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.

Early Learning School Macon, GA

Little Eagles Early Learning in type with a cute baby eagle in the center with his arms spread

OPENING AUGUST 2025

Stratford Academy is excited to announce the opening of the Little Eagles Learning Center in our Daws Student Activities Center in August 2025. This new addition to our school will offer high-quality early childhood education year-round for children ages six weeks to two years. The Little Eagles Learning Center will provide a nurturing, developmentally appropriate environment that fosters growth, exploration, and learning for our youngest students, all while staying true to the mission of Stratford Academy to challenge each student to achieve their full potential.

Opening the Little Eagles Learning Center marks a significant milestone for Stratford Academy as we extend our commitment to academic excellence and providing foundational learning.

Pre-registration form

Infants

In our infant room, teachers will be fully engaged with hands-on interactions, ensuring a loving and responsive environment. Our staff will join students on the floor, fostering meaningful connections through play. Infants will benefit from enriching experiences such as tummy time, listening to classical music, and story time to support early cognitive and motor development.

We will also offer a private and comfortable dedicated nursing room for mothers to bond with their babies before returning to work.

For our infant classrooms, parents will provide all diapers, wipes, and bottles with breastmilk or pre-mixed formula. As part of our commitment to health and well-being, the program will introduce fresh, farm-to-table foods to students as they transition to solid foods, including pureed baby food made fresh daily.

One- and Two-Year-Olds

For our one-and two-year-old Eagles, our expert leadership team will create a curriculum that is developmentally appropriate, fosters growth and exploration, and provides a seamless transition into our Preschool program. Play is the foundation of early childhood learning and our one- and two-year-olds learning will extend beyond the classroom with our campus serving as their playground. They will take ‘field trips’ to explore our 107 acre campus, including trips to the library, cheering on our Eagles at athletic practices and events, watching theatre rehearsals, visits to Rocky Creek, and hiking on our cross country trail. The rotation of activities, including free play, story time, purposeful movement, and music sessions will be intentionally designed to create an engaging, developmentally rich environment where they can grow, explore, and thrive.

Tuition and Enrollment

Tuition and Fees

Pre-Registration Fee:
A $250 Pre-Registration fee will be charged per child. If your child does not receive a space in our program, you will have the option to choose to be refunded or remain in the waiting pool.

Financial Commitment:
$250 per week due each Friday.
*Auto-draft payment set up is required.

Financial aid will not be available for Little Eagles Learning Center students.

Enrollment Procedures

Enrollment
Little Eagles Learning Center enrollment opens in February.

Application & Enrollment Priorities
New applications are accepted in the following order: Current Happy Trails Learning Center families, Stratford faculty and staff, siblings of current Stratford students, Stratford alumni, and new applicants.

If space is unavailable, families will be placed in a waiting pool. Registration for the new school year occurs in February, though students may be admitted year-round if space allows.

Pathway to Stratford Academy
While enrollment in Little Eagles does not guarantee admission to Stratford Academy’s Beginners program, our team works closely with families to ensure students are well-prepared for the application process.

What's Included

Farm-to-Table Dining:
As part of our commitment to health and well-being, the program will introduce fresh, farm-to-table foods to students as they transition to solid foods, including pureed baby food made fresh daily. Our talented FLIK culinary team will prepare breakfast and lunch, along with morning and afternoon snacks, using locally sourced, made from scratch ingredients. By partnering with local farms, we will ensure nutritious food that introduces them to the freshest flavors, encourage healthy eating habits, and expand their palates.

On-Campus Field Trips:
Play is the foundation of early childhood learning and our one- and two-year-olds learning will extend beyond the classroom with our campus serving as their playground. They will take ‘field trips’ to explore our 107 acre campus, including trips to the library, cheering on our Eagles at athletic practices and events, watching our theatre rehearse, visits to Rocky Creek, and hiking on our cross country trail. The rotation of activities, including free play, story time, purposeful movement, and music sessions will be intentionally designed to create an engaging, developmentally rich environment where they can grow, explore, and thrive.

Student Admission to Fine Arts and Athletic Events:
At Stratford, community is at the heart of everything we do. To ensure that all families can come together in support of our students and school, admission to fine arts and athletic events is included in the cost of tuition. This approach fosters school spirit, encourages participation, and strengthens the bonds between students, families, and faculty.

Class Events:
We look forward to creating cherished traditions for you and your Little Eagle. Class events, such as Popsicles on the Playground, will provide meaningful opportunities for you to connect with the Stratford community, build relationships with your child’s teachers, and engage with fellow parents and friends. These special moments foster a sense of belonging, strengthen the home-school partnership, and create lasting memories that enhance your child’s early learning experience.

Safety

The safety and well-being of our students is our top priority. All external doors are equipped with advanced security scanners, and parents will be issued personalized key cards to ensure secure access to the Daws Student Activity Center during Little Eagles school hours.

In addition, our Little Eagles will get to know Stratford’s dedicated security team, Officer Lance Randall and Officer Alex Madore. Their consistent presence on campus fosters a safe and welcoming environment, allowing students to build trust and meaningful connections while reinforcing our commitment to security.

Faculty and Staff

Little Eagles Early Learning Center requires all faculty and staff to have state regulated comprehensive background checks and trainings, including health and safety, first aid and CPR. Throughout the year our faculty and staff will receive updates through our state trainings and curriculum.

Our classrooms with follow the Bright from the Start regulations for class room size and personnel.

Contact Us

Director of Little Eagles Learning Center

Christina "Tina" Sparks

christina.sparks @stratford.org
Tel: 478-477-8073

“With Ms. Tina’s expert leadership, our Little Eagles will benefit from our play-based, sensory-integrated curriculum that is thoughtfully adapted from our renowned preschool program, offering tailored experiences for infants, one-year-olds, and two-year-olds.”

- Dr. Rachel Adams, Head of School.

Little Eagles Interest Form

Required

If you're not ready to Pre-Register, fill out the information below to recieve bi-weekly emails with updates on Little Eagles Learning Center leading up to opening day.

Parent Namerequired

First Name

Last Name

Address 1required

Address 2

Cityrequired

Staterequired

Zip Coderequired

Phone Numberrequired

Email Addressrequired

Child's First Name required

Child's Middle Name

Child's Last Name required

Suffixrequired

Child's Preferred Name required

Date of birth/due daterequired

Must contain a date in M/D/YYYY format

Student Typerequired

Please note: On April 7th, Stratford Academy will review all Pre-Registrations and assign priority enrollment to current Happy Trails families. All remaining spaces will be assigned in this order: (1) Stratford faculty and staff, (2) Siblings of current Stratford students, (3) Stratford alumni, and (4) new applicants. If the number of new applicants exceeds the number of spaces, you will have the option to choose to be refunded or remain in the waiting pool.

Hours of Operation

Year-Round Program Hours:
Monday - Friday
7:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Little Eagles Learning Center is a year-round program, from August to July, offering full-time care to children ages six weeks to two years.

In alignment with Stratford Academy,
Little Eagles will close for federal holidays and the week of July 4th to facilitate
deep cleaning and essential
campus maintenance.