At First Baptist Academy, student support is more than a program; it is part of an intentional framework designed to help students EXPLORE, CREATE, CHALLENGE and LEAD. This commitment is evident in the unique experiences offered to middle school students at the start of each school year and our Warrior Crew program implemented throughout the year.

Transitioning into middle school can be intimidating, and we hope Warrior Crew and grade-specific events help students recognize that they are known, loved and invested in.

Warrior Crew, a program that groups middle schoolers from fifth through eighth grade, fosters mentoring relationships across grade levels. From team-building activities to conversations about life, school and relationships, this First Baptist Academy program allows our fifth graders to build connections with older middle schoolers. It also gives our eighth graders an opportunity to lead by example and encourage their classmates to grow as future leaders at FBA.

At the start of this school year, fifth graders participated in Warriors Rising, a fun-filled day designed to mark their transition into middle school. Students joined breakout sessions with school leaders, worked in teams to complete off-campus escape rooms and ended the day with activities back on campus.

“Our prayer is that this event will help our students to feel welcome as they enter middle school while building excitement to start a new chapter,” said Edward Soontiraratn, First Baptist Academy’s dean of middle school student support.

Another event First Baptist Academy hosts in middle school is the Eighth Grade Leadership Retreat, where our eighth graders will launch into their final year on campus.

“They will take part in outdoor activities, leadership sessions, goal setting and community time as a grade level,” Soontiraratn explained.

The retreat is designed to prepare them for their “pinnacle year at FBA,” encourage growth as student leaders and guide their transition to high school.

By investing in all our middle school students and connecting them to leadership opportunities like athletic captains, the Middle School Worship Team and Warrior Crew, First Baptist Academy provides meaningful opportunities for leadership development, community building and Christ-centered support during these formative years.

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