The Douglass Family

I (Cullen) attended FRA from second grade through high school, and during that time, I was not considered a great athlete or scholar. But, I have super memories of experiences with my teachers and classmates, and FRA gave me a platform to succeed in life, regardless of where I was going or what I was doing. I felt loved, respected, and ready for the next chapter in my life.

When we began the process of looking at schools for our two boys, Currey and Harrison, we gave them plenty of options. It may have seemed an obvious choice with an alumnus as a father, but we strongly believed the boys should have input on where they felt most drawn, so they could feel they had the best chances to thrive and succeed, have fun, and make memories. We were even prepared to be at different schools if that seemed what was best for each child. As a decision process carried out, each family member continued to be drawn to FRA because it was clear that it would provide two very different children all the varied opportunities and experiences we all hoped for their unique wants and needs. Time and time again, we are affirmed of the decision to become part of the FRA community.

Our boys entered in the fifth grade, and they were immediately welcomed and quickly found a comfortable place that made their entry into middle school as easy as any parent could hope. Despite being twins, they each have been appreciated for their own unique abilities and talents. And each one continues to find his own personal ways to connect and participate. Both have many friends in their own grade as well as other grades, which really emphasizes the culture of community and support. Being involved in different areas of school life has also given the boys the opportunity to get to know coaches, and faculty members who have encouraged them, challenged them, cheered for them, and prayed for them. We witness regular interactions with adults that are always sincere and genuine, and supportive, not only with our boys, but with our entire family. And that tells us that FRA isn't putting all kids into the same square peg or round hole, they are doing what each kid needs just like a parent.

We are particularly excited to be part of the FRA community right now. In just a few years, we’ve seen so much growth not only with a campus expansion and renovations, but with the general attitude and feeling among faculty and students that is a unified, positive one. A true sense of culture is becoming more clearly defined, and we are excited to get to be part of it, or course, and that our sons and all students reap the benefits. In the future, we would love to see this upward trajectory continue to reach out even further to the greater community beyond the campus fundraisers.

Giving in general is a priority in our family, and it has been so even before we had children. We believe that giving back to God is a direct response to the grace and blessing we receive daily. We strive to be good stewards of our time and talents in addition to any financial gifts we can return to those around us.

We invest in our church and our community, and our biggest investment is in our children and human capital, and that's why we invest at Franklin Road Academy. We are grateful that FRA provides opportunities for students to experience the value of giving back with awareness, education, volunteer opportunities, and the overall culture of caring for others the way God cares for us.

Our hope is that FRA continues to be a Christian-based place that focuses on giving kids a foundation to go forward for the rest of their lives. There is not a more important investment than our children. We spend all this time and energy in helping put them on a platform to live life, and FRA is such an important and unique place in creating that life for them. That is why we continue to support and invest in FRA.