Business Details
18 Years
experience
Private Preschool to Middle School Education Fayetteville NC
First Impressions Academy, established in 2008, is a private school in Fayetteville, NC, serving preschool through 8th grade. We prioritize small class sizes to ensure individualized attention, fostering academic excellence and social development. Our faculty holds degrees in their respective fields, emphasizing quality education and personalized learning. The school offers a STEM-focused middle school program, extracurricular clubs, and summer camps to engage students year-round. With a commitment to nurturing both students and families, we cultivate a supportive community where children thrive academically and personally. Our founder, Christy Pettit, envisioned a school that combines rigorous academics with character development, reflected in our holistic approach.Parents are encouraged to participate actively in their children's education, strengthening the home-school connection. Accredited by the North Carolina State Educational Association, we maintain high standards in curriculum and instruction. Our facility provides a safe, loving environment where students develop into responsible citizens. Over 15 years, we've grown from a preschool to a comprehensive educational institution, serving diverse learners. This dedication to excellence has made us a trusted choice for families seeking personalized education in Cumberland County.
Services
Preschool
Kindergarten
Elementary School
Middle School
STEM Program
Summer Camps
Aftercare Program
Music Classes
Art Education
Physical Education
Details
- Year established: 2008
Highlights and features
- Small class sizes ensure personalized attention for every student
- Faculty with degrees in childhood education and STEM specializations
- Comprehensive STEM program for middle school students
- Extracurricular clubs and summer camps for year-round engagement
- Founder-led institution with 15+ years of educational expertise
Associations and certifications
- North Carolina State Educational Association
What people say
Small class sizes
Dedicated teachers
Nurturing environment
Academic growth
Personalized attention
Services
Preschool
Our preschool program nurtures foundational academic and social skills through play-based learning. Certified educators create developmentally appropriate curricula that prepare children for kindergarten success. Small class sizes ensure individual attention and personalized growth tracking.
STEM Middle School
The STEM-focused middle school curriculum integrates science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through project-based learning. Specialized instructors guide students in critical thinking and problem-solving activities that prepare them for high school and future careers.
Summer Camps
Summer camps provide educational enrichment and recreational activities for grades K-8. Themed weeks combine academic reinforcement with creative exploration, maintaining learning momentum while fostering new friendships in a structured environment.
Aftercare Program
Our supervised aftercare program offers homework assistance, structured activities, and safe socialization until 6:00 PM. Certified staff support academic reinforcement while providing recreational opportunities in a nurturing environment.
Music Education
Specialized music instruction includes vocal training, instrument exploration, and performance opportunities. The curriculum develops musical literacy and appreciation while fostering creativity and self-expression through various genres.
People
Christy Pettit
Director/Founder
Christy Pettit founded First Impressions Academy in 2008 after teaching in three states. She transformed her home garage into a preschool, expanding annually to create a comprehensive K-8 institution. Her vision combines academic rigor with character development.
Teresa Clayton
Assistant Director
Teresa Clayton has served as Assistant Director since 2011, maintaining the school's nurturing environment. A parent of three FIA graduates, she ensures operational excellence while preserving the institution's family-oriented culture.
Justin Hubbard
Music Teacher
Justin Hubbard teaches music with a degree in Music and Business from UNC Pembroke. He also directs church choirs and provides private instruction at Guitar Center, bringing diverse musical expertise to FIA students.
Sherry Young
Art Teacher
Sherry Young, an innovative visual artist, teaches art with a focus on creativity and technical skill development. Her curriculum emphasizes the elements of art and design principles to enhance holistic learning.
Kate Meador
PE Coach
Kate Meador coaches physical education with a background in collegiate basketball and CrossFit training. She develops fitness programs that promote lifelong health habits and team-building skills for students.
Questions
What grade levels does First Impressions Academy serve?
We serve preschool through 8th grade with specialized programs for each developmental stage.
Is the school accredited?
Yes, we're accredited by the North Carolina State Educational Association since 2015.
What is your student-teacher ratio?
Our ratio averages 8:1, ensuring personalized attention in all classrooms.
Do you offer summer programs?
Yes, we provide themed summer camps for grades K-8 focusing on STEM and creative arts.
Are there after-school care options?
Our aftercare program runs until 6:00 PM with homework help and structured activities.
What special programs do you offer?
We feature STEM education, music, art, physical education, and character development programs.
Reviews (7)
Christina Jordan
Jun 24, 2021
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This school is beyond my expectations! My kids are thriving here. The preschool program is superb. Im so impressed. It seriously makes me question all the other preschools Ive sent my kids to prior to FIA. Your child will be ready for elementary school. Teachers and admins communicate with parents very effectively which I absolutely love. Teacher/student ratio is small so your child gets more one on one time if need be. FIA is truly a gem in Fayetteville.
Ivy Jelic
Jan 07, 2021
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Great school. I'm one of the kids there and it's fantastic. They treat bullying very well and make sure everyone is perfectly okay before they move on to the next grade. The teachers do really care about the students and are super kind. They check in on kids once in a while to make sure they feel okay and are ready to move on to another stage of math, science, Ect. Love it there! :) Thank you Mrs. Christy and Mrs. Theresa for being so kind!
Jennifer Quinones
Sep 09, 2018
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First Impression Academy doesn't feel like a school, it feels like a family. My 6th grader is thriving in middle school the STEM program is one you will not find anywhere in this town or surrounding cities. The hands-on projects, real-world experiences, and level of academics is second-to-none. We completed in regional Science Olympiad and our small school is going to state. I can't count the number of times we were asked; "What school are you guys from!"
The children are so close and have created a culture amongst themselves of support, encouragement, love, and respect. Our kids are different
The children are so close and have created a culture amongst themselves of support, encouragement, love, and respect. Our kids are different
Anyeliz Perez
Aug 26, 2018
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I am a proud parent to a wonderful student at this school and I couldnt be happier. The staff is amazing and the environment for my daughter is welcoming. My daughter loves going to school and absolutely loves the STEM program. She loves that she can do actual experiments in science almost daily. I have read other reviews and I noticed one said that they make you sign a contract stating not to share bad reviews, THIS IS FALSE!!! They have a standard contract for payment, school uniform policy, attendance and discipline. If your looking for a school for your child to excel and learn, then this
Kirstyn Martin
Jul 02, 2018
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Our kids have learned so much since being at FIA. The level of education they recieve there is outstanding and above other schools in the area. We love the small class sizes and personal feel! Everyone is so friendly and welcoming and truly care about each student.
Kim Nagowski
Jul 14, 2017
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We have been a FIA family for 4 years. As an educator I know the importance of meeting the needs of all children and that is an area that FIA excels in. If your child needs to be challenged they are and if your child needs extra help, they provide it. The teachers are able to teach the students using creativity since they are not just teaching to a test. The students do take standardized tests from grade 3 on and do well above average because of good teaching at the level of the students. The class sizes are very small, usually 10-12. These small classes allow for the individualized instruction
Julianne Ottersbach
Jan 05, 2017
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This school is phenomenal. We moved here from the public school system and DODea schools, and have never looked back. The class sizes allow for hands on teaching. The intimacy of the environment makes for endless support among the kids--they really build each other up and encourage one another. My children have found a second home at FIA where they have grown into comfortable and confident students. I could not recommend it enough. Five stars is too few.