By Bonnie Mason
Looking for a private school atmosphere with Christian-based values and a prestigious academic reputation? The Faith Baptist Academy & Preschool, which is adjacent to and affiliated with Faith Baptist Church (both located on Oakley Blvd., behind The Grove shopping plaza), could be the perfect place for your child.
According to the school’s annual Stanford Achievement Test (a standardized test used by school districts across the nation, but not in Florida public schools) results at Faith Baptist Academy, the school ranks in the nation’s top 10-20-percent of all schools administering the test. And, when you combine those academics with Faith Baptist’s loving, nurturing environment, you have an outstanding school that parents really appreciate.
“Strong academics, combined with Christian beliefs, has equaled success for our son, Jackson, and that is what we love about our school,” Faith Baptist parents Brian & Carmen Colding said in an online review. “We consider ourselves extremely fortunate our son has attended Faith Baptist Academy & Preschool since K3. He now is entering the fifth grade in the fall and has excelled in all academic areas.”
A member of American Association of Christian Schools (AACS) and Sunshine State Association of Christian Schools (SSACS), the Faith Baptist Academy curriculum is based upon “A Beka Book,” one of America’s leading producers of textbooks for Christian schools. A Beka Book has been publishing textbooks based upon the mission of providing Christian schools with high-quality textbooks and teaching aides for more than 30 years.
“A Beka Book is recognized as the standard of excellence in the publishing of textbooks and other scholastic materials,” says Faith Baptist administrator Travis Hartsfield, also known as “Brother Travis” at the school. “The A Beka Book approach to education keeps learning lively, interesting, and memorable. The materials we use in our classrooms reflect sensible theory that is firmly anchored to practicality.”
Harstfield has been with Faith Baptist Academy since it opened in 2005.
“We pride ourselves as a family-friendly, all-inclusive school,” says Hartsfield.
Faith parents Dan and Jill Nash say they, “love the family atmosphere at Faith. The teachers and staff love our children, and there is never any doubt that our son and daughter are well taken care of, while receiving a top-notch education.”
All families, no matter what faith or economic status, are welcome at Faith, which has currently enrolls more than 100 students K2-6th grade, 42 of whom are preschoolers. Class sizes are small enough for each student to receive individual attention, with an average class size between 8-12 students.
“And, our annual tuition, $4,000, is well below the national average for private schools,” says Brother Travis.
Faith promises caring, dedicated teachers who provide instruction in reading, writing and arithmetic, as well as in history, science, health and other subjects to expand the student’s knowledge and understanding of the world they live in. A highly teachable phonics approach to reading begins in Kindergarten at the school. A Beka Book provides the teachers at Faith Baptist with curriculum instruction presented in steps: short vowels, consonants, blends, one-vowel words, long vowels and the two-vowel rule, as well as special phonics sounds. The learning of cursive writing follows shortly after, as Brother Travis says that the discontinuation of teaching cursive in public and private school classrooms has been a controversial topic in recent years.
“Although it is a lost art, we plan to continue teaching cursive at (Faith),” says Hartsfield. “Cursive writing improves fine motor skills and teaches the ability to read cursive. By joining letters it helps students read better by reinforcing the blending of letters within the words.”
In addition to academics, Faith Baptist Academy students attend a chapel service once a week, which includes Bible songs and a scripture lesson.
“Why do we love Faith Baptist Academy?,” asks Susan Anderson, mother of Faith students Jack, 11, Jon, 8, and Cady, 6. “My children love it! They could not wait to return when we had to move away a few years ago. I love this school because the staff and teachers are conscientious, caring, and my children are treated fairly. The atmosphere is clean and secure; and because of the trustworthy care given to my little ones, I feel good about leaving them at the beginning of each day.”
Faith Baptist was founded in the spring of 2001. At first, the preschool only offered K2, K3, and K4. However, even though there were only four students, Faith added kindergarten in the fall of 2004.
“As the Lord continued to bless, Faith expanded its facilities in the fall of 2005 to accommodate 53 students from K2 through 6th grade. In June 2007, Faith had its first graduate of the program,” says Brother Travis. “Faith Baptist Academy has established a solid foundation both spiritually and academically that continues today.”
With his true southern gentleman demeanor, Hartsfield (who originally is from North Carolina) gains respect from students, staff and parents simply through the way he shows respect, including in the way he addresses you — always with a “Yes Sir” or “Yes Ma’am” — and intent on listening to what you have to say. He says that he values the teachings of his faith and the quality, Christian-based education Faith Baptist provides its students.
Hartsfield received his B.S. degree in Education from Bob Jones University in Greenville, NC, and his M.S. degree in Educational Administration from Pensacola Christian College — one of America’s largest and most respected Christian schools. Prior to taking on his administrator role at the school, Hartsfield traveled the country as a sales rep for A Beka Books, before settling in the Tampa Bay area with his wife of 10 years, Celinda. The couple has four children, three of whom attend Faith.
“Although my job with A Beka Book was rewarding, I missed my family and I was anxious to get back to the classroom,” says Hartsfield.
Faith Baptist Academy doesn’t stop at quality education. Several grade-specific field trips are scheduled each academic year to offer fun learning outside of the classroom environment.
“We visited MOSI last week,” Hartsfield says. Past field trips have included Legoland in Lakeland, Dinosaur World in Plant City, the Tampa History Museum, Lowry Park Zoo in Seminole Heights, and even Tampa International Airport. Trips to libraries and police stations also are common destinations.
And, fun learning is always around the corner with extra-curricular activities. The Coldings say their son, Jackson, particularly enjoys the extracurricular basketball program and the field trips.
A Loving Relationship With Faith Baptist Church
As a ministry of Faith Baptist Church, all of the policies and programs Faith Baptist Academy offers are overseen by the church. The school’s staff reports directly to Hartsfield, who reports directly to Scott Naill, the Pastor of Faith Baptist Church.
Wesley Chapel and New Tampa residents seeking faith are encouraged to visit Faith Baptist, an independent, fundamental Baptist church with a traditional style of worship that is both simple, yet powerful, focusing on preaching the Word of God. Services are held on Sundays at 8:30 a.m., 11 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.; Sunday School is offered at 10 a.m.; and Prayer and Bible Study, plus children and teen services, meet on Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m.
Faith Baptist Academy currently is taking applications for enrollment for its upcoming summer programs and fall semester. Classes for the 2014-15 school year begin on August 11 and end the Friday before Memorial Day.
If you’re searching for an affordable, quality school for your child, Faith Baptist Academy & Preschool (6300 Oakley Blvd.), may be just right for you. To learn more about the programs and teachings at the school, or to register your children to attend the Academy in the summer or fall, call Brother Travis Hartsfield at 907-9462 or email Travis@FaithBaptistOfWC.org or visit FBAWesleyChapel.org.
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