Mission
Stepping Stones Academy exists to partner with families in providing a Faith base-centered education that nurtures the spiritual, academic, social, emotional, and physical development of every child. Through biblical truth, academic excellence, and loving relationships, we inspire students to become lifelong learners, compassionate leaders, and faithful followers of Jesus Christ who positively impact their communities for God's glory.
Our Founder
"Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive in a loving Christian environment."
Stepping Stones Academy was founded on a simple but powerful vision. Debbie Barclay believed that every child—regardless of a family's financial circumstances—deserves access to a high-quality Christian education and childcare experience.
Her dream was to create an affordable Christian childcare center where children from