time. She continued writing the curricu-

lum for four years before growing frustrated with the district’s goal of implementing a model of instruction that she did not believe would best equip the teachers. She also felt growing discrimination as a Christian in a very liberal environment. She began to pray about her future when she got a Facebook message from her friend Elizabeth Markowitz, telling her that TFA was hiring. Mrs. Branz contacted TFA, and during her interview process, she was delighted that faith was a part of the conversation. She was hired to teach Algebra 2 and was excited to join the TFA team. Mrs Branz said, “The first week, we all met in preplanning. Brian Rose started singing a hymn, and I couldn’t believe it. I silently cried, rejoicing that I was accepted and this was acceptable. I had never worked in a Christian environment. This was so refreshing.” When asked why she loves teaching at TFA, Mrs. Branz said that having the autonomy to teach as she feels is best for the students. She is able to engage them and teach them to apply what they are learning. She is also able to teach math and physics with a Biblical Worldview. She said, “I get to show my students the true beauty of the laws of math and physics that God put in place. It is a language that they can see communicates God’s character of order and perfection. Teaching that these ideas are not separated from their creator is so special. It is why it is so fine-tuned.” This is why Mrs. Branz identifies the most with the Living Curriculum Influencer Characteristic of being an Engaging Instructor. Mrs. Branz said that having her children here and being surrounded by a community of Christians has been so fulfilling. She also mentioned that the opportunties for spiritual growth, such as attending the Passion Conference and the ability to become a Colson Fellow, have allowed her to continue to grow in her walk with Christ. She said, “The Colson Fellows is the most engaging thing I have done (outside of engineering), so it’s awesome.” Today, her son Franco is 13, and her daughter Chloe is 8. Her husband has been serving as a substitute teacher at TFA, and their family is thriving. Mrs. Branz loves to play with Legos and is a self-proclaimed “Harry Potter nerd.” She also has a black belt in martial arts, which she achieved two years ago. The Branz family spends a lot of family time together and loves family games, movies, staycations, and reading.

ON CAMPUS IN 2023 January

The $5.8 million campaign for the Natalie Thomas Student Center was launched with much excitement. The Natalie Thomas Student Center and Whitaker Auditorium will be the center of campus, providing a space for students to study, socialize, attend events and assemblies, host chapel and fine arts events, and participate in athletics. The renovated facility is scheduled to open in early 2024. We look forward to students thriving in this new space on campus.

March

The Parent Association hosted our annual Thank You Breakfast, with one of the largest turn-outs to date. Following breakfast, all families were invited to the school-wide Easter Chapel. The chapel included student-led praise and worship, student speakers, an impactful video message for faculty members, and a message from Jarian Felton, First Orlando Pastor and TFA dad.

February

Royal-thon, an initiative led by Upper School students to support local children’s hospitals, raised over $105,000. This was the largest amount raised by TFA to date. Students work diligently throughout the year to host spirit nights, movie nights, and festivals 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.

April

The 2022-2023 school year was a special one for our school family. Our Head of School, Dr. Steve Whitaker, celebrated his 20th year serving at The First Academy. In April, he enjoyed a surprise luncheon attended by School Board members, First Orlando leadership, alumni, and special guests. Thank you cards from every TFA student filled Dr. Whitaker’s office. A special message highlighting the past 20 years was sent to all families, and students enjoyed a cookie surprise and sweet note in celebration.

May

Congratulations to the Class of 2023! 98 total seniors graduated who completed a total of over 15,000 service hours, $5 million in scholarship offers, and 19 students who attended TFA from Kindergarten through 12th grade.

June & July

We began another summer of our Royal Summer Camps, including Camp Roar, Athletics Camps, and Middle & Upper School Camps. Weekly themes with field trips were added for Camp Roar, and the campus was buzzing with students all summer, with several camps filling up completely. Over the summer, several TFA students proclaimed Jesus as their Lord and Savior. In Israel, 16 of our nearly 35 TFA group members were baptized. At Camp Orlando, over 35 TFA students proclaimed Jesus is the Lord of their life through Believers’ Baptism, and 9 seniors were baptized at TFA’s Senior Retreat. Renovations and updates were completed at the Payne Stewart Athletic Complex. Turf was applied to the Kroy Crofoot Field at Warden Stadium, a state-of-the-art track was installed, the scoreboard was replaced with a full video board, new lighting was added, and the press box received refurbishment. We are so grateful for the families and organizations who partnered with TFA to make these updates possible, making our athletic facilities some of the best in Central Florida.

