Foundation Academy president gives State of the Academy

Dave Buckles, president of Foundation Academy, finds himself slowing down as he walks around campus daily. 

He told Foundation Academy parents and students in his annual State of the Academy Thursday, Jan. 16, in the Mane Cafeteria/Worship Center on the Tilden Campus that he was in awe of what he saw. 

“I find myself slowing down, taking a look at all that God’s doing, marveling at just how blessed we are,” he said. “God’s word reads in Ephesians 3:20, ‘Now to him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.’ God has indeed provided all that we could ever ask or imagine because we surrender ourselves to God daily.”

Buckles reflected on the past 10 years of Foundation Academy before sharing the vision for the school’s future. 

Coming to fruition

“We have three stunning campuses, Plant Street, Tilden and Lakeside,” he said. “Here’s what’s crazy, 12 buildings with (more than) 225,000 square feet of space dedicated to the development, growth and innovative education to aid in the success of your students, as well as the families. It warms my heart.”

In 2019, the Lakeside Campus, which houses kindergarten through fifth grade, opened with only five students deemed “the Fab Five,” Buckles said. 

In 2020, construction began on the Tilden Campus. The school most recently celebrated the opening of an addition to the Tilden Campus in September 2024, to accommodate 325 students, a conference room and computer lab. 

Every step of the way, students and God were at the forefront.

“It wasn’t about the building or the amenities. It wasn’t about the additions,” Buckles said. “It was about the physical changes and additions that were meant for our students. It was unbelievable the resources and the tools that were entrusted to us by God to impact the lives of students and the families and the mission to reach a lost and dying world with the hope of Christ.”

Over the years, programming and curriculum at the school have brought new opportunities for students, including Tilden Campus’ production room, Studio 58, and Vex robotics on the Plant Street and Lakeside campuses. 

The past 10 years have included student success. Buckles said over the past 10 years, test scores have outscored the national average by 15%, the AP exam pass rate is 89%, the state and global pass rate is 60% and 65% respectively. The Class of 2024 earned $4.4 million in college scholarships. 

Focused on the future

The journey to 2030 will be focused on five key areas: spiritual development, academic excellence, safety and security, financial stability, and campus enhancements. 

Buckles said the school will dive deeper into spiritual development. 

“We’re going to inspire and teach biblical worldview, equipping students to embrace truth, identity and correct errors and follow Jesus in an abundant life to which he’s called us,” Buckles said. “Yes, we’re already doing some of that. We’re going to do more of that. We’re going to provide our administrators, teachers and staff with the tools and training to grow in their biblical worldview and leadership. … We’re teaching kids why faith in God is important and how to defend that faith once they leave here.”

For academics, Buckles said there will be an expansion of rigorous academic programs with “dynamic instruction, relevant life skills development and faith-based leadership training, creating an innovative learning environment that combines research based education with collaboration and interdisciplinary strategies.”

With that comes a new opportunity starting with the Class of 2028. Students will be able to earn a special program of distinction on their diploma in specific areas of concentration, such as business, STEM and communications. 

“We’re excited because this is a new way to prepare our students for the future and the career in higher education,” Buckles said. 

The special program of distinction will help students learn to communicate, collaborate and critically think through project based learning. 

A focus on safety and security will include strengthening campus security measures and increasing the use of technology for training and security. 

To ensure financial stability, Buckles said Foundation Academy will continue to engage in “strategic financial planning grounded in biblical stewardship and opportunities for growth” while also creating business opportunities to generate revenue. 

According to the 2030 strategic plan, campus enhancements will include creating STEAM-based learning centers on each campus, enhanced playground equipment on the Lakeside Campus and additions to West Athletic Campus on Tilden Campus. Projects for the West Athletic Campus include a track, tennis courts, bleachers, press box, concession stands, restrooms and fieldhouse. Projects are dependent on available funding. 

A 1,500-seat fine arts auditorium is planned for the Tilden Campus as well. 

“We have a clear plan moving forward fully surrendering all we are and all we do to Christ. No matter the grade or campus, we’re united by one vision from stem garden to STEM classes that ensures every student has the opportunity to succeed,” Buckles said.