The Classical School of the First Academy

About us 

A Message from the Head of School

All parents want their child to attend a great school – not just a good school. When my wife and I moved our family to Orlando several years ago, we found a great school in The First Academy.

On the first day of the new school year, I watched with apprehension from a second-story window as my middle child walked onto a playground crowded with unfamiliar faces. With a lump in my throat, I watched as he stood alone with his hands in his pockets, obviously filled with uncertainty and nearly paralyzed by fear. What happened next told me much about what makes The First Academy a great school.

It turns out that I wasn’t the only one observing. His teacher saw the worry on his small, furrowed brow, too. She approached my son, took him by the hand, and walked him toward the monkey bars. I could see her bend down and introduce him to several boys who were playing together. Within moments, those boys were welcoming my son into their fold, and they have since become treasured friends.

That moment was powerful for me as I observed a great teacher in action. Great teachers understand that true education involves more than just teaching the mind – it begins with reaching the heart. Great teachers understand that students aren’t interested in finding out how much a teacher knows until they find out how much a teacher cares.