August

New this year, we hosted the first annual Blue & Gold Game, a scrimmage for our football team that all families were invited to attend. Families and students got a sneak peek of the Royals Football Program and were able to cheer on and celebrate our student-athletes. Over 325 parents attended the Welcome Breakfast hosted by the Parent Association on August 17. First Orlando staff assisted in welcoming families to our All School Chapel, which followed the breakfast. An Alumni band led us in worship, students read scripture, and we focused on our school year theme. TFA Royal Roundtable for Dads was launched, offering a time for dads to join together in prayer, encouragement, and fellowship.

September

College visits began in Upper School, encouraging students to attend information sessions and learn more about prospective college choices. The National Merit Semi-finalists were announced, and TFA celebrated two of our seniors who earned the prestigious award. TFA also celebrated three seniors who earned the status of National Merit Commended. TFA earned Gold Status from College Board’s AP Honor Roll, and 12 students received national recognition from the College Board.

October

Homecoming 2023 was celebrated “Under the Sea,” 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. At this year’s Homecoming football game, there was also a special shoutout to all alumni and our 2nd generation Royals. Nearly 20 members from accrediting bodies FCIS, SAIS, ACSI, and CESA visited campus to ensure that we are living out the mission of our school while focusing on academics to excel and faith to inspire. The visiting team members were very impressed with TFA’s faculty, students, and facilities. They provided commendations for safety and security, our Christ-centered commitment, team spirit, our Gospel-Centered School Culture, Governance model, and Leadership Team. Our Lower School Grandparents were celebrated and honored at a special Grandparents Chapel. Students from each grade level sang songs, a grandparent reading was performed, and all enjoyed donuts and photo opportunities before closing out the morning event.

November

November began with much fanfare as we celebrated the grand reopening of the Payne Stewart Athletic Complex. A special dinner recognizing the Gospel Patrons who generously donated to build the facility into what it is today was hosted on Thursday, November 2. The new Tom and Joan Kalimanis Veterans Garden was also unveiled and dedicated. On Friday, November 3, TFA hosted the final home football game versus Windermere Prep, and TFA’s annual Fall Carnival was moved to the Payne Stewart Athletic Complex in celebration of the reopening of the newly renovated facility. The game ball for the evening was delivered by John Bozard, TFA grandparent and Senior Vice President of Orlando Health and President of the Orlando Health Foundation, via helicopter by the Orlando Health Aircare Team. The Veterans Day Celebration was one for the record books. Veterans and TFA community members honored our Vietnam Veterans this year, and special guest Rocky Bleier spoke about the importance of not giving up, even when the going gets tough. Members of the Lower, Middle, and Upper School Choirs sang throughout the event, and members of the Wounded Warrior Club honored all veterans with a gift of appreciation.

2023 Veterans Celebration

December

Middle and Upper School Band students performed their Christmas Concert on December 7 in the Language Ministry Center. Attendees sang along to Christmas arrangements played by the Beginning Band, Jazz Band, Concert Band, and Wind Ensemble. Lower School students performed Straight Out Of Bethlehem for the Lower School Christmas Program on December 8 in the Worship Center. Families were treated to musical numbers, dance vignettes, and a wonderful story of the true meaning of Christmas and the birth of our Lord and Savior. Families joined in the Marie Williams Chapel on December 12 for the Middle and Upper School Choir Concert. Attendees enjoyed performances by the Middle School Chorus, Upper School Chorus, and a Guitarchestra. Several students also performed solo numbers in celebration of the season. Throughout December, our Visual Arts students stunned with the Upper School and Middle School Visual Art Galleries. The pieces were on display in the Boyd-Moline Library for students and families to visit and take in the beautiful pieces created by our dedicated artists. Before breaking for the Christmas holiday, all of campus came alive with Christmas cheer! The Lower School halls were decked, and Middle and Upper School classroom doors were decorated. Students and faculty alike joined in on the fun during Christmas Dress-Up Week, wearing their most festive hats, socks, sweaters, Christmas jammies, and more!

