Tuscaloosa Academy

Our faculty and staff are hard at work getting everything ready for our Knights!

Classrooms are being organized, bulletin boards are going up, supplies are being unpacked, and hearts are prepared for the start of a new school year. Every detail matters and every moment matters.

We can’t wait to fill these halls with our students again! It will certainly be a magical year 🏰

From 1971 to today, one thing hasn’t changed: the heart of Tuscaloosa Academy.

As we wrap up our final post of the summer, we’re looking back at the front entrance that has welcomed generations of students, families, faculty, and alumni. While the campus has grown and evolved over the years, our commitment to academic excellence, strong character, and lasting community continues to stand the test of time.

Here’s to honoring our history as we look ahead to another incredible school year. 💙💛

Yesterday, students from local schools attended the Nick’s Kids Giveaway Luncheon representing the Chrysalis Center.

The Chrysalis Center is a local organization dedicated to providing parents, students, and community partners with the resources and support needed to address dyslexia across a variety of educational settings. One of the Center’s most recent initiatives has been working to establish permanent dyslexia intervention services in every private school in Tuscaloosa.

With the addition of Mrs. Shonda Guthrie, Tuscaloosa Academy has made a lasting commitment to providing specialized dyslexia intervention services for its students. The dyslexia interventionists serving Tuscaloosa Academy and the other participating private schools have received training and ongoing support through the Chrysalis Center, helping ensure students with dyslexia have access to the tools they need to succeed.

📋 Goat Progress Report

Assignment: Clear kudzu, vines, briars, and other overgrown vegetation.

REPORT: ✔️ Hard at work!

This four-legged facilities crew has been busy helping us naturally clear overgrown areas around campus. Goats are an environmentally friendly alternative and they can easily navigate steep slopes and hard-to-reach places.

Fun Fact: An adult goat can eat up to 10–20% of its body weight in vegetation each day!!

👀 Goat Spotting Challenge

As you're around campus this week, keep an eye out and count how many goats you can spot.

💬 Drop your best guess in the comments! We'll reveal the answer soon!

One year after graduation, Annmarie Henderson ('25) is already making an impact.

Following an outstanding first year at Furman University, Annmarie was selected for unique summer opportunities that combined classroom learning with real-world application. She participated in Furman's "Math and Mouse" program at Disney World, where students tackled engineering and data analysis challenges inspired by real Disney operations. She also conducted laboratory research investigating advanced materials used to capture and release volatile organic compounds, gaining hands-on experience with scientific research techniques.

We love seeing our alumni continue to pursue excellence and represent Tuscaloosa Academy with excellence wherever they go. Congratulations, Annmarie!

Today, we celebrate an incredible milestone as Kim Ouderkirk marks 40 years at Tuscaloosa Academy.

Over the past four decades, she has taught both math and science, inspiring generations of TA students with her passion for learning, high expectations, and unwavering dedication. Today, she continues to make a lasting impact as a beloved middle school science teacher.

Mrs. Ouderkirk's influence extends far beyond the classroom. TA alumni fondly remember being her students, current students love being in her class, and her colleagues admire the example she sets each day.

Thank you, Mrs. Ouderkirk, for 40 years of investing in our students, our school, and our community. Your legacy is one of excellence, service, and lives well shaped. Congratulations on this remarkable achievement!

If you had told us this photo would be 20 years old today, we never would have believed you. Time really does fly.

Here's to the memories that still make us laugh and the classmates who helped make them. Drop a name, a memory, or tag someone you shared these days with. 💙

They may already have official names, but we're pretty sure they won't mind a few affectionate names from their TA family while they're here. 🐐

So, TA Family, what should we call our newest Facilities Team members for the next week or so?

Drop your funniest, cleverest, or most TA-inspired goat names in the comments. We can't wait to see what you come up with!