FAQ

Choosing a school for your child is one of the most important decisions you will make in life, so naturally, you may have many questions. Below is a list of frequently asked questions related to admissions and our program offerings at Admiral Farragut Academy.

General FAQs

Admiral Farragut Academy’s Director of Counseling and College Placement guides and supports each student through academic preparation and the college selection, application, admissions, and results processes, all of which belong to the student. With over a 100% college acceptance rate every year, our students are accepted to top colleges and universities.

Admiral Farragut Academy’s Director of Counseling and College Placement guides and supports each student through academic preparation and the college selection, application, admissions, and results processes, all of which belong to the student. With over a 100% college acceptance rate every year, our students are accepted to top colleges and universities.

Anyone working directly with the students at Farragut is vetted with a fingerprint, background, and reference check. Background checks are also conducted on other personnel including substitute teachers, tutors, coaches, volunteers, and contractors in direct contact with students, including but not limited to a criminal background check and drug testing.) Read our background check policy at Admiral Farragut Academy.

We have security staff on campus at all times – during the early mornings before school begins and after the school day ends at night.

Farragut is a gated property located in a nice, family-oriented neighborhood near many parks and some restaurants. All gates are closed and secured nightly.

Farragut’s teacher/student ratio is typically 17 students to 1 teacher.

Our school averages 60 males to 40 females in grades PreK-12.

The academic school year runs approximately 9 months from August until May.

Admiral Farragut Academy offers rolling admission. This term indicates a long time range (sometimes open-ended) during which students may apply to a school. The Admissions Office evaluates applications and responds as applications are received.

Lower School Hours
Office: 7:30 AM – 4:00 p.m.
Class: 8:00 AM – 3:00 p.m.

Upper School Hours
Office: 7:30 AM – 4:00 p.m.
Class: 8:00 AM – 3:05 p.m.

Lunch is provided for all students, except for early dismissal days.

Yes, Farragut accepts girls and has been a co-ed school since the 1989-1990 school year.

Farragut offers a moderate level of discipline and structure on campus and within the classroom. We do not adhere to rigidity and rules. We have created an independent college prep environment and we do expect our students to conduct themselves in a courteous and respectful manner.

Farragut is located on the west coast of Florida, in the sunny city of St. Petersburg. The nearest International Airport is Tampa International Airport located about 30 minutes from campus. The school is on the waters of beautiful Boca Ciega Bay near Treasure Island offering students easy access to water activities and the beach. Learn more about Admiral Farragut Academy’s campus.

SAGE Dining Services provides our catering.

Three hot meals are served daily to our boarding cadets while the lunch meal is available for our day students.  The menu consists of a well-balanced hot buffet, salad bar, deli bar, fruit, and beverages. We often serve themed and international meals. All meals made from fresh ingredients and are free of trans fat.

Yes. Lower School students wear Travel Gear. Upper School students wear the Naval Service Uniform. Learn more or schedule your uniform fitting.

No. All boarding students are required to be out of their dorm rooms and participating in a physical activity from 4-5 p.m. each day after school. This doesn’t have to be a traditional sport and may be bike riding, playing basketball at the outside court, playing catch, volleyball at the sand court, jogging, lifting weights or doing cardio in the weight room, yoga, etc.

Admissions FAQs

First, we look for academic achievement and promise, as shown by a student’s transcripts, test scores, evaluations, teacher recommendations, and a personal interview. We pay close attention to personal qualities like motivation, character, and a variety of extracurricular interests. Most importantly, we look for students who recognize Admiral Farragut Academy as an opportunity for academic and personal growth and who indicate an eagerness to fully engage in the Farragut community and culture.  We cannot accept any students with behavior or discipline issues.

With 92% percent of Admiral Farragut Academy families returning each year, small classrooms, and 17:1 student-teacher average ratios, open seats are limited. Farragut does make use of a waitlist and it changes from year to year. Contact our Admissions Office to see which grades still have availability.

We cannot accept students with any behavior issues.

Admiral Farragut Academy (AFA) is committed to meeting the academic and social/emotional needs of all of our students. This includes creating an inclusive, safe, and welcoming campus for all members of our community across all genders and sexual diversities. 

Title IX is a federal law that makes sex discrimination illegal in most schools. Most courts that have looked at the issue have said that this includes discrimination against someone because they are transgender or because they don’t meet gender-related stereotypes or expectations. Several other federal and state laws also protect transgender students. 

Based on the guidelines in Title IX, you have the right to:

  • be treated according to your gender identity.
  • be called by the name and pronouns that match your gender identity.
  • not be bullied or harassed because you are transgender or gender non-conforming.
  • use restrooms and locker rooms that match your gender identity, and you can’t be forced to use separate facilities.
  • get the same opportunities to learn and participate in school life as anyone else, no matter your gender, including your gender identity or expression, or your race, nationality, or disability. 
  • dress and present yourself according to your gender identity in accordance with school uniform policies.

A student does not need a medical or mental health diagnosis for AFA to recognize and respect their gender identity.

Students wishing to board in our dormitory, may, at their request, live in wings designated for their preferred gender. Students may request a roommate, however, the roommate and parents of that roommate must consent to the rooming assignment. If both parties agree to the assignment, a confidentiality agreement may be requested. 

Dorm assignments for transgender students are guided by the following values:

  • Respect for and affirmation of the student’s gender identity and/or expression
  • Prioritized attention to the student’s physical safety and emotional health
  • Enhancing the student’s opportunity for success by finding the best match between the student’s needs and the options available.

