State of the Academy: Foundation Academy looks into the past and future

As Foundation Academy parents, children and educators filed into the Tilden campus auditorium, it perfectly exemplified the school’s 2026 slogan — “All in.”

Everyone listened intently as Carol Grosshans, the interim president, gave the State of the Academy, Thursday, Jan. 15, highlighting the school’s accomplishments in 2025 and goals for 2026, between student performances. 

“‘All-in’ is not just a slogan for us,” she said. “It’s a posture, it’s how we teach, how we lead, how we serve and how we partner together.” 

A YEAR OF SUCCESS

Grosshans said Foundation Academy had a successful 2025 that included the completion of various projects and initiatives. 

Thirteen classrooms were re-floored, security measures were enhanced by increasing security guard presence, a mini- and a full-size bus were acquired, restrooms and offices were renovated, a new track and new scoreboards were installed, and more. 

There also was a significant increase in dual enrollment for the 2026-2027 school year through partnerships with South and Cedarville universities. 

“With this expansion, eligible high school students can potentially accumulate enough credit hours equaling one-and-a-half years of college, which translates to big savings as well as a great head start for our students’ careers,” Grosshans said.

Seniors have submitted 603 applications to 168 universities and already have received 209 acceptances. 

Beyond that, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis selected Foundation’s robotics team to represent the state at the first Tech Challenge Governor’s Cup in Washington, D.C. in February.  

Elementary, middle and high school students continue to score above the state and national averages on nationally normed testing, Grosshans said.

The school achieved success outside the classroom, with the cheer team winning four state championships and two world championships from 2022 to 2025. The thespian troupe earned 13 perfect scores at the Thespian District Championship, and the high school troupe’s one-act play earned the Critics Choice Distinction, securing a spot at the state competition.

Academically, the students have done well. 

Todd and Lindsey Bryant have two children, Cambrie and Colton, who both attend Foundation. Their attendance has been a blessing to the family. 

“We knew the academics would be great, and sports and clubs and all the activities (would be great), but I really don’t think I realized what the spiritual formation was really like,” Todd Bryant said.

Lindsey Bryant said she has seen so much growth in her children as people and in their walk with God. 

“They’ve had the best teachers who have really impacted their lives in chapel,” she said. 

WHAT’S AHEAD

In 2026, Foundation Academy has more in store.

Grosshans said a Florida Christian College Fair will be held this fall, raised garden beds will be installed and cybersecurity will be enhanced. 

“Now, we have some dreams and we will need some additional help from you to make this happen,” she said to parents. 

The school wants to build a shaded pavilion at its Lakeside campus to provide space for lunch outside of the classroom. 

Beyond that, the school would like to double its volleyball courts, install tennis courts as well as construct a shaded pavilion at the Tilden campus for additional physical education space and after-school activities, and build an outdoor baptistry.