When can my family visit Stratford Academy?

We would love to have you visit while school is in session so you can experience Stratford “in action” through a campus tour or a shadow day; however, if you cannot make it during the school year, tours are available year-round.Please contact the Admissions Office at 478-477-8073 ext. 203 to set up an appointment.

How diverse is your student body?

Diversity is very important to us. We are dedicated to being a school community which represents a broad range of ethnic, religious, socioeconomic, and racial diversity. Students of color represent 21% of our current population.

How do I arrange a shadow day for my child?

We recommend that all applicants visit Stratford for a shadow day to get a true feel for our school. Please contact the Admissions Office at 478-477-8073 ext. 203 to schedule a shadow day. We like to hear from you personally so we can get an idea of your child’s interests inside and outside of the classroom before paring him or her with a shadow buddy.

What does Stratford look for in candidates for admissions?

In every applicant’s case, Stratford looks for a “good fit” - academically, socially, and behaviorally. Our goal is to admit students who have the will to work hard and the desire to be successful.

Does my child need to take a test to be considered for admission?

Yes. All applicants need to take our admissions test. The test can be scheduled in conjunction with a shadow day or campus tour or on a separate day. Please contact the Admissions Office at 478-477-8073 ext. 203 to schedule your child’s admissions test.

How do I apply for financial aid?

Our financial aid application opens November 15th. Anyone can apply for our need-based aid. Go to www.sssbynais.org and click on parent portal. New users will have to create an account. You must reapply for financial aid every year.

STRATFORD ACADEMY

AT A GLANCE

Stratford Academy is the oldest independent, non-sectarian, college preparatory school in Middle Georgia. It opened its doors in September 1960 in the historic Overlook Mansion (now the Woodruff House) on Coleman Hill in historic downtown Macon. Now located on a beautiful, 107-acre campus on Peake Road, the school provides a challenging and supportive learning environment. Among the school’s founding principles is intellectual independence — teaching young people how to think instead of what to think and where to look instead of what to see.

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Our History

The Woodruff House

The Woodruff House

Stratford Academy was founded in 1960 by a small group of Macon parents who desired an independent college preparatory education for their children. In September of 1960, the school opened its doors to 117 students and 17 faculty members in the historic landmark called the Woodruff House, which is now owned by Mercer University. Thirteen students became Stratford's first alumni in 1962, and since that time more than 4,100 young people have graduated from the school.

Our Faculty

Faculty and Staff: 136

Student to faculty ratio is 10:1

76.5% of faculty members hold advanced degrees

75.7% faculty is female, 24.3% faculty is male

Our Distinction

What makes Stratford distinct?

What makes Stratford distinct?

Highly qualified faculty – deep experience and multi-dimensional talents.
Faculty dedicated to professional development – to expanding their own horizons, knowledge, skills and understanding of how students learn.
Outstanding college placement – students have excellent choices – colleges and universities recognize in their admissions process the quality and rigor of a Stratford education.
Exceptional college preparation and performance – Stratford graduates significantly outperform their peers in GPA (3.1 vs. 2.6), credit hours earned on a timely basis and retention of the HOPE scholarship (89% vs. 35%).
A Stratford education offers lessons for a lifetime.
Stratford teaches students how to think, rather than what to think.
Stratford educates the whole student – a process of exploration, growth and development over time.
- Academics
- Athletics
- Arts
- Co-curricular activities
- Character development
- Leadership and self-confidence
- Social responsibility
Stratford offers a learning environment that is challenging, but also nurturing and supportive.
Stratford is a caring and family-oriented school community.

Our Programs

STEAM offerings from K-12 grades

STEAM courses K-8
Design courses 9-12

Foreign language begins in Preschool

Spanish, French, Latin
Spanish starts in Beginners (3K)

Fine Arts offerings from grades Beginners-12th grade

Weekly music and art classes starting with Beginners
Theatre performances K-12

22 AP courses offered.

35% of students are AP Scholars after 11th grade.

Our Mission

Learn More About Stratford's Ideology and Mission

Learn More About Stratford's Ideology and Mission

Stratford Academy is an independent, non-sectarian, college-preparatory school for students age three through grade twelve that challenges its students to achieve their full potential by providing a superior education for students with diverse backgrounds and talents and developing responsible, ethical, life-long learners.

Stratford's Core Ideology

Values:

Excellence: We demand the highest level of effort.

Integrity: We foster an atmosphere of trust

Freedom: We value academic, religious, and personal freedom.

Responsibility: We demand individual, communal, and fiscal responsibility.

Community: We foster a sense of belonging, comfort, and care at Stratford and beyond.

Purpose:

Stratford challenges our students to reach their full potential.

Our Students

710 students in grades 3K (Beginners) - Grade 12

Preschool - 104
Lower School - 202
Middle School - 135
Upper School - 269

Average class size is 15 students.

30% of families receive financial aid.

Students come from 12 Middle Georgia counties.

Accreditation

National Association of Independent Schools
Southern Association of Independent Schools
Georgia Independent Athletic Association
Georgia Independent School Association
National Association of College Admissions Counselors
Southern Association of College Admissions Counselors
The College Board
Atlanta Area Association of Independent Schools

Stratford Today

Learn More About Stratford Today

Learn More About Stratford Today

The current facilities were built in 1974 on more than seventy acres of wooded land in northwest Bibb County. The school completed its move when the Lower School and Kindergarten came to the campus in 1978. Today's campus houses the four school divisions: Preschool, Lower School, Middle School, and Upper School. Completed in August 2000, the 17,500 square foot Olson Library continues the tradition of excellence by providing a state-of-the-art facility that creates a superior learning environment and provides the best in education experience for Stratford students. Most recently, Stratford has added a dedicated Jett Science Center, the Cantrell Lower School and the Daws Student Activities Center. In 2022, Stratford's Preschool building will undergo an expansion for this growing division. Stratford is today a school community of nearly 800 students and more than 140 faculty and staff.

Our Athletics

83% of Middle and Upper School students participate on a school sponsored team.

53 athletic teams

1 Co-ed
28 Girls
24 Boys

Each season there is at least one no-cut sport.

There are 23 Varsity teams.

Stratford has won 202 state titles.

2024-2025 Stratford Academy
Board of Trustees

Mr. David W. Bethune '91

Mr. Robert Sanders Burgess ’93

Mrs. Laura D. Evans

Mr. Josiah E. “Jef” Flournoy ’93

Mr. Travis B. Griffith ’01

Mrs. Sally S. Hatcher ’94

Mrs. Elsa L. Hutchinson

Mrs. Christy Cantrell Johnston ’01

Mr. Wade A. Kovacs

Mr. J. Thomas McAfee III ’86

Board Chair

Mrs. Kate Sams Peavy

Mr. Wesley M. Rauls

Mr. Jason I. Reaves ’88

Mrs. Bowen Reichert Shoemaker

Mr. George Boone Smith, IV '00

Mr. Winburn E. Stewart

STRATFORD ACADEMY

AT A GLANCE

2024-2025 Stratford Academy Board of Trustees

2024-2025 Stratford Academy
Board of Trustees