Florida Air Academy

Florida Air Academy

Florida Air Academy main entrance
Location
1950 S. Academy Drive
Melbourne, Florida, 32901
United States
Information
Type Boarding
Established 1961
Principal Melissa Alton
Head of school James Dwight
Grades 6–12, boys and girls
Number of students 300
Campus size 22 acres (8.9 ha)
Campus type Private
Color(s) Blue and white     
Nickname Falcons

Florida Air Academy (FAA) is a private co-educational boarding school founded in 1961 by Jonathan Dwight, located in Melbourne, Florida. Students in grades 6–12 are provided a college-preparatory education with a military-style structure that emphasizes leadership and accountability. There are 300 students and 35 faculty members.

History

Ernest Kouwen-Hoven built the main building in 1923 as his personal mansion. It is Mediterranean Revival architecture with Art Deco interior. He owned it for one year until selling it to an owner who turned it into the Lincoln Hotel. August J. Rimer, an original owner of the Green Bay Packers, bought it in 1957 and renamed the hotel the Belcelona.[1]

In 1961, educator Jonathan Dwight bought the building and founded the Florida Air Academy. He and his wife, Emmy, patterned the school on the United States Air Force Academy. Today the school continues to be family-run, for the past 25 years by the Dwights' children. James Dwight has been the Academy President for the past 21 years.[1]

In 2015, president James Dwight, announced that their will be a change to the school. In summer 2015, the school will change to Florida Prep, short for Florida Preparatory Academy.

Academics

The academy is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and the Florida Council of Independent Schools.

In 2012, class sizes ranged from 5 to 20 students, and averaged 13.[1] A.P. classes, Honors classes and Dual Enrollment classes are offered (Dual Enrollment at nearby Florida Tech and Brevard Community College.) A Teacher Help period occurs after school and students are encouraged to see their teachers for help with homework or other questions. A formal "Academic Assistance Program" is in place for students needing additional academic motivation and instruction.

Graduates have had a 100% acceptance by colleges since 1978.[1]

Student body

In 2012, there were 190 boarding students. Day students were admitted in the 1980s and comprised one third of the student body. About one third are international and come from 22 countries. Girls were admitted in 2005.[1]

Cadet life

Boarding students live with one or two other roommates, depending on the size of the room. All of the dorm rooms are in the process of being completely renovated. Each room has beds, desks, swivel chairs and wall lockers. Students are allowed to have a footlocker for additional storage. Boarding students arise at 7:15 a.m. They have breakfast at the dining hall until 8:00. All dormitories are inspected in the morning to ensure cleanliness. Day students must be on campus by 8:45 to attend class at 9 a.m. Students wear polo shirts and shorts or slacks four days a week and the JROTC uniform one day a week. Various opportunities occur during the school year to wear personal clothing, and students may wear their own clothing when leaving campus on the weekend for outings.

The campus consists of a landscaped 22 acres (8.9 ha) and contains the largest collection of historic buildings in Brevard County. It includes a campus store, campus snack bar, outdoor stage and gymnasium, athletic fields and tennis courts. A city golf course is located across the street and several pools are nearby. The school day is made up of seven class periods, with a five-minute passing period between classes. The last class ends at 2:45 p.m. Boarding students are given the option of going home for the weekend, and can take bus shuttles to various parts of Florida, or stay on campus. If the students stay on campus, a variety of activities are planned for the students, including trips to Orlando and Tampa theme parks, visits to the local beach, ice skating, bowling, and trips to the local movies and mall.

Recognition

Student activities

There are several school sponsored activities, clubs and organizations.

Surf Team

The FAA Surf Club travels to nearby beaches throughout the school year and summer.

Skateboarding

This club meets weekly for skateboard outings to local skate parks.

Flight Training

Designed to meet the needs of the individual, the programs teaches the basics of aviation, and responsibility and decision-making skills. Flight instructors from The Florida Institute of Technology are employed by the Academy to monitor each student's progress. Training aircraft located at Melbourne International Airport. Over 30 single and twin engine aircraft are available for training, including Piper PA-28 Cherokee Warrior, the retractable-gear Piper Cherokee Arrow, and the multi-engine Piper PA-44 Seminole.

Crew

Members enjoy Brevard County's two beautiful rivers and compete against other clubs.

Academic Team

The Academic teams competes against other high schools in a contest of academic and general knowledge.

Model Rocket Club

The AFJROTC Model Rocket Program develops skills necessary for building and launching model rockets, and furthers knowledge of aerospace and space exploration.

Notable alumni

Notes

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Ryan, MacKenzie (April 24, 2012). "Flying High – Florida Air Academy turns 50". Florida Today (Melbourne, Florida). pp. 1A, 3A.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 McCallum (December 31, 2007). Brevard's 100th state title. Florida Today.
  3. ↑ University of Kansas Jayhawks accessed April 3, 2008
  4. ↑ "Andy Gonzalez Baseball Statistics (2001-2013)". Thebaseballcube.com. 1981-12-15. Retrieved 2014-04-08.
  5. ↑
  6. ↑ "Sports | Florida Today". floridatoday.com. 2010-06-21. Retrieved 2014-04-08.
  7. ↑ Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Florida Air Academy.

Coordinates: 28°04′13″N 80°36′00″W / 28.0702941°N 80.6000533°W