Foundation Academy is setting a standard with a new program designed to help students succeed beyond the classroom.

Foundation Academy, Central Florida’s top private Christian school, has been guiding students since 1958 through a Christ-based education. Built on core foundations of faith, academics, fine arts and athletics, the school continues to deliver high-quality education that students will benefit from in any future career path they decide to pursue.

Beginning with the class of 2028, its Programs of Distinction will allow students to focus on a specific discipline that culminates in a capstone project and is featured on their high school diploma. The disciplines being offered are Business and Leadership, Interactive Media and Communication, STEM and Health, and Performing and Fine Arts, allowing students to explore areas that align with their interests and future careers. Along with completing rigorous course offerings, students are required to participate in two extracurricular activities that relate to their program of distinction.

“This program allows our students to decide which areas of expertise that they would like to begin to explore,” says Dr. Audrey Lee, director of strategic academic initiatives at Foundation Academy’s Tilden Campus. “Whether that is to go on to college and major in one of these disciplines or to the workplace, these classes are geared to provide them with experience that goes beyond the classroom.”

One key element of the program is the fulfillment of a senior capstone project in which students can put their knowledge and skills into practice. They will develop and complete a project connected to their chosen program of distinction, allowing them to apply what they have learned throughout high school to a real-world concept. This helps prepare students to demonstrate the skills they have developed as they move toward post-graduation opportunities.

The hands-on nature of the program can also help students understand why the skills they are learning in their traditional classes can carry over into other parts of life.

“It provides students with that lightbulb moment—when they begin to see how math and science connect to the world around them, or how the ability to write well allows them to communicate ideas with clarity and purpose,” says Lee. “They have fun with the different projects they’re doing, and those experiences deepen their appreciation for what they’re learning while elevating the instruction and curriculum even further.”

That real-world application is especially important as students prepare to enter a rapidly changing world. Foundation Academy sees Programs of Distinction as an additional layer of preparation that lets students develop academically while building practical skills.

“We believe that our students are more than academics,” says Jacquelyn Conover, chief academic officer. “We are about more than just achievement. We want our kids to be prepared for the world that they’re about to walk into.”

The program also emphasizes experiences that occur away from a screen. As technology and AI continue to have an impact on education and future careers, students are expected to understand how to use technology effectively while still developing the ability to work and communicate with others.

“One of the things that we never want to lose sight of is how important it is to interact with people—it really prepares you,” affirms Conover. “We’re hoping that this will speak to that, as we want to make sure in this age where we’re seeing some of the adverse effects of digital time, that we’re having that one-on-one time as well.”

Ultimately, Programs of Distinction is intended to give students room to explore without requiring them to have their entire future figured out.

The answer, for Foundation Academy, is creating more opportunities for students to discover what they enjoy, recognize the strengths they already possess and begin connecting those strengths to a possible career.

“Many of our students have distinguished themselves through extracurricular involvement and leadership opportunities, whether by volunteering in the community, serving in student organizations or taking initiative in other meaningful ways. Our aim was to also recognize and celebrate these contributions through this program.” Conover says.

Through Programs of Distinction, students can leave Foundation Academy with more than a diploma. They leave with a clearer understanding of their interests, experience applying what they have learned and a foundation for whatever comes next.

Conover believes God has a plan for each of our lives, and says the program helps students recognize that calling and see themselves as part of a larger story He is writing.

Foundation Academy
(407) 877-2744
Winter Garden
FoundationAcademy.net