Matthew Kendrick, Headmaster
Welcome to First Baptist Academy…home of the Lions.
We are so excited to launch our new school in the fall of August 2024. Dr. Paul Spargo, Dr. Kate Simmons, our board of directors, and myself have been working very hard to get to where we are now. It is our pleasure to open registration in March of 2024. It is our goal to provide a quality, Christ-centered education that focuses on traditional phonics and mathematics instruction.
Education has always been a passion in my family. My parents always worked hard to make sure my brother and I went to college. My dad grew up as a farmer and my mom was a military brat. My brother and I had similar paths, including coaching, teaching, and school administration.
I am an educator with 28 years of experience, teaching in private and public schools. I began my journey as a teacher and coach at Chambers Academy in Lafayette, AL, and then transitioned into public school. I taught in Randolph, Lee, and Opelika City Schools. I served as an administrator in Lee County and Opelika City Schools for 13 years. I retired from Alabama public schools in 2022 and joined the teaching faculty at Lee-Scott Academy until accepting the role as headmaster of FBA.
Prior to my teaching career, I attended Auburn University where I earned a BS in Education and Troy University where I earned a Masters in Educational Leadership.
I am also a long time member of FBCO. My wife and I attended as a young couple, and were later married at FBCO. We attended Young Married Couples Sunday School classes. We joined the FBCO Adult Choir under John Leland. We continued singing in the choir under Ed Keyes. I was a part of the praise team “Highest Praise” under the leadership of Mrs. Jane Leland. My wife and I have served in Sunday school leadership in Kindergarten, 4th grade, 5th grade, 8th grade, and 10th grade. I currently serve in a hospitality role with the student ministry on Sunday mornings. I have served as an ordained deacon since 2003. I have served as a deacon in the roles of Secretary and Co-Chair of Deacons.
As an invested member of FBCO, I am excited to begin this journey with First Baptist Academy. Go Lions!