INNOVATION IN THE CLASSROOM Lower School Science Lab

• Kindergarteners dissected apples and pumpkins, learning the different parts. • First-grade students completed a lab and created In a 2009 study by Pew Research, it was found a STEAM activity that demonstrated how fish use that a mere 33% of scientists claim to be Christians. oxygen for breathing. This statistic is disheartening, especially with the • Second-grade students created 3D models of introduction of AI and the influx of technology that globes, conducted a lab on invertebrates that has yet to be ethically evaluated. ACSI also published discovered whether or not isopods “roly-polies” an article that promotes science in Lower School, prefer moist or dry habitats, and watched a worm dissection before creating a 3D model of the stating that we must grab children’s interest now internal organs of a worm. before it is too late. It is Mrs. Rosario’s aspiration to pique the curiosity of our Lower School students with • Third-grade students completed a camouflage research project and dissected owl pellets. explicit instruction, hands-on activities, and a Christian • Fourth-grade students created a STEAM project worldview immersion in order to make connections where they invented a tool that an indigenous between our science curriculum, STEAM activities, and person would use. real-world careers in the fields of science. • Fifth-grade students learned about the Scientific Method with an Oreo lab and a candy corn lab, as In order to ensure that the hands-on component well as how to use a microscope using plant and of The First Academy’s Science Curriculum is supported, animal slides to identify cell structures. Mrs. Rosario frequently looks into the teachers’ Mrs. Rosario’s hope is that we can foster a Science lessons and keeps an open line of commuChrist-centered love of science in our students nication with them. Some of the activities that were that begins in Lower School and continues completed in Science Lab this year were as follows: throughout high school and college.

Middle School

STEAM

The Middle School STEAM program blasted off in 2023 with a project focusing on Aviation. Students in the program had to work together as a team to build an effective rocket and research how aviation has impacted our society. To answer the question posed to them and complete the project, students studied Newton’s Laws of Motion, basic aerodynamics, math concepts that pertain to the design, construction, and flight of a model rocket, and basic meteorology. Throughout the course of the first semester, students were visited by guest experts in the field of study, including Mrs. McCulloch, i-Tech Support, Director of Educational Technology, Mr. Sorenson, Airline Pilot, JetBlue Airlines, and Mr. Wilkinson, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University graduate, Flight Instructor, Aircraft Mechanic Instructor, and Volunteer with Aviation Missions. Students in the Middle School STEAM program also visited the Kennedy Space Center to explore the future of aviation, learn about the shuttle program, and see a real moon rocket. In the culminating project of the STEAM program, students presented their findings about how aviation has impacted society and tested their rockets, ensuring that all of the items that they studied and researched were put into practice.

Students had to take into account all of the elements listed below when researching and building their rockets. • The math and science of parachute and streamer recovery. • Rocketry safety rules and how to adhere to them. • Operating and succeeding in a team environment. • Design a payload model rocket using a digital medium. • Run computer simulations of the rocket’s flight to ensure the sound design and that the design meets the requirements of the TARC. • Calculate the proper size and dimensions of rocket parts and manufacture them to those specifications. • Build an aerodynamically sound booster section to include a recovery system to the specifications of the design that withstands the stresses of multiple mid-power flights. • Build an aerodynamically sound, multi-chambered payload section to the specifications of the design that is capable of protecting the egg and electronic payload. • Determine and adjust model rocket stability. • Safely launch a model rocket and recover it. • Calculate a rocket’s velocity in flight. • Calculate the altitude attained by a rocket in flight. • Install and use parachutes and streamers to recover the payload and booster sections. • Record and analyze flight data to make adjustments. • Predict and adjust a rocket’s altitude by using rocket motors with various Newtons of force. • Predict and adjust the rocket’s altitude by adjusting the rocket’s mass. • Predict and adjust the flight times by adjusting the recovery system. • Use the proper equipment to collect, interpret, and predict the effects of atmospheric conditions on rocket flight. • Calculate a rocket’s altitude and flight time based on atmospheric conditions. • Analyze preliminary flights to redesign and improve their model rocket as needed.

TFA’s Writing Center

Senior Thesis Project

The goal of The Dr. Stephen D. Whitaker Senior Thesis project is that graduates of The First Academy may “understand God’s world through the light of His word.” Through research and writing, our prayer is that each student would find their faith in Christ strengthened. The Senior Thesis is the capstone assignment for seniors - a research project with a written component and a presentation. Students will select a topic that falls under one of the 3 Big Life Categories: Thoughts about the nature of God, Thoughts about the human experience, and Thoughts about the physical world. Students will also research, articulate, and refute oppositional philosophies in their research. Students begin collecting research and learning about the project during their freshman year. This process is expanded as they go through each year of Upper School at TFA. Sophomores research to create a literature review, which allows them to discern which topics are supported by subject area experts and biblical scholars. Students select their final topics during their junior year. By the time they choose their topics, they should feel comfortable with collecting research, interpreting that research to an extent, and how to use a Christian worldview to address oppositional philosophies. At the end of the senior year, students will have written a paper with 7 to 10 pages of content and given a 5 to 6-minute presentation. The top projects have the opportunity to move on to the Competition Round and earn scholarship prizes.

