The First Academy and Discovery Academy: Private School Options Near Dr. Phillips
From Christ-centered college prep to neighborhood preschool, here's what Dr. Phillips families should know about going private
The First Academy (TFA) is a private Christ-centered, college-preparatory school located at 2667 Bruton Boulevard in Orlando, FL, serving over 1,400 students from preschool through 12th grade. Founded in 1987, TFA holds an A+ Niche rating, reports a 100% college acceptance rate, and charges approximately $26,800 per year in upper school tuition. Discovery Prep Academy is an APPLE-accredited early childhood education center located at 5715 Turkey Lake Road in the heart of Dr. Phillips, serving children ages 2 through 12. Both schools are accessible from Dr. Phillips, with Discovery Prep Academy situated directly on Turkey Lake Road and The First Academy approximately 15-20 minutes east near downtown Orlando.
So you're moving to Dr. Phillips and the school question is on your mind. While Orange County Public Schools offers excellent options in the area — including Dr. Phillips High School and Palm Lake Elementary — some families want the private school route.
Here's the thing: private education near Dr. Phillips isn't one-size-fits-all. Your options range from a nationally recognized Christian college prep campus to a cozy neighborhood preschool right on Turkey Lake Road. Let's break down what The First Academy and Discovery Prep Academy bring to the table.
The First Academy: Orlando's Powerhouse Private School
If you've researched private schools in Central Florida, you've probably heard of The First Academy. Founded in 1987, TFA has grown into one of the most recognized private institutions in the state, enrolling over 1,400 students across four divisions — Lower School (Preschool through 5th), Middle School (6th through 8th), Upper School (9th through 12th), and Extended Educational Programs for homeschool and special needs support.
TFA's campus sits at 2667 Bruton Boulevard in Orlando, which puts it about 15-20 minutes east of most Dr. Phillips neighborhoods via the 408 Expressway or Sand Lake Road. That's a manageable commute, especially for families in the eastern parts of Dr. Phillips near Conroy Club or Windhover with quick I-4 access.
Academics and College Prep
Let's talk numbers, because TFA's are impressive. The school reports a 100% college acceptance rate and maintains a student-teacher ratio of approximately 15:1. Students have access to Advanced Placement courses, dual enrollment opportunities, and a curriculum that blends rigorous academics with a Christ-centered mission. Niche gives TFA an A+ overall rating, and the school has been named Orlando's Best Private School by Orlando Magazine for multiple consecutive years.
TFA also offers 32 sports programs, award-winning fine arts, and a range of clubs and extracurriculars. If your kid is into athletics, performing arts, or competitive academics, there's a program for them.
Faith and Tuition
Here's something to consider carefully: The First Academy is unapologetically Christ-centered, with a mission emphasizing character, wisdom, and service. For families who want faith integrated into every aspect of education, that's a huge draw. For families who prefer secular education, it's worth visiting campus for an honest conversation about what that looks like day-to-day.
Upper school tuition runs approximately $26,800 per year, but TFA includes books and technology in that price (many private schools charge separately). The school also accepts several Step Up For Students scholarships, including the Family Empowerment Scholarship, which can significantly offset costs for qualifying families.
Discovery Prep Academy: Early Education Right in Dr. Phillips
Now let's shift gears. Discovery Prep Academy at 5715 Turkey Lake Road isn't competing with TFA for high school students — it's serving a much younger crowd. This APPLE-accredited early childhood education center caters to children from ages 2 through approximately 12, offering preschool programs, VPK, after-school care, and summer camps.
The big advantage? Location. Discovery Prep sits right on Turkey Lake Road in the heart of Dr. Phillips, making it one of the most convenient early education options for families in neighborhoods like Sand Lake Hills, Cypress Point, and Emerald Forest. For working parents who need year-round care from 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM, that proximity is a game-changer.
What Discovery Prep Offers
Discovery Prep focuses on developmentally appropriate learning through a curriculum that blends teacher-led instruction with creative play. The academy teaches Spanish, offers enrichment activities, and emphasizes building pre-reading, pre-writing, and pre-math skills. It's a smaller, more intimate setting — the center's capacity is approximately 97 children — and offers free VPK for eligible four-year-olds. School Readiness/4C programs are also accepted.
Comparing the Two: Different Schools for Different Needs
Let's be real — these two aren't direct competitors. TFA gives you a full PK-12 education with a 100% college acceptance rate, 32 sports, and scholarship opportunities — but you're looking at a commute and roughly $27K per year. Discovery Prep keeps things simple: right in Dr. Phillips, open year-round with extended hours, free VPK, and an intimate setting for young learners. Many families use them in sequence — Discovery Prep for the early years, then TFA, Windermere Prep, or Dr. Phillips public schools for elementary and beyond.
Other Private School Options Worth Exploring
Dr. Phillips families aren't limited to just these two. Windermere Preparatory School — a 48-acre campus about 10-15 minutes away — offers PK through 12th grade with the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, the only IB World School in Central Florida. Day student tuition is around $29,950. Bishop Moore Catholic and Lake Highland Prep near downtown are also popular choices. For a complete overview, visit our comprehensive Dr. Phillips schools and education guide.
How Dr. Phillips Neighborhoods Connect to These Schools
Your neighborhood and school choices are connected. For The First Academy families, prioritize neighborhoods with quick I-4 or 408 access — Landsbrook Terrace and Conroy Club along Conroy Road. For Discovery Prep, the Turkey Lake corridor works best — Sand Lake Hills and Cypress Landing. And for Windermere Prep, western neighborhoods like Windermere Heights and Woodlands of Windermere near the Windermere border put you closest.
Don't Count Out Public Schools
Before committing to private tuition, remember that Dr. Phillips' public schools are genuinely strong. Palm Lake Elementary earns high marks, Southwest Middle School offers solid STEM programs, and Dr. Phillips High School provides AP courses, dual enrollment, and the performing arts magnet that launched Wayne Brady, Joey Fatone, and DJ Khaled.
What the Locals Know
The private school decision near Dr. Phillips comes down to what stage of life your family is in and what you value most. The First Academy offers a complete PK-12 Christian education with impressive college outcomes and 32 sports — but it means a commute and roughly $27K per year. Discovery Prep Academy fills a different niche, providing convenient early childhood education right on Turkey Lake Road. And if you want a secular PK-12 option, Windermere Prep's IB program is hard to beat.
The best advice? Visit every campus on your short list. Talk to current parents. Dr. Phillips is one of those rare communities where families have genuinely excellent choices in both public and private education — and that's a pretty great problem to have.
For more information about programs and admissions, visit The First Academy and Discovery Prep Academy official websites.
Exploring Dr. Phillips neighborhoods and wondering which areas are best for families? Check out our Dr. Phillips schools and education guide for public and private school resources, or browse Dr. Phillips homes for sale to find the perfect neighborhood for your family.
