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A smiling man in a blue suit stands with his arms crossed in front of a building and trees.

Scott Wilson, Interim Head of School

Welcome to Stratford Academy.

It is an honor to serve as Interim Head of School for the 2026–2027 school year and to become part of a community I have known and respected for many years.

My career in independent schools spans more than four decades. After retiring from campus leadership in 2021, I continued my work in education as a consultant with Independent School Management, partnering with school heads, boards, and leadership teams across the country.

Throughout that time, I have had the privilege of seeing what distinguishes truly exceptional independent schools.

They know their students well. They challenge them thoughtfully. They surround them with talented teachers who care deeply about their growth and they create a community where young people are encouraged to pursue excellence.

That is what I see at Stratford.

Stratford’s mission comes to life through the relationships between students and teachers and through the breadth of opportunities available across academics, athletics, fine arts, service, and student life. From our youngest Little Eagles to our seniors, students are encouraged to explore their interests, take appropriate risks, develop their talents, and grow into capable and responsible young people.

At the heart of every great school is an exceptional faculty, and Stratford is fortunate to have educators who are deeply committed to their students. Our teachers know that academic excellence and personal growth go hand in hand. They teach our students how to think, not what to think. They teach them to work hard and to act with integrity.

For families considering Stratford, I hope you will spend time on our campus, meet our teachers and students, attend a performance or athletic event, and experience the energy of the school for yourself. You will find a community that values academic achievement, character, school pride, and meaningful partnership with families.

Choosing a school is one of the most important decisions a family makes. At Stratford, we understand the trust that decision represents, and we take seriously our responsibility to help every student grow academically, personally, emotionally, and socially.

I invite you to learn more about Stratford and discover what makes this community so special.

Go Eagles!

Scott Wilson
Interim Head of School

 

Stratford academy
Board of trustees
2026–2027
 

Mr. Robert S. Burgess, Chair
Mr. Travis B. Griffith, Chair Elect
Mr. Wesley Rauls, Treasurer
Mrs. Kate S. Peavy, Secretary
Mrs. Ember Bentley
Dr. Stanley S. Bush III
Mr. Michael E. Chanin
Mr. Chad Deweese
Mr. L. Chad Hofstadter
Mrs. Christy Johnston
Mr. Stephen Jones
Mrs. Leah Fiorenza McNeill
Mrs. Bowen R. Shoemaker

 

The Stratford Academy Board of Trustees supports and promotes the school's mission and ensures that it is appropriate and relevant to the school community.

The Board sets the policies that govern the School and appoints and vests authority in the Head to implement those policies.

Stratford Academy trustees advocate for the School and serve as its ambassadors in the community.

Our Leadership Team

At Stratford Academy, we believe that education is not only about what students know, but about who they become.

Sally Boyd

Titles: Director of Library Services

Katy Burton

Titles: Director of Auxiliary Programs

Lori Garrett

Titles: Fifth Grade Math, Assistant Head of Lower School

Caryn Grant

Titles: Head of Marketing and Communications

Kelly Holloway

Titles: Head of Enrollment Management

Iain Jones

Titles: Director of Alumni Engagement; Head Boys Soccer Coach; Assistant Varsity/MS Head Cross Country Coach

Mary English Masters

Titles: Assistant Head of Preschool; Kindergarten Teacher

Kathleen Medlin

Titles: Chief of Staff, Executive Assistant to the Head of School

Stephen O'Hara

Titles: Assistant Head of Secondary Education; History Department Chair

Cale Padgett

Titles: Head of Advancement

Lori Palmer

Titles: Head of Preschool

Janet Refior

Titles: Head of Finance and Operations

Jarvis Smith

Titles: Interim Head of Secondary Education; Head Boys Basketball Coach

Terry Sowell

Titles: Assistant Athletic Director for Operations

Barry Veal

Titles: Athletic Director

Lewis Watson

Titles: Director of the Arts

Karen Yarbrough

Titles: Head of Lower School