Upper School Masterworks Program

When TFA students head off to college, they are going to encounter some of the greatest works ever written-pieces from ancient writers like Plato, Aristotle, and Confucius; classic plays by Shakespeare and Ibsen; modern classics by Hemingway, Austen, and Orwell. Wouldn’t it be nice to get a head start? That is why TFA’s Masterworks Challenge was created. Every semester, one key work is selected to explore in a college seminar-style atmosphere. The voluntary program allows students to not only enjoy some of the best works of literature and philosophy ever written but also better prepare for the types of college classes that they will experience. Students who participate in the program also receive recognition at graduation for their participation. There are two meetings required to participate. At the first meeting, students hear about the background of the work and any other pertinent information needed to understand it. Then, participants read the work on their own. Two months later, the group meets again to discuss the work together, before each student completes a paper. By participating, students receive the benefit of broadened cultural awareness, practice with college-level literary analysis and writing enhancement.

ROYAL ATHLETES THE 2022-2023 YEAR

WAS ONE FOR THE RECORD BOOKS, AND THE FIRST HALF OF THE 2023-2024 SCHOOL YEAR HAS COME WITH MUCH CELEBRATION.

district championships

regional championship

team state championship

22/23 SCHOOL YEAR CHAMPIONSHIPS

8th

CONSECUTIVE

GIRLS GOLF DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIP

CONSECUTIVE

BASEBALL DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIPS

CITRUS LEAGUE Championships

BOYS GOLF WON THEIR 4th

district championships

IN THE LAST 5 YEARS

23/24 SCHOOL FIRST SEMESTER CHAMPIONSHIPS

REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

regional championships

individual state championship

ATHLETICS HOSTED

THE TOM KALIMANIS ROYAL GOLF CLASSIC AT ISLEWORTH GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB IN DECEMBER OF 2023 AND RAISED OVER

GIRLS BASKETBALL WON THE

2023 DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIP THEIR FIRST SINCE 2017

$100,000

athletes in the class of 2023 went on to play a collegiate sport (8 Division 1)

TO BENEFIT OUR STUDENT-ATHLETES! Competitive Cheerleading

FOOTBALL WAS THE

2023

1M ACADEMIC TEAM CHAMPIONS

WON THEIR FIRST

REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP The First in School History

ROYAL ARTISTS SHREK:

THE MUSICAL WAS NOMINATED FOR

In 2023, Middle School Jr. Thespians received straight

EXCELLENT RATINGS

11 DR.PHILLIPS CENTER APPLAUSE AWARDS AND WON AN APPLAUSE AWARD FOR

OUTSTANDING STAGE MANAGER

for their one act, along with

EXCELLENT RATING

BEST SOUND DESIGN

at the District Competition. Individual students also earned 3 SUPERIOR RATINGS and

4 EXCELLENT RATINGS

Winter Park Sidewalk Art Festival

In 2023, Upper School Thespian Troupe 5165 earned an

THE FINE ARTS

HAD A TREMENDOUS YEAR THROUGHOUT 2022-2023 AND 2023-2024 IS OFF TO A WONDERFUL START.

for their one act! For their individual Thespian Events, students recieved

7 EXCELLENT RATINGS 4 SUPERIOR RATINGS, and

1 TOP HONOR at the District Thespian Festival

1 Student Earned an Award of Excellence, 1 Student Earned an Award of Distinction, 1 Student Earned an Award of Merit, and 3 Students Earned Honorable Mentions TWO UPPER SCHOOL STUDENTS RECEIVED

TFA's Marching Royals came in

2ND PLACE in their division at the University Classic

AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE

AT THE FLORIDA ART EDUCATOR ASSOCIATION ONE MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT RECEIVED AN

AWARD OF EXCELLENCE WITH DISTINCTION

Three Lower School students were named to

FLORIDA’S REGIONAL CHOIR and participated in the

FLORIDA REGIONAL FESTIVAL

MEMBERS OF THE CLASS OF 2023

ARE PURSUING DEGREES IN THE VISUAL ARTS

1 UPPER SCHOOL STUDENT WON

BEST IN SHOW

IN 2022, TROUPE 5165 RECEIVED FOUR

SUPERIOR PERFORMANCE AND TWO EXCELLENT RATINGS AT THE STATE THESPIAN COMPETITION IN 2022, THE MIDDLE SCHOOL ACT ONE RECEIVED A

SUPERIOR RATING

AT THE JUNIOR THESPIAN DISTRICT FESTIVAL

FOR THE YOUTH DIVISION AT THE

//////////\\\\\\\\ FINE ART FESTIVAL

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 advancement@thefirstacademy.org.

