About Us
About Us
Stratford Academy is the oldest independent, non-sectarian, college preparatory school in Middle Georgia. It opened its doors in September 1960 in the 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, where to look instead of what to see.
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Admissions
Admissions
Stratford prides itself on diversity and places strong values on academic, religious and personal freedom. The school welcomes and embraces students of all faiths, backgrounds and talents. Stratford has an enrollment of 830 students, age 3 through grade 12, and attracts a student population from 13 counties in Middle Georgia. There are 4,044 Stratford graduates now living in 44 states and 17 countries.
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Academics
Academics
Building on more than a half-century tradition of academic excellence, scholastic performance and college preparation, Stratford graduates have a 100 percent college matriculation. They also outperform their peers in GPA (3.1 vs. 2.6) and HOPE scholarship retention (89 percent vs. 35 percent). The school’s Advanced Placement (AP) program offers 22 courses. Since 1997, Stratford has had more AP Scholars (759) than any independent school in Middle Georgia. Since 1999, Stratford has had 25 National Merit Semifinalists.
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Athletics
Athletics
Stratford offers 23 varsity athletic teams, and approximately 85 percent of upper and middle school students participate on a school-sponsored team. There is at least one “no-cut” sport available to student-athletes each season. The Eagles and Eaglettes have combined to win 195 state championships. Since returning to the GHSA in 2014, Stratford has finished each year in the top 10 for the Regions Bank Director's Cup for best overall athletic program in Class A Public/Private. Two of the three years the Eagles have finished first in Region 7-A.

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Arts
Arts
Students of all interests and ability levels are encouraged to participate in the school’s fine arts program. The 400-seat Henry Harding Tift Fine Arts Center and Auditorium provides young people with opportunities to develop and showcase their talents in theatre productions, choir, marching and symphonic band and literary competitions. In the visual arts, students have opportunities to display their paintings, drawings and photography in the Virginia Parker Buzzell Gallery in the main entrance to the school.
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Celebrating ART
Celebrating ART
Learn. Experience. Celebrate.

Celebrating ART is a week-long event celebrating the visual arts in the Middle Georgia community. Whether you are a casual art lover or a serious aficionado, there is a part of Celebrating ART to pique your interest. EXPERIENCE our visiting artists-in-residence who are on-site throughout the week demonstrating their own unique trades and art forms. LEARN about relevant current art topics with our Artistically Speaking and Lunch and Learn speaker series. CELEBRATE the arts at our Gallery 6010 artist marketplace and other special events. This event is open to the public and for all art enthusiasts in our community.
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Camp Eagle
Camp Eagle
Camp Eagle has been providing summer enrichment programs for Stratford families for more than 45 years. Each year, there are offerings in fine arts, academics, athletics and cheerleading for ages preschool through adult from May 31 to July 29.
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- Camp Director Application 2021
- 2020 Camp Registration
Giving
- Planned Giving(opens in new window/tab)

Admission FAQ

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: 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.