Business Details
38 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for College Prep Education
Founded in 1988 by Principal Nadia Hionides, The Foundation Academy has established itself as a leader in innovative, Christ-centered education. Our approach prioritizes project-based learning, fostering critical thinking and lifelong curiosity through hands-on, student-driven experiences. With a 23-acre campus featuring organic gardens, an aquaponic farm, and state-of-the-art arts and STEM facilities, we provide a unique environment where academic rigor meets personal growth. Our dedicated educators, many with decades of experience, implement a standards-based curriculum accredited by Cognia, preparing students for college, career, and military pathways.We maintain a 100% focus on student success through small class sizes, daily Bible study, and a commitment to cultural diversity. As founding sponsors of the Jacksonville Science Festival, we emphasize real-world application of knowledge. Our adaptive teaching methods, rooted in faith, hope, and love, have produced graduates who excel in higher education and professional settings. The school's non-denominational Christian values create a welcoming environment for families seeking both academic excellence and character development.
Services
Project-Based Learning
STEM Education
Visual Performing Arts
Computer Science
Aquaponic Farming
College Preparation
After School Programs
Summer Camps
Worklabs
Special Education
Details
- Year established: 1988
Highlights and features
- 23-acre sustainable campus with specialized arts and STEM facilities
- Project-inquiry based learning since 1988 with 100% college readiness focus
- Cognia-accredited curriculum integrating faith, hope, and love principles
- Small class sizes with personalized teacher-student mentoring relationships
- Founding sponsor of Jacksonville Science Festival with STEM leadership
Associations and certifications
- Cognia
What people say
Dedicated teachers
Unique curriculum
Strong community
Excellent facilities
College preparation
Services
Project-Based Learning
Our Project Inquiry-Based Learning (PIBL) approach integrates STEAM subjects through real-world problem solving. Students develop critical thinking skills by designing research projects that align with annual essential questions. This method fosters collaboration, creativity, and deep conceptual understanding while maintaining college preparatory standards.
STEM Education
Cognia-accredited STEM programs combine hands-on experimentation with theoretical foundations. Students engage in robotics, coding, and engineering projects while preparing for advanced placement courses. The curriculum emphasizes practical application through our aquaponic farm and Jacksonville Science Festival participation.
Visual Performing Arts
Comprehensive arts education includes visual arts, theater, music, and dance. Students access dedicated studios and performance spaces, with opportunities for portfolio development and public exhibitions. The program nurtures creativity while meeting state educational standards.
College Preparation
Our college preparatory curriculum features dual enrollment options and college counseling services. With 100% college readiness focus, students receive personalized guidance for higher education applications and career planning through senior advising programs.
After School Programs
Extended learning opportunities include Worklabs in automotive, HVAC, and digital arts. The after-school program operates Monday-Friday with flexible hours, providing dinner and structured activities that reinforce classroom learning through practical application.
People
Nadia Hionides
Principal & Founder
Educational leader with 35+ years experience, holding M.S. Ed from University of Pennsylvania. Founded The Foundation Academy in 1988 to create innovative learning environment combining faith-based values with academic excellence.
Questions
What curriculum does The Foundation Academy use?
We use Project Inquiry-Based Learning (PIBL) with STEAM integration, aligned to college preparatory standards.
Is The Foundation Academy accredited?
Yes, we are accredited by Cognia and offer STEAM certification programs.
What grade levels do you serve?
We provide education for students from kindergarten through 12th grade.
Are scholarships available?
Yes, we accept Florida School Choice Scholarships through Step Up for Students.
What special programs do you offer?
We offer Worklabs in STEM, arts, and vocational fields, plus after-school and summer programs.
What are your class sizes?
We maintain small class sizes with maximum 20 students per teacher for personalized instruction.
Videos
Reviews (7)
Chrystal Hazlett
Jun 04, 2021
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This school has literally changed our lives. The amount of love and compassion my son has received along with his bible teachings have really helped make a good little man out of him. The teachers and staff make this school an amazing place for your young one to learn EVERYTHING. Bullying is not excepted in this atmosphere. I feel so blessed to have found The Foundation Academy!!!
Sheila Trout
Aug 31, 2020
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My daughter has never loved school until now! She is excited her grades have improved! She is learning in environment where she can be herself! The staff is wonderful, down to earth, and always helpful! I couldn't ask for a better transition. Thank you!
Ty Jones
Jul 05, 2020
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TFA is family is what my 4th grader says about her school. This is her first year at TFA. She has learned even when she didn't realize it. She feels a sense of community. The arts feed her identity, self confidence and altruism. My daughter wants to return to school during this time, although she cannot the teachers have been phenomenal with keeping connected and continuing her learning. It warms my heart as a parent when her teachers share they miss the students and what they wish they could do with them. I must mention the Christian based learning adds to my daughter's moral compass. TFA keep
Lauren Holden
Sep 30, 2019
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My 4 kids go here and I am keeping them in this school till they graduate. My oldest has a disability and feel through the cracks in public school. TFA is family oriented. This school is clean and they have rules and they are organized. The people with bad comments have no idea what they are talking about.
Teresa Neighbors
Sep 24, 2019
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If I could use one word to describe this school, it would be community. TFA truly embodies the partnership between educator, student, and parent that our family wanted in a school. Mrs. Nadia, the teachers, staff, and volunteers have embraced our family, nurtured our child, and fostered an amazing hands-on learning environment. I volunteered in our child's classroom several times, and I witnessed first-hand the love and care that the teachers have for these students. In addition to daily learning, TFA has provided my child with so many fun, educational opportunities, including growing a garden
Danielle Ellyson
Sep 11, 2019
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The BEST school!!! Your child will experience learning like never before. I love that the entire campus is one big family. The staff is amazing and the principal is a true blessing. I highly recommend allowing your children to grow, learn, and teach in this loving environment.
Traci Williams
Jul 04, 2019
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I absolutely LOVE The Foundation Academy for my son. Needless to say, he thoroughly enjoys the school as well. Strategic teaching in and outside of the class, (they also teach agriculture). If and or when there is any bullying, it is immediately addressed. This means that my son is able to comfortably learn and excel; which he definitely has during his years here.
TFA is a ram in the bush. They are Steady, Tenacious, Effective, Accredited, and Motivated toward our children being the best that they can be with or without our assistance. Of course with our assistance our children will always soar
TFA is a ram in the bush. They are Steady, Tenacious, Effective, Accredited, and Motivated toward our children being the best that they can be with or without our assistance. Of course with our assistance our children will always soar
