fbpx
Request Info

Admiral Farragut Academy school blog covering topics such as parenting, education, boarding school challenges, and more.

Farragut Grieves Loss of Distinguished Life Trustee of the Board and former Headmaster

/in /by

It is with great sadness and immense gratitude, we regret to inform you that Mr. Richard G. Wheeler, age 94, a Life Trustee of the Board of Directors and an Honorary member of the Admiral Farragut Academy Foundation Board, passed away on November 7, 2022, surrounded by his family and loved ones.  

Lt. Col Richard G. Wheeler, U.S. Army (Ret.) had a lasting connection to Farragut dating back to 1972 when he first started as a Journalism and English teacher. He was appointed Headmaster of the southern school in 1976 and served in this role until 1987. During this time, he led the Administration of the southern campus during pivotal years following the Vietnam War which saw a decline in enrollment at military schools.

During his 35 years of service, he served as a Trustee to both boards for the North and South campuses. In 1994, he was designated as Superintendent and President of the Board of Trustees for Admiral Farragut Academy in St. Petersburg. The Board of Directors honored Mr. Wheeler with the title of Rear Admiral.  He retired as Chairman of the Board in 2007 and remained as counsel for the academy for many years. 

Prior to Farragut, he served in the Navy with distinction in World War II on the USS Chemung.  During the Korean War, he served in the Army as an artillery forward observer with the 555 FA Battalion and the 5th Regimental Combat team.  Mr. Wheeler also served in Vietnam earning the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Air Medal, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry among others.

Mr. Wheeler was instrumental in Farragut becoming coeducational to female students in 1989-1990. Then in 1998 with his encouragement, the Lower School opened and was named in honor of him and his wife.  His granddaughter Julie Neri ’12 is a Farragut teacher and attended Farragut from Kindergarten to 12th Grade.

Mr. Wheeler had many talents and also authored two books: “A Tale of Two Campuses” and a self-published biography entitled “Yes, We Wrote It Down.” He often described his life as an exceptional life loaned by God to a remarkably average person.

A celebration of Mr. Wheeler’s life will take place with full military honors at Memorial Park in St. Petersburg on Sunday, November 13 at noon. In lieu of flowers, the family has generously encouraged donations to the Admiral Farragut Academy Foundation in his honor at the following link https://farragut.org/funds/founders-fund/

We are planning on honoring Mr.  Wheeler’s important legacy to the Academy and the details will be shared soon.


Admiral Farragut Academy Prep School is pleased to name NCAA winning

/in /by

Admiral Farragut Academy Prep School is pleased to name NCAA winning, college basketball coaching legend, Paul Evans, Head Varsity Basketball Coach.

 

While coaching David Robinson of USA’s Olympic Basketball ‘Dream Team’, he turned the Naval Academy into a national powerhouse. While at Pitt, he led the team to a #2 ranking in the nation. Coach Evans has made seven NCAA tournament appearances with the University of Pittsburgh and Navy, including an Elite Eight appearance. He has had great success developing assistant coaches, including John Calapari (University of Kentucky), Todd Golden (University of Florida), and Sean Miller (University of Arizona).

Paul Evans coached college basketball for 21 seasons, building an incredible coaching success story. He accumulated 392 victories. He worked his way up from Division III St. Lawrence University in Canton, N.Y., to the sport’s top ranks. He has a history of running basketball programs in which players graduate and lead successful, productive lives.

As a college basketball coach, Evans earned the nickname “The Mad Doctor” from some of his players, not just from making players carry bricks or run arena steps wearing weighted jackets. During his first season at Pittsburgh, Evans turned off the lights in the locker room and fired a starter’s pistol loaded with blanks into the air to spur his players into getting off to a better start than usual in that night’s game against Duquesne.

Farragut Varsity Basketball is the defending district champion. The Florida High School Athletic Association’s varsity basketball season begins November 1st.

Evans, a resident of Treasure Island, joins Admiral Farragut Academy as the elite college preparatory school celebrates its 90th anniversary of developing leaders.

Steeped in history, with alumni in the White House, on the surface of the moon, and in leadership positions worldwide, Admiral Farragut Academy focuses on elite academics and outstanding personal leadership development.

Admiral Farragut Academy is a private, coed, international college preparatory school with a world-renowned boarding school program on the water in tropical St. Petersburg, Florida, close to beaches and a vibrant downtown harbor.

Hurricane Ian Update: AFA Reopening

/in /by
Dear Farragut Families,
We are very grateful for your flexibility, our staff’s dedication, and the greater community’s unwavering desire to help. Admiral Farragut Academy was very fortunate in our outcome, having only downed tree branches, and a few minor damages.
At this time we are requesting any students staying locally who are interested in helping with clean-up while earning a few community service hours to please join us tomorrow morning, Friday, September 30th, at 9:00 AM EST. Please wear closed-toe shoes and bring work gloves if you have them for handling tree branches.
Boarding students may begin returning to campus on Saturday after 5:00 PM EST. We ask that all boarding students return to campus by 7:00 PM EST on Sunday evening.
Classes will resume Monday morning.
Please be safe,
Kevin J. Lockerbie
Interim Head of School

Headmaster Blog, “Relax & Go”

/in /by

Headmaster Blog

“Relax and go!”

