Founded in 1988, The Foundation Academy is a private school in Jacksonville, Florida, whose mission is to educate children in an art-centered, project/inquiry-based, S.T.E.M. focused, family-like environment.
We believe in helping students become critical thinkers and lifelong learners.
TFA is fully accredited and STEM Certified by COGNIA and includes a dual enrollment program.
We understand this world is an integrated environment that overlaps the academic, artistic, emotional, physical, and spiritual components. We mirror this integration in our curriculum to prepare students to succeed in today's world.
The Foundation Academy includes gardens and chickens with microgreen, aquaponic, and hydroponic stations, organic gardens, Visual and Performing art programs, Tai Chi practice as a part of the daily schedule, and a state-of-the-art black box theater.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Top Ranked FL School
- Grades: Kindergarten-12
- Enrollment: 384 students
- Yearly Tuition: $15,000
- Acceptance rate: 95%
- Average class size: 15 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
School News
- The Foundation Academy students march for unity, education choice at MLK Jr. Day parade - 01/19/2022More than 70 students, staffers and parents of The Foundation Academy participated Jan. 17 in Jacksonville's 41st MLK Holiday Grand Parade. It was the seventh consecutive year the private K-12 ...moreschool has marched in the parade. hide
- Celebrating Molly, a Changemaker in inclusive technology at TFA - 06/13/2019In 2018, the team at the Microsoft Store in Jacksonville, FL, met a young lady who forever changed them. Her name is Molly, and she is a remarkable example of ...moreingenuity, grit and gusto. hide
- Foundation Academy team develops wheelchair to dance at prom - 05/11/2018Foundation Academy team develops wheelchair to dance at prom.
Top Rankings
The Foundation Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Florida for:
Category
Attribute
Advanced Degrees
Student Body
Extracurriculars
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-12
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Year Founded
1988
Summer School Offered
Yes
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
384 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
56%
State avg.: 47%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
60 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
6:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
90%
Average Class Size
15 students
Advanced Courses
Dual Enrollment
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$15,000
Tuition Notes
Scholarships Available!
% on Financial Aid
75%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$7,500
Acceptance Rate
95%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Tia Unthank
Admissions Associate
Kristen DeArmas
Sports
Total Sports Offered
6 sports
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
10 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Farming, National Arts Honor Society, National Honor Society, NCCER, Student Council
Arts and Music Programs:
Art Walk, Drama, Performing Arts
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Basketball, Soccer
Farming, National Arts Honor Society, National Honor Society, NCCER, Student Council
Arts and Music Programs:
Art Walk, Drama, Performing Arts
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Basketball, Soccer
School Notes
- Founded in 1988, The Foundation Academy is a private school in Jacksonville, Florida, whose mission is to educate children in an art-centered, project/inquiry-based, S.T.E.A.M. focused, family-like environment. We believe in helping each student become a critical thinker and a lifelong learner. TFA is fully accredited and STEM Certified by COGNIA and includes a dual enrollement program. We understand that this world is an integrated environment that overlaps the academic, artistic, emotional, physical and spiritual components. We mirror this integration in our curriculum to prepare students to succeed in today's world. The Foundation Academy includes a working Aquaponic farm, organic gardens, art rooms and a black box theater.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does The Foundation Academy cost?
The Foundation Academy's tuition is approximately $15,000 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of The Foundation Academy?
The acceptance rate of The Foundation Academy is 95%, which is higher than the national average of 84%.
What sports does The Foundation Academy offer?
The Foundation Academy offers 6 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Dance, Football, Intramural Sports Only, Martial Arts and Soccer.
What is The Foundation Academy's ranking?
The Foundation Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Florida for: Highest percentage of faculty with advanced degrees, Largest student body and Most extracurriculars offered.
When is the application deadline for The Foundation Academy?
The application deadline for The Foundation Academy is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
In what neighborhood is The Foundation Academy located?
The Foundation Academy is located in the Isle of Palms neighborhood of Jacksonville, FL.
School Reviews
5 7/15/2023
Public school was a place where my daughter was discouraged & bullied - even by teachers. The amazing teachers at TFA encourage learning in unique ways, instill confidence, inspire creativity & treat the kids as individuals. My daughter has grown into a confident & enthusiastic student! We are very blessed to be a part of the TFA family.
5 10/3/2019
unique culture. project based inquiry curriculum. diverse student composition. I commit faculty to the children's academic and social success.
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