Stratford Academy
A School with Both the Freedom and Standard for Excellence

Fall is in the air and the artwork in the Stratford Academy Preschool Building reflects the mood. There are numerous mediums employed from paper plates, torn paper, popcorn and paint. The artwork is also a reflection of the children and their teachers---bright, original and creative in their approach to learning. Stratford’s preschool boasts a facility that is made just for children. Built in 1998, the building features spacious classrooms and easy access to outdoor play areas. The teachers and teaching assistants create learning spaces that are developmentally appropriate and comfortable.

Stratford’s Preschool offers a balanced literacy program. The children are engaged in making words, shared and guided reading and writing in journals. The centers around the rooms reinforce large group lessons. This is just the beginning of a college preparatory curriculum that continues from Preschool to Lower, Middle and Upper school divisions.

Stratford Academy began as a dream of a small core of Macon residents seeking a common goal: an excellent independent school education for their children in Macon, Georgia. In September of 1960, Stratford opened its doors to 117 students and 17 faculty members in the antebellum Overlook Mansion on Coleman Hill in Macon’s historic district. Thirteen students became Stratford’s first alumni in 1962, and since that time more than 2,800 young people have become alumni of the school. Recently, the third generation of alumni children has enrolled and continues a tradition that spans over forty years.

Today Stratford is a school community of 940 students and 128 faculty and staff. Students from fourteen middle Georgia counties attend Stratford. The students represent a variety of religious and ethnic cultures. Stratford offers a challenging academic program in a supportive community of students, faculty and administrators. The school seeks to nurture students’ intellectual, physical, moral and aesthetic growth through a broad range of curricula and activities. There are also comprehensive services available in the Learning Support Center, Writing Center and communication networks created with parents, teachers and coaches.

The Lower School comprised of grades 1-5 is alive with learning. The curriculum offerings of language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, Spanish, art, computer skills and music provide a foundation in learning and study skills which prepare the students as they move toward Middle and Upper school. The experience and creativity of the teachers brings learning to life. It is not unusual to see a Lower school science teacher in her U.S. Space Camp flight suit or a fourth grade classroom look like a scene from Star Wars. The opportunity to participate in all-school musicals, band and youth sports activities rounds out the Lower school experience. Technology is integrated into the curriculum with the use of computers in the classroom, Alphasmart keyboards and computer lab time.

As an integral part of Stratford Academy’s focus on academic excellence, the Middle School curriculum provides a solid foundation in academic disciplines that develops both critical thinking skills and the ability to learn independently. Instruction focuses on the development of proficiency in mathematics, written and spoken communications, laboratory skills in the sciences, an awareness of our world and its development through social studies, and an appreciation for the arts. The integration of SMART Board technology in the classroom enhances the Middle school curriculum where students are engaged learners.

With a student-faculty ratio of 10 to 1, Stratford’s Upper School gives students opportunities to develop their interests and abilities in small classes, established Advanced Placement and community service programs. Stratford’s Upper School has 33 teaching faculty members, 75% of whom hold masters’ or doctoral degrees. These teachers bring to Stratford an average of over fourteen years of classroom teaching experience. Completing the Upper School experience is a highly regarded fine arts program, a nationally recognized debate program which has won 25 state championships, a competitive athletic program, and a myriad of student clubs and activities.

In 2002-03, four Stratford students were named National Merit Semifinalists and three were named Commended Scholars. In 2001-2002, two Stratford students were named National Merit Semifinalists and Finalists. Four students were named Commended Scholars. In 2002, eight Stratford students were named AP Scholars with Distinction, six Stratford students were named AP Scholars with Honor and fourteen Stratford students were named AP Scholars.

Stratford is a member of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), the Georgia Independent School Association (GISA), the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS) and the College Board.

Libertas Excellentiae, “Freedom for Excellence” is the school motto. It is more than a motto inscribed on the school seal; it is a part of the everyday experience for students and families at Stratford.

If you would like your school to be considered for a future SPOTLIGHT ON EDUCATION feature, please contact Georgia Family at 471-7393.