Business Details
18 Years
experience
Trusted Private School in Fayetteville, NC
First Impressions Academy is a small, unique private school in Fayetteville, NC, dedicated to providing children with a high-quality education from preschool through middle school. Our small class sizes ensure individual attention, fostering academic success through personalized learning approaches. Our faculty consists of highly qualified educators with degrees in their respective fields, reflecting our commitment to educational excellence. We emphasize both academic and social development through diverse clubs, activities, and summer camps, preparing students to become responsible citizens. Our school cultivates a nurturing environment where students feel valued as part of our extended family.We offer differentiated education to accommodate individual learning speeds, ensuring each child develops a lifelong love of learning. Parents are encouraged to actively participate in their children's education, strengthening the home-school connection. We accept the Opportunity Scholarship & ESA+ program, supporting qualifying students in their private education journey. Our mission is to create a foundation for future success through academic rigor and character development. With over 15 years of service, we remain committed to evolving with our students' needs while maintaining our core values.
Services
Preschool
Kindergarten
STEM Middle School
Summer Camps
Clubs
Details
- Year established: 2008
Highlights and features
- We maintain small class sizes for personalized student attention.
- Our faculty holds degrees in childhood education and specialized fields.
- STEM-focused middle school curriculum prepares students for future challenges.
- Summer camps and clubs promote year-round learning and social engagement.
- We accept NCSEAA Opportunity Scholarships to support qualifying families.
Services
Preschool
Our preschool program provides foundational education for young learners through structured play and academic preparation. Certified teachers use developmentally appropriate methods to foster cognitive, social, and emotional growth. Small class sizes ensure individualized attention and early identification of learning styles.
STEM Middle School
Our STEM-focused middle school curriculum integrates science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through hands-on learning experiences. Qualified instructors emphasize critical thinking and problem-solving skills while maintaining state educational standards. The program prepares students for high school-level coursework and future STEM careers.
Summer Camps
Summer camps offer educational enrichment and recreational activities for students entering kindergarten through 6th grade. Themed programs combine learning with social development in a safe, supervised environment. Activities include academic reinforcement, arts, sports, and STEM exploration to prevent summer learning loss.
Clubs
After-school clubs provide opportunities for students to explore interests in arts, music, sports, and academic subjects. These programs encourage teamwork, leadership development, and skill mastery outside regular classroom hours. Activities are led by qualified instructors and community partners.
Individualized Learning
Differentiated instruction adapts to each student's learning pace and style through customized lesson plans. Teachers employ varied teaching methods and assessment tools to address diverse educational needs. This approach ensures academic challenges match individual student capabilities while maintaining curriculum standards.
People
Christy Pettit
Director/Founder
Christy Pettit founded First Impressions Academy in 2008 after teaching in three states. She transformed her home garage into a preschool, expanding annually to include grades through 8th. Her vision created a school emphasizing core educational values and personalized learning.
Teresa Clayton
Assistant Director
Teresa Clayton joined First Impressions Academy in 2008 as a parent and became assistant director in 2011. With military family experience, she maintains a safe, loving learning environment. She manages school operations while advocating for educational excellence through parental involvement.
Justin Hubbard
Music Teacher
Justin Hubbard teaches music at First Impressions Academy and directs church choirs. He holds a music degree with jazz studies from UNC Pembroke. His instruction includes guitar, bass, piano, mandolin, and ukulele, fostering lifelong musical appreciation among students.
Sherry Young
Art Teacher
Sherry Young brings art education expertise with a bachelor's degree in Art from UNC Pembroke. Her curriculum focuses on creative expression through elements of art and design principles. She emphasizes whole learning and personal development through visual arts instruction.
Kate Meador
P.E. Coach
Kate Meador has coached at First Impressions Academy since 2015. A former collegiate basketball player, she combines athletic experience with CrossFit L1 certification. Her physical education program promotes fitness, sportsmanship, and healthy lifestyle habits for students of all ages.
Questions
What grade levels does First Impressions Academy offer?
We provide education from preschool through 8th grade, including a STEM-focused middle school program for grades 6-8.
Are summer programs available for students?
Yes, we offer summer camps for students entering kindergarten through 6th grade with educational and recreational activities.
Does the school accept scholarship programs?
We accept the NCSEAA Opportunity Scholarship & ESA+ program for qualifying students pursuing private education.
How does the admissions process work?
Parents can complete registration forms available on our website and submit them via email or in-person at our front office.
What makes your school unique?
Our small class sizes, individualized learning approach, and dedicated faculty create personalized educational experiences for each student.
Are extracurricular activities offered?
Yes, we provide after-school clubs and programs focusing on arts, sports, and academic enrichment opportunities.