In 1956 my father was a world-class middle distance runner from Canada, who ran for NYU and the NYAC.  During my running days in high school and at UNC-Chapel Hill, the family cheer, “Relax and go!” would boom out of my father’s mouth as I headed down the backstretch of a track, or through the trails of a cross-country course.  As my coach, the familiar cheer was meant to encourage and instruct.

The gun has gone off, the race has begun and I trust that your child has gotten off to a good start!

As we come to the end of the second week of school, I trust that your family is beginning to find the right pace, and the right rhythm. As a former runner and coach, pacing, contact and position are critical components to the strategic and tactical elements of racing.

Let’s encourage our students to focus and set the right pace for the academic year.  This is not a sprint—it is a cross-country race, complete with hills and valleys and the need to create a manageable pace that is sustainable.  Go out too fast and you will struggle to finish.  Go out too slow and the leaders of the field may leave you in the dust—struggling to regain contact and position.  Let’s help our sons and daughters find the right pace for their varied pursuits as student-academicians, athletes, and artists.  Let’s encourage them to use their God-given gifts and talents to maximize their potential as they begin this academic year.

The gun has gone off . . . find your pace, stay in contact with others, protect your position as you strive to do your best!

“Relax and go!”

KJL

AFA The Best Private School in St. Petersburg Tampa Bay
/in /by

Admiral Farragut Academy The Best Private School in St. Petersburg Tampa Bay

A Mom’s Perspective

School envoirment

I come from a small island known for seafood- not schools.  When my son showed high test scores but boredom and bullying- I was on a mission to find the best private school in Florida.  Admiral Farragut Academy (AFA) is hands down in America!  My first grader is thriving!  Admiral Farragut Academy has exceeded my high expectations!  Our first year is coming close to completion and I am blown away with this incredible institution!

We all want the best for our children, right!  I knew my child needed to be in an environment where EVERYONE around him also wants the best for him!  I found that at AFA we are a part of something much bigger, but very intimate- The Farragut Family.  The incredible faculty is caring, knowledgeable, respectful, encouraging, supportive, and my son is developing those traits as well! As I said- HE IS THRIVING!

At his previous school- we struggled- hard.  Every. Single. Day.  Tears, tantrums, and fears faced the morning sun with my hard sighs. Those days are long gone! Let me tell you about today.  My son woke up at 5:30- on his own- I found him at the computer playing a spelling game.  We made eggs and waffles.  He showered and dressed and out the door we went.  He wanted to go early- it is FriYAY!  He has a spelling test, Spanish, Art, and today they play with the guinea pigs.  We pull up and are greeted with a good morning wave by the security guard, the  car door opened by the lower school Principal, and I receive a thumbs-up from the “Coach” as I pull away.  I left with a smile knowing my son is excited to be there!  He is safe and getting the ultimate foundation to success at Florida!.

Admiral Farragut Academy The Best Private School in St. Petersburg, Tampa Bay Farragut is the best private elementary school because I believe he is learning how to learn- and to love learning.  At seven years old he is developing skills and habits that will last the rest of his life.  The classrooms are large and well stocked, and the class sizes small.  His class has 14 students and a teacher’s helper.  They also have access to the Library, Art Room, Athletic Fields, Music Hall, and Gardens.  In a few years he will have access to all the water vessels, SCUBA gear and training, and he can graduate with his pilot’s license!  Wow!  This school and niche education in the country!!!

Students start their day addressing their Agenda- it’s a brilliant communication tool for parents and teachers as well as developing good scheduling habits and time management.  The children are given the opportunity to develop all sides of the brain with equal emphasis on creativity and logic. All children participate in daily physical activity, are required to use manners, and are provided healthy food.  This well-rounded approach is why Farragut is the best private elementary school education in America!

He has access to state-of-the-art technology.  He brings objects home he created from the 3D printer.  His art is being printed on pillows and mugs!  His class is publishing a book- yes, my 7-year-old will be a published writer!  Did I mention my little vegetarian has access to fresh fruit and vegetables every lunch at the vast salad bar?  These are just a few highlights on my extensive list of praise. This niche school is incredible!  Admiral Farragut Academy is the best private school education in Florida!  Thank you to the Farragut Family for setting my son on the proper path- as their motto goes “Success Is Never Accidental!”   I am beyond grateful!

http://www.farragit.org/admissions

The Farragut Family provides the best private school in Tampa Bay!

/in /by

The Farragut Family provides the best private school education in Tampa Bay!

best private school in Tampa Bay

Admiral Farragut Academy (AFA) provides every element of an elite private education.  Families searching for a superior level of instruction as well as an environment that encourages leadership and global awareness- AFA goes a step (or flight) above.   The best private school in Tampa Bay offers Kindergarten-12th day school and boarding for grades 8th-12th.   With 100% college acceptance, over 7 million in scholarships (Class of 2022- 62 students), a historical 40-acre campus, and incredible international faculty- students become leaders and globally aware citizens.