Information regarding the student’s gender identity will be shared with those who need to know to ensure the safety and well-being of the student. Those individuals will be bound by the confidentiality of FERPA and breach of this confidentiality may be cause for dismissal.

Our goal is to accept students who we feel will have the best opportunity for success. We ask that parents/guardians give us as much information as possible so that we can feel confident that we can meet their child’s needs.

No.

No, we apologize, but our school does not give out academic, sports, military, or single parent household scholarships. We do accept funds from Step Up for Students and the McKay. However, neither of these scholarships provide a substantial discount on tuition.

Yes. All students applying for admission to Farragut must complete an online application with a non-refundable fee of $100.

No. Financial aid is discussed after acceptance, contract, and the deposit is paid. Domestic or U.S. tax paying citizens can apply for financial aid online through SSS (School and Student Services) by NAIS. If the family qualifies, financial aid can sometimes cover up to 20-25% of tuition costs at Farragut.  Financial aid is available for domestic students at the beginning of each school year on a first come, first serve basis.  There is no financial aid for mid-year transfers or second semester enrollment.

13 years old in Grade 8 or 9. This is also when the military component of the school is incorporated.  There is no military school structure prior to Grade 8.

Admiral Farragut Academy invites students to submit their applications at any time throughout the year. We offer two traditional start times in late August and the beginning of January.
Every year there is a priority deadline for new and returning students. The application or re-enrollment deadline is typically mid-March. Applications received after that deadline will be considered on a rolling basis as spaces become available.

Submit an enrollment contract with deposit as the next step.

After the enrollment contract has been signed and the deposit has been paid.

  • The new family must mention the referral person during initial contact
  • The new student must complete two consecutive semesters and their tuition must be paid in full
  • The referring family will receive the credit towards tuition after the year is complete (unless it is a graduating senior)
  • If several families refer a new family, the referral fee will be split by the number of families
  • Referral fee applies to current families only (not alumni)
  • Families will receive a 1099 form
  • Employees are not eligible for this program
  • $1000 will be awarded for boarding students
  • $500 will be awarded for day students
  • This amount is per family NOT per student
  • If the family that made the referral is expelled or owes tuition they will not receive the referral fee

Lower School FAQs

Not anymore.

Starting the 2021-2022 school year, Admiral Farragut Academy no longer offers prekindergarten. This decision was made due to low enrollment and competition with the free, state-funded Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) program. Farragut continues to offer a strong private school education to students in grades K-12.

K, 1, and 2 are self-contained for all core curriculum with separate teachers for Art, Music, Spanish, P.E., and STEM. Grades 3 and 4 share one teacher in Language Arts/Social Studies and one in Math/Science and change classrooms/teachers halfway through the day. They also rotate to all their other classes of Music, Spanish, P.E., and Art.  Grades 5, 6, and 7 change classes and have six periods per day plus lunch and recess, and music/art per semester.

No, Lower School students wear what is known to the Upper School as travel gear. It is the Admiral Farragut Academy polo with khaki shorts, pants, or skort.

For 6th and 7th grade students, there is a $250 curriculum fee. For all other grades, it is part of tuition.

Yes, everyone gets a 30-minute recess.

Grades 5, 6, and 7 function like a Middle School with six classes a day, lunch, and recess.

Students in 7th grade have a prospective “8th-grade day” in which they hear from the Head and Asst. Head of Upper School, the Commandant, Naval Science staff, Counselor, and former Lower School students about life in the Upper School.

Students begin STEM/Engineering in Kindergarten and take it every year through 7th grade.  Marine Science is available beginning in 5th grade.  Students also take Spanish, Art, and Music during PreK-7the grade.

Through their classrooms, clubs such as Student Government, and groups like the Safety Patrol are just a few ways students are introduced to leadership.

In some circumstances, yes, but not all.

Upper School FAQs

Yes, on average 25. See the Academic Profile for most recent courses offered.

Yes, on average 2-3. See the Academic Profile for most recent courses offered.

Yes, on average 10. See the Academic Profile for most recent courses offered.

We don’t offer the International Baccalaureate® (IB) program, but we do offer AP Capstone as a complement to our AP offerings. AP Capstone is quite similar to IB, though it’s more flexible for our students and their academic interests.

NJROTC stands for Naval Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps. Because we are a Naval Honor School, all our Upper School students in 8th-12th grade participate in this program through integrated class curriculum like Naval Science, Physical Training, and Sailing classes. Learn more!

 

A cadet is a junior or trainee officer in the military and we use that term as a designation for our Upper School students.


Boarding School

A student may become a boarding student at 13 years old or if they are entering grade 8 and above. This is also when the military component of the school is incorporated.  There is no boarding or military school structure prior to grade 8 (grades PreK-7).

Dormitories have security alarmed doors, which also separate the male and female dorms. There are up to 10 adults on duty at all times which include full-time, live-in-dorms Residential Life who are supported nightly and on the weekends by faculty and other staff.



Our Commitment to Inclusivity

Admiral Farragut Academy admits students of any race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national and ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to our students. We do not discriminate when hiring employees or in our educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship or loan programs, and athletic or other school-administered programs. It is our policy to also ensure that all services, facilities, privileges, advantages, and accommodations be offered to and accessible in a meaningful manner for qualified persons with disabilities, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and state law.

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