Bro. Jim Henry, TFA Founder

Celebrating our Gospel Patrons

The First Academy has been built upon a strong foundation by the generosity of our Gospel Patrons. Our students today enjoy a beautiful campus where they are able to grow academically, spiritually, artistically, and athletically because of those who have come before us and made an investment in our future Christian leaders. Throughout 2023, TFA was blessed with gifts for The Natalie Thomas Student Center, Payne Stewart Athletic Complex renovations, Tuition Assistance, and more. We are so thankful for the financial and prayerful support of our Royal Families & the TFA Community.

TOTAL NUMBER OF CONTRIBUTORS & GIFTS IN 2023

358 GIFTS $4.3 MILLION

Extended Education Programs The First Hope:

The First Hope is a Christian Alternative to Unique Abilities Education, serving students with ADHD, ASD, Dyslexia, and other Unique Abilities. children. Inclusive Insights features several professionals, parents, and educators who address navigating life with your uniquely-abled student. Episode topics include navigating finances, marriage, picking the best school, next steps, and much more. Congratulations to The First Hope graduating class of 2024!

Our Work Program at The First Hope continues to expand as we welcome new community partners providing work locations at Sonny’s Barbeque, Chick-Fil-A, Walmart, Target, and the YMCA. In addition to our new community partners, our Work Program students also opened a coffee bar this year. “Inclusive Brew” provides the opportunity and training for students to experience online ordering fulfillment and customer service while practicing their barista skills. In pursuit of building connection and community, The First Hope launched “Inclusive Insights: Stories of Hope,” a podcast that provides tangible support and unites parents of unique

The Classical School:

The Classical School (TCS) is a program designed for home school families and offers classes for students in kindergarten through grade 12. The Classical School offers two program options: The Hybrid Program is designed for students (kindergarten through 12th grade) to receive instruction on Tuesdays and Thursdays in a traditional classroom setting. The instruction is parent-led the other three days with content provided by The Classical School. The Traditional Program is for families (K-5th Grade) who wish to homeschool their student without receiving instruction from The Classical School. The Classical School provides academic counseling and standardized testing. TCS graduated 16 seniors in the Class of 2023, with acceptances to 24 various colleges, including the University of Central Florida, the University of South Florida, Florida Institute of Technology, Embry Riddle,

Bethune Cookman and Rollins College. Of the graduating seniors, over 30% of them graduated with at least one Dual Enrollment college class. Students took dual enrollment classes from the University of Central Florida, the University of Florida, Valencia College, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, and Grand Canyon University. TCS students are excelling in the areas of arts and athletics as well. Carson Holley, TCS 9th grade student and actor, has had the opportunity to be a part of the cast on several movies this year, including an Amazon Prime feature film and a faith-based film. Carson has accomplished filming for these movies, along with taking classes at TCS and dual enrollment classes at Valencia College. Senior Brooke Dennis signed her National Letter of Intent for Gymnastics at The University of Alabama on Signing Day.

the nursery school

The Nursey School at The First Academy opened its doors in 2023 to families of infants, toddlers, and twos. In the years before Lower School, children are making huge developmental leaps, learning to express themselves, explore the world, and make friends. The First Academy’s Nursery School helps support student growth and development while instilling a love for learning. At The First Academy Nursery School we realize a quality early childhood program can greatly enhance the early, formative years. Experiences during these crucial years will last a lifetime. Parents who have selected TFA’s Nursery School have experienced greater peace of mind and confidence when they leave their children with us in the early years. TFA is different because of the ongoing support the parents, children, and teaching staff receive. At TFA, children have access to the finest early learning program available to prepare them for Lower School at The First Academy. Our goal is to provide a safe, loving environment for our littlest Royals to grow developmentally, socially, and spiritually. This year, the team at the Nursery school did just that by engaging our young Royals through educational play, hands-on experiences, and Christ-centered lessons. At The First Academy Nursery School, your child is known, loved, and prayed for every day.

A LETTER FROM THE SCHOOL BOARD CHAIRMAN Dear TFA Family,

I hope this year’s Annual Report finds you well and filled with anticipation for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year. It gives me great pleasure to share with you some remarkable highlights from this ongoing exceptional season at The First Academy. First and foremost, we have dedicated ourselves to nurturing a Gospel-centered culture and mission, which has proven to be a driving force behind our success. Our renewed focus on these values has paved the way for incredible achievements throughout the 2023-2024 school year thus far. One of our proudest achievements has been the robust enrollment we have experienced. Our school family has grown, and we are grateful for the trust you have placed in us to provide an exceptional education for your children. We firmly believe that investing in our teachers is key to maintaining the high standards we set for our students, and tuition dollars have been directly channeled toward the growth and development of our incredible teaching staff. As the School Board Chair at TFA, I am responsible for leading the board in making viability-focused decisions for the next generation of students while ensuring fiduciary oversight of the school’s finances and operations. Collectively, we focus our efforts on advancing the mission, funding the vision, and securing the legacy of our esteemed institution. In line with this commitment, we look at the goals of our Strategic Plan and set tuition rates on a yearly basis. Looking ahead to the 20242025 school year, we must carefully consider the institutional stability of our school in conjunction with revisiting tuition rates. Our primary goal is to attract and retain the best teachers in Florida, our Living Curriculum Influencers. Rest assured, we have taken into account the needs and concerns of our school families during this process. Additionally, I want to draw attention to the impact of the Florida School Choice Scholarships on tuition. This program has significantly reduced the average tuition for K-12 students. In fact, for the 23-24 school year, the average tuition is $12,200 for a family receiving a Florida School Choice Scholarship, a 33% reduction from the $18,200 average tuition rate. If your family applied for and received a Florida School Choice Scholarship, your effective tuition rate is the same as at TFA nearly ten

years ago, and an incoming Kindergarten family is effectively paying less in tuition than Kindergarten families were 15 years ago with the utilization of funds from the Florida School Choice Scholarship. I encourage you to review the Tuition Webpage on TFA’s website, which outlines important details regarding tuition rates and payment schedules for the upcoming academic year. If you have any questions or require clarification, please do not hesitate to reach out to The First Academy’s Business Office. We are here to assist you every step of the way. Furthermore, I am thrilled to announce that enrollment for the 20242025 school year has continued on a strong trajectory. We anticipate classes to be at full capacity, with wait pools across all divisions. We deeply value the partnership we share with your family, as our shared mission, vision, and values unite us in raising up the next generation of Christian leaders who will make a positive impact on our world. Please mark your calendars for the Enrollment Status Change Period, which is scheduled for February 15 through February 25. More information and details will be provided as those dates approach. Additionally, for any questions or concerns you may have about this process, please refer to TFA’s Website, where you will find frequently asked questions, facts, and contact information. On behalf of the entire School Board, I extend our warmest wishes for an abundance of blessings in the coming year. We eagerly anticipate celebrating the many successes of our school alongside you in the months and years to come. I kindly request your support in spreading the word about the incredible opportunity to enroll for the 2024-2025 school year and beyond. Thank you for your continued trust and partnership in building a bright future for our students and our community. In His Service, Clark Keator School Board Chairman

Looking Ahead to

2024-2025

Every year, the Annual Report provides a time of reflection, measurement, and thanksgiving as we look back on progress made, measure the current state of the school, and celebrate achievements. This year’s Annual Report provides more reasons to rejoice. Investments in facilities and teachers equals investment in our students. The School Board is encouraged as we reflect back on progress made from year to year. However, we can only glance briefly as we know the importance of preparing and planning for the future. The First Academy School Board exists to make viability-focused decisions for the next generation of students who will attend The First Academy. This is done by focusing on the mission, funding the vision,

and leaving a legacy of existence for our children’s children. As a School Board, we are encouraged as we reflect on our school’s history, a history that motivates us as we pray for and plan for the future. School Board Members: Mr. Clark Keator, Chairman Mr. Jeff Alexander, Vice Chairman Mr. Brian Blair Mr. Will Grindle Mrs. Laura Eitel Bishop Derrick McRae Mrs. Nikki Kearn, Class of 2001 Archbishop Allen Wiggins Dr. Steve Whitaker, Head of School (ex-officio) Mr. Verne Bragg (Emeritus)