Tampa Bay’s best private school begins with an incredible facility.  Situated on Boca Ceiga Bay students are provided a ‘living science lab.’ Tropical Tampa Bay also offers ample opportunity to explore the gorgeous Florida ecosystem.   Fully equipped with everything nautical, students interested in SCUBA, Marine Science, Naval Science and Aviation are graduating with hours on the water, in the air, and under the sea.

AFA’s STEM curriculum offers state of the art classrooms equipped with the latest technology.  Students are given the opportunity to explore beyond the textbook with experience in fully equipped labs and instruction from teachers with highly regarded degrees. More than half the staff and the best private school in Tampa hold master’s degrees.  STEM students can be found building robots, growing vegetables and exploring the latest in technology.

Students and parents find that the international school body is an attractive aspect to AFA.  Students from over 30 countries enjoy life as a boarder at Admiral Farragut Academy and create worldly perspectives as well as global relationships that last a lifetime.

The incredible safety and security surrounding the best private school create a comfortable space for students to grow into their best selves.  With 24-hour security and a gated campus, students and parents are confident that it is a safe place to be and learn.  Small class sizes and secure facilities also provide the intimate atmosphere to allow students to grow and thrive.

The extracurricular activities available to all students at AFA have led to multiple scholarships as well as professional sports careers- you can find alumni on professional fields and elite college campuses across the country.

The gorgeous campus and incredible curriculum are two big reasons AFA is the best private school in Tampa Bay.  Also noteworthy is the encouragement and commitment to preparing students for the world outside the school environment.  At Farragut we have a saying “Success is never Accidental” If you would like your child to explore the opportunities only found at the best private school in Tampa Bay, learn more at www.Farragut.org/admissions

Tom Cruise Meets Farragut Graduate, NASA Astronaut Charlie Duke ’53

/in /by
Tom Cruise and Charlie Duke School for Astronauts

Farragut Graduate and 10th Man to Walk on the Moon, Charlie Duke with Tom Cruise

Tom Cruise met Admiral Farragut Academy graduate, retired NASA astronaut, and the 10th man to walk on the moon, Brig Gen Charlie Duke!

We’re sure “Maverick” —Tom Cruise- the Top Gun star was honored to meet the real fighter pilot and retired NASA astronaut.

Charlie Duke and Tom Cruise were the VIPs at The Royal International Air Tattoo event held in Gloucestershire, England this past weekend. The Royal International Air Tattoo event is one of the world’s largest military air shows held in support of The Royal Air Force Charitable Trust.

Admiral Farragut Academy is perhaps most notable for graduating two of the twelve men who walked on the Moon. RADM Alan Shepard USN was the first American in space and in 1971, during the Apollo 14 mission, the fifth man to walk on the Moon; Shepard graduated in 1941 from the New Jersey campus. BGEN Charles Duke, USAF, was a class of 1953 graduate of the St. Petersburg campus, and in 1972 became the 10th man to walk on the Moon during the Apollo 16 mission.

Having graduated two NASA astronauts that walked on the moon, one might assume Admiral Farragut Academy is a school for astronauts. Interested in sending your child to the best prep school in the world? Apply here.

Admiral Farragut Academy Boarding School and Prep School Graduates Earn Over $7.5 Million In Scholarships

/in , /by
Best Boarding School in the US

Best Boarding School in the US

The Admiral Farragut Academy Boarding School and Prep School Class of 2022 set a new school record, earning more than $7.5 million in scholarships to universities and colleges around the United States and globally. Once again, 100% of graduates were accepted to universities and colleges. Many of the prestigious universities and colleges the graduates decided upon can be viewed here.

AFA is privileged to have a committed university counseling staff who live on campus, allowing our students unparalleled access to college prep support, coaching, motivation, and guidance. Director of Counseling, Jeri Willar said, “We do our best to educate students on the availability of scholarships. We have created resources for them to use to research scholarship opportunities. We also continually update them on what scholarships are available as they go through the College Admissions Process. We take time to get to know each student and their talents and needs, create a strategic plan for each student and do our best to assist them. The scholarship application process is an individual process, and we do our best to assist each student in all aspects as they apply to schools.”

Having been awarded more than $7.5 million in scholarships, the AFA Class of 2022 has earned an average of $120,967 in scholarships per student. Associate Head of School, Dr. Thomas McGlinn, said, “I believe this is a record high for Farragut. It is certainly the highest amount of scholarships earned by any class in all my years working at Farragut.”

Having dedicated counseling staff who live on campus is just one more reason Admiral Farragut Academy is the best boarding school in the US. Our signature programs such as Scuba Diving, Aviation, STEM, Engineering, Marine Science, and Naval Science set us apart as the best prep school in Tampa and St. Petersburg.

Admiral Farragut Academy welcomes candidates for admission or employment, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age,
disability or genetics and does not discriminate on the basis of any category protected by law in the administration of any of its programs.
Created by energyhill 2022
“”
10
days
10
hours
10
minutes
10
seconds
The First Day of School is August 18, 2021!
Important Parent Info
10
days
10
hours
10
minutes
10
seconds
The First Day of School is August 18, 2021!
Important Parent Info