The First Academy

The First Academy (TFA), is a private Christian school established in 1987 in Orlando, Florida. The school serves over 1,250 students from preschool to twelfth grade.^[1]

The First Academy
Address
2667 Bruton Boulevard Orlando , Florida United States
Coordinates	28.512879°N 81.425757°W / 28.512879; -81.425757
Information
Type	Private Christian
Motto	A K4–12 Christ-centered, college-preparatory school
Established	1987 (1987)
Principal	Joyce Kwak, Jennifer Jackson
Head of school	Steve Whitaker
Grades	Preschool through Grade 12
Enrollment	over 1,250
Campus	162,000 sq. ft. and 20 acres
Color(s)	Royale blue and gold
Mascot	Rowdy the Royal
Yearbook	Legacy
Website	www.thefirstacademy.org

Academics

The First Academy is an Orlando-based private Christian school for students from preschool to 12th grade. It is an Apple Distinguished School^{[citation needed]} and was named Orlando's Best Private School by Orlando Magazine in 2017,^[2] and the second-best private school by Southwest Orlando Bulletin in 2016.^[3]

Athletics

As a member of the Florida High School Athletic Association^[4] (FHSAA), The First Academy Royals participate in over 22 interscholastic sports at the varsity, junior varsity and middle school levels.

2016 Incident

In 2016, students at the school caused controversy by holding an "Instagram debate on the N-word"; some former students claimed to have experienced racism and homophobia while attending the institution. School officials denounced what had happened and implemented changes to improve race relations.^[5][6][7]

The City Beautiful Invitational

The First Academy hosts a 16-team annual Christmas basketball tournament called the CIty Beautiful Invitational, last contested (as of 2022^[update]) in 2019.^[8]

Notable alumni

• Adam Haseley, baseball player for the Philadelphia Phillies
• Fletcher Magee, basketball player for Wofford College, All-Time leader in 3 pointers made in NCAA