Faith Academy :: Student Life

Student Life

Uniform Policy

Faith Academy is under contract with Sunshine School Uniforms. Please visit www.sunshineuniforms.com for more information. Download the Sunshine Uniform Price List for Faith Academy.

Bookstore Apparel Price List (updated 7/12/2012)

Uniform Policy for K3 through K5

Uniform photo for K3 through K5

Girls: Girls in grades K3 – K5 have the option to wear the uniform dress, uniform pants or uniform shorts (in warmer weather). With each of these options they are to wear their white uniform socks and their black and white saddle oxford shoes or navy and white Keds saddle oxfords.

Boys: Boys in grades K3 – K5 have the option to wear the uniform pants or uniform shorts (in warmer weather) with their uniform shirt. The uniform shirt comes in three color option including: white, cardinal or the multi-colored spirit shirt. These shirts are available in short and long sleeves. Boys must wear the black uniform socks with their black uniform casual shoe (no tennis shoes). Velcro or slip-in shoes are strongly suggested.

All outerwear is sold in the Faith Academy Bookstore. Outerwear for grades K3 – 6th grade include:

Uniform outerware photo for K3 through 6th grade

Cardinal uniform jacket
Uniform sweater in grey or cardinal
Grey uniform fleece

The grey “hoodie” is no longer a part of the uniform and may not be worn to school.

Attention Parents!!!!

Before monogramming your child's outerwear, please refer to the Faith Academy Student Handbook.

Drama Program

The Faith Academy DRAMA DEPARTMENT offers several opportunities for students to demonstrate their acting talents each year. The Chapel Drama Team (grades 7-12) presents human videos, musical interpretations, dramatic monologues, and short skits for students during chapel sessions and for the general public throughout the year. Through these dramatic episodes, students are able to not only demonstrate their talents, but also to use their talents to positively influence the decisions made by their peers and others in their community. In addition to this chapel drama team, drama students perform at least three plays during the school year. The Drama Class presents a one-act play, the Jr. Drama Team (grades 7-9) presents a one-act play, and the Sr. High Drama Team (grades 10-12) performs a full-length play. Every other year, the Musical Drama Team performs a musical production. The Faith Academy Drama Department will have produced eighteen plays and two musicals by the end of the 2010-2011 school year. One of the most intense parts of the school year for the drama department is the preparation for the AISA Drama Competition. Faith Academy has participated in this competition for seven years. For the last seven years, sixteen students have been named to the All-State Drama Cast. Our students have placed in several different categories in this competition as well. They placed third in the solo division in 2007, second in the ensemble division in 2008, third in the duet division in 2010, second in the solo division in 2010, third in the musical ensemble division in 2011, and second in the ensemble division in 2011. We are working toward a first place plaque this year.

Each year, Faith Academy offers a drama class during the school day which can be taken as an art elective by students in grades 10-12. Drama I is designed to educate interested students on the different types of acting, the basics of theater history, and the logistics of play production. Drama II gives talented students an opportunity to further their knowledge in the field of acting by offering an in-depth look at the history and variety of drama and also by providing several opportunities for students to demonstrate their dramatic talents in a variety of styles and for diverse audiences. Students in both drama classes complete a written and a performance assessment for each chapter, and they plan and produce a one-act play of their choice for their peers. Students in drama classes also learn short religious skits and human videos to perform for children in lower levels at Faith Academy. This “Giving Back Project,” as it has been called, provides our high school students the opportunity to “give back” to younger students what they have learned about Christian morals, values, and attributes all while having fun and being good role models for them.

Community Service Project

2010-2011

On May 10, 2011 the Chapel Drama Team traveled to the Waterfront Rescue Mission on State St. in Mobile, AL for a special performance and face-to-face donation delivery. We brought 8 students, and they performed two short religious skits and a human video for the men at the mission on a Tuesday evening service. My pastor, Bro. John Canning, graciously agreed to allow us to use his time-slot to present our short performances.

Though there were only 8 students who went to the mission, there were several others who donated money or items to go towards this worthy cause. Overall, there were approx. 20 men’s belts, 2 large bags of men’s clothes, 5 bottles/boxes of laundry detergent, 2 bars of soap, miscellaneous toiletry items (lotion, toothpaste, mouthwash, toothbrush, shampoo, etc.), canned goods, and a check for $150 (raised/donated by our students) that was donated. Praise God! This was an amazing opportunity for our young people to really see "face-to-face" the great need there is in our community. There is nothing more eye-opening for a teenager than to look into the eyes of a person that he/she has helped directly. It is one thing to ask a child to give to a "worthy cause," and it is something else to show them the "worthy cause" to which they will be contributing. To God be the glory!

