Our Story

In the Fall of 2018 Gold Star Private Academy opened it's doors as the first private school in Bristol, Florida available to students of all abilities.  The story behind the name Gold Star Private Academy is rooted in our family history.  Our Uncle Dewey T. Wood was killed in Action, August 9, 1944 at Near St. Lo, France during World War II.  Our mother, the late ​Joyce G. (Wood) Fairchild, often told us stories about her older bother carrying her to school when she was little.  She also recounted the day her brother Dewey left for the war.  She told us that she knew then in her heart that it would be the last time she saw him.  Families that have lost members in war are referred to as Gold Star Families.  In honor of our Uncle Dewey and our mother Joyce G. Fairchild, an educator of 40+ years, we chose the name Gold Star Private Academy as a reminder that this family gave all through the life and service of Dewey T. Wood. 

Janna Fairchld Hill and Johnette Fairchild Wahlquist are the daughters of the late Joyce G. Fairchild, a former educator of more than 40 years, and Co-Founders of Gold Star Private Academy. 

We're the team behind the dream. We make things happen.

Founders & Administration

Instructors