Get to Know Founders

Founders Classical Academy (FCA) is a public, tuition-free, independent charter school accredited by the Texas Education Agency. We serve students in grades K–12 with a classical liberal arts and sciences curriculum. FCA is part of the Responsive Education Solutions (ResponsiveEd) network of charter schools.

Charter schools are public schools that operate under a contract or “charter” with a state-authorized agency. They are tuition-free and open to all students. Charter schools have greater flexibility in curriculum and instructional methods but must meet the same academic, financial, and operational accountability as traditional public schools. Founders Classical Academy offers a distinct classical model not commonly found in traditional ISDs.

Classical education is an approach to learning rooted in truth, beauty, and goodness, and characterized by a traditional liberal arts and sciences curriculum and pedagogy that aims to cultivate wise and virtuous citizens.

Mission: Founders Classical Academies seeks to provide an excellent and distinctively classical education that pursues knowledge, promotes virtue, and prepares students for prosperous lives in a free society.

Motto: Scientia, Virtus, et Libertas — Knowledge, Virtue, and Liberty.

FCA faculty are expected to be role models of integrity, wisdom, and dedication. Teachers must demonstrate strong content knowledge, a passion for their subject, and a commitment to the moral and academic formation of students. All teachers are either state certified or meet “highly qualified” standards under federal law.

Yes. FCA offers both Special Education and Section 504 services. We follow an inclusion model that ensures students with special needs are supported within the general education classroom to the fullest extent appropriate, with collaboration between teachers and specialists.

Yes. Teachers at FCA meet state certification requirements or are considered highly qualified through their degree and subject-matter expertise, as defined by state and federal standards.

Yes. Homework at FCA is purposeful and reinforces classroom learning. It is not busywork. Time expectations align with research-supported guidelines—approximately 10 minutes per grade level per night, plus additional reading. In grades 6–12, study halls provide time to begin or complete assignments.

Parents use the Skyward Family Portal to view grades, assignments, and attendance. For grades K–5, teachers also send home folders and updates. Parents are encouraged to check regularly and partner with teachers if a student experiences difficulty.

Discipline at FCA is rooted in the belief that students are here to grow in wisdom and virtue. Disruptive or disrespectful behavior interferes with this mission and is addressed promptly and fairly. The student handbook outlines expectations and procedures. Parents are expected to support school culture and character development at home.

Each campus offers a range of academic, artistic, and athletic activities including clubs, honor societies, drama, music, visual arts, and student council. These enrich the classical model by giving students opportunities to lead, serve, and grow.

Yes. Uniforms support a culture of order, respect, and academic focus. Students wear FCA-approved shirts with the school crest, along with navy pants or skirts. Outerwear, shoes, and other uniform details are provided in the family handbook.

Some campuses offer the FCA Extended Day Program for K–6 students, which includes supervised homework time, academic games, crafts, and outdoor play. This is a fee-based service with limited availability.

Yes. All campuses have a cafeteria that offers breakfast and lunch. Students may also bring meals from home. Microwaves are available in most locations.

No. Transportation is the responsibility of each family. FCA does not currently offer bus service.

No. To support a distraction-free, technology-limited environment, students may not use cell phones and other personal devices on campus during the school day.

Families complete an online application during open enrollment. If applications exceed available space, a lottery is held. Offers of admission are extended via email. Enrollment is not complete until all required documentation is submitted.

We do not offer placement testing for advancement. Grade placement is based on age, transcript review, and previous academic records. Kindergarten students must be 5 years old on or before September 1 of the school year.

Yes. All K–8 students have regular instruction in physical education, visual arts, and music. High school students may choose from a variety of electives in these areas.

No. The middle school curriculum is prescribed and consistent across campuses. Electives begin in 9th grade, along with honors-level courses, AP, and dual credit options.

Offerings vary by campus and year, but may include: Latin, Art, Drama, Band, Orchestra, Yearbook, and advanced electives in the humanities and sciences.

FCA offers a classical curriculum grounded in the liberal arts and sciences, with required study in Latin, philosophy, and classical literature. Technology use is limited; students read entire works, write essays, memorize and recite great speeches and poetry, and complete a senior thesis. Discipline, uniform standards, and moral formation are emphasized. All high school courses are honors-level, with AP and/or dual credit options for students seeking more advanced coursework.

Our academic calendar is similar but not identical to local ISDs. Each year’s calendar is published and distributed well in advance.

At Founders Classical Academy, we are committed to fostering a safe and respectful environment for every student. If you witness or experience bullying or harassment, please use our bullying/harassment/threat form to report it.