FAITH ACADEMY BAND PROGRAM

“Faith Academy’s Premier Music Ensemble”

The Faith Academy Band program began in the fall of 1997. The Faith Academy Band program has been under the musical direction of Mr. David Pryor since 1997. The band program has received many honors in the history of existence. Those honors include:

places one of the highest number in district vii in the ABA all-state bands each year
the band has been awarded at the AISA state band festival 40 superior ratings.
first ensemble to perform for the Alabama independent school association teacher conference in October 2003
ABA state solo & ensemble medals – band members have won over 1,500 medals in eleven years of participation.
qualifies two superior rated bands each year for the aba state band festival. Has continued to receive top honors at the state festival performed at the Loyola university invitational band festival in 2002, 2008 and 2012. The only band invited from Alabama all three years performed at AMEA state conference in 2005 at the University of Alabama. The first private school band to ever be invited to perform for the entire state music educators (public & private)
symphonic band performed, by invitation of senator Jeff Session, in concert at the upper senate park in April 2006 in Washington D.C. the band also performed in concert at the Lincoln memorial in April 2010.
awarded first place & grand champion trophies at national music festivals in 1999, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2009 and 2011.
invited & performed at the national invitational band & orchestra festival in New York at “Carnegie hall” in April 2006 and April 2010. One of only sixteen ensembles performing at the invitational festival
the symphonic band was invited and performed at the “circle of honor” invitational band and orchestra festival in Chicago, ill. In April 2008. The faith academy symphonic band performed in Chicago symphony hall. The band was one of only eight ensembles invited to perform and participate at the festival. It is also the first band program in Alabama to have performed in Chicago symphony hall.
the symphonic band is the premier performing ensemble at faith academy. It has been invited to perform all across the United States and all of Europe.
the symphonic band was invited and performed at the “big d” invitational music festival in Dallas, Texas in April 2009. The band performed in the historic majestic theater in Dallas. The symphonic band was awarded the top outstanding performance trophy at the festival.
in April 2011 the faith academy concert band i., jazz band ii. And concert percussion ensemble performed for the first time at the New Orleans heritage music festival. All three ensembles were awarded superior ratings at the national festival. This was the first time a middle school ensemble from faith academy competed at a national music festival.
the symphonic band performed at the 2011 association of Christian schools international convention this coming January 2011 in Birmingham, AL. This is the first invitation given to a high school ensemble to perform for the thousands of Christian educators.
the symphonic band was invited and performed at the “Bluebonnett invitational music festival” in san Antonio, TX. May 2011.the band was awarded the “best in class” trophy at the festival.
the symphonic band is the premier performing ensemble at faith academy. It is the most awarded musical ensemble at faith academy.
symphonic band has traveled to Georgia, Louisiana, Florida, Virginia, Massachusetts, Missouri, Washington D.C., New York, Illinois, Texas & all parts of the state of Alabama. The band will be traveling to Nashville, Tenn. in the spring of 2012.

Mr. David Pryor

Director of Instrumental Music – Music Department Chairman

Mr. Pryor has been teaching for 23 years. He has been at Faith Academy for the last fifteen. He has taught in Louisiana, Missouri and Alabama. Mr. Pryor is a graduate of Loyola University in New Orleans, La. He studied conducting under Dr. Lacey Powell, Dr. Joseph Hebert and the late Dr. Joe Barry Mullins. Mr. Pryor is actively involved in his parish church. He is the Vice Chairman of St. Mary’s Catholic Parish Council. He is also head of Religious Education for the Parish. Mr. Pryor is a member of the Mobile Singing Children staff. He teaches music theory. Mr. Pryor is a member of ABA, AMEA, MENC, NBA and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. He was awarded the “Citation of Honor” in 2005 from the NBA. He was also awarded Faith Academy “Teacher of the Year” in 1998. Mr. Pryor also was Band Chairman for the AISA Band Directors Association from 1998-2007. Under his direction, the Faith Academy Band hosted the State Band Festival for nine years. Mr. Pryor is happily married to Caroline Pryor and they have one daughter Virginia who attends Faith Academy.

Faith Academy Instrumental Program

The instrumental program offers ten major performing ensembles:

ELEMENTARY BEGINNER BAND
CONCERT BAND II. (GRADES 6-12)
CONCERT BAND I. (GRADES 7-12)
SYMPHONIC BAND (GRADES 9-12)
JAZZ BAND II. (JR. HIGH LEVEL)
JAZZ BAND I. (SR. HIGH LEVEL)
CONCERT PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE
SYMPHONIC PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE (TOP PERCUSSIONIST)
HONOR STRING ENSEMBLE
“RAM CORPS” (DRUM & BRASS ENSEMBLE)

As part of the band program Faith Academy offers a string program for grades 5 – 12. The honor string ensemble is a full time string ensemble offered to the top string players in the instrumental program. The band program also offers many small woodwind, brass and percussion ensembles, which are offered at the different grade levels. Many of these ensembles compete yearly at the ABA State Solo & Ensemble Festival. The jazz and percussion ensembles also compete at state and national music festivals.

Choral Music

“One of the finest in the nation!”

The Faith Academy Choral Program has been under the direction of Mrs. Michelle McCormick for the past 11 years. This program offers 8 different types of ensembles: ELEMENTARY CHOIR (grades 5-6), JUNIOR CHOIR (grades 7-9), SENIOR CHOIR (grades 9-12), CHAMBER SINGERS (auditioned choir grades 9-12), WOMEN’S CHOIR (grades 8-12), MEN’S CHOIR (grades 8-12), CHAMBER ENSEMBLE (taken out of the Chamber Choir), and the JOY-FULL ENSEMBLE (grades 7-8). Some of the program’s community projects have include: performing with Musica Sacre and the Mobile Symphony, performing at Christmas at Bellingrath Gardens, the Lighting of the Trees, Christmas at Oakleigh, WKRG’s television broadcast, the dedication of the new Museum of Mobile, raised and donated money for the Child Advocacy Center for abused children by producing /performing a Madrigal Dinner Theatre, and have been used as a demonstration choir for various high schools and universities.

These prestigious ensembles have also won many honors/awards over the past 11 years:

Has continually increased the number of students to the Alabama Vocal Association (AVA) All-State choirs per year so much so, that in 2011, FIFTY-ONE students made All-State
The choirs have been awarded a superior rating for each choir that has attended the AISA State Choral Festival for the past 11 years ( this includes the Elementary Choir)
First choir to perform at the AISA 2003 teacher conference
This program sends a minimum of four ensembles ( 16 person per ensemble limit) and many soloists to the AVA State Solo and Ensemble contest each year—putting the number our superior ratings higher than any other choir program in this area
For the past 4 years has had students male and female to win the AVA Outstanding Choral Student Competition for district vii.
Qualifies 4 superior rated choirs each year to the AVA State Choral Festival—with sight reading being part of their score
Participates in the AMEA Honor Choirs
Selected as the most outstanding overall choir in the following Invitaional National Festivals : Orlando (2002,2004), Atlanta (2003, 2007), St. Louis (2005), New York (2006), Dallas (2009).
Senior Choir and Chambers were the ONLY choirs selected, out of other choirs in the U.S., by audition to perform and “open” for the Allentown Orchestra Concert at the Kennedy Center of Performing Arts in Washington D.C in April of 2010.
In April of 2011, the top level groups got 3 invitations to perform at Carnegie Hall under Mrs. McCormick’s direction.

Some of the International recognition include letters of invitation to the following places:
The Fifth Annual Prague Advent Festival (2003), the Gloucester England Choir Festival (2004), the Oberammergau Festival in Germany (2008), and Italy’s International Music (2009).

One of the major events that will take place in the fall of 2011 will be Faith Academy’s Fourth BOAR’S HEAD FESTIVAL. This is a festival that Mrs.McCormick revived in the city of Mobile in 2005. It was started in the city at the University of Mobile in 1975 by Dr. Kenneth Bergdolt. Mrs. McCormick was very fortunate to have studied under Dr. Bergdolt ( who by the way performed under the late Leonard Bernstein at Westminster ) to be able to bring this wonderful tradition back after a long absence.

Michelle McCormick is in her 22st year of teaching. She is a graduate of Mobile College ( now University of Mobile). She created a music curriculum and served 10 years as music instructor at Government Street Christian School for grades K-8. She has been serving as choral director and foreign language instructor at Faith Academy for grades 5-12 for the past 12 years. Mrs. McCormick has served as the State Chairperson of Choral Activities for the Alabama Independent Schools and the District Chairperson for District VII for the Alabama Vocal Association. She is currently a member of the ACDA, AMEA, AVA, and the MENC. She has also been very involved in supporting the arts for her community. She was the first director in the area to bring back the traditional Boar’s Head Festival to the city of Mobile after a long absence. She has been a soloist for many projects ranging from opera chorus to solos for the Tibbet Music Festival in New York. She has directed summer camps at different universities, helped the University of West Florida begin their Jazz program, and is a sought out adjudicator for music competitions. She resides in Mobile with her husband Macon and her two children Hannah and Ellie.

School Hours

Regular School Hours
Kindergarten Hours
7:50 am - 3:00 pm

Elementary School Hours
7:50 am - 3:00 pm

High School Hours
7:50 am - 3:10 pm

Parent Pick Up Times
Kindergarten Pick-Up Time 2:45 pm
1st and 2nd Grades Pick-Up Time 3:00 pm
3rd and 4th Grades Pick-Up Time 3:00
5th and 6th Grades Pick-Up Time 3:00 pm
Grades 7-12 Pick-Up Time 3:10 pm

7:15–7:45	Help Class (Tuesday–Friday)
7:45	Warning Bell
7:50–8:00	Section
8:05–9:00	First Period
9:05–9:55	Second Period
10:00–10:50	Third Period
10:55–11:45	Fourth Period
11:50–1:15	Fifth Period/Lunch
1:20–2:10	Sixth Period
2:15–3:10	Seventh Period
3:15–3:45	Help Classes

Student Life

Uniform Policy

Student Government Association

Clubs offered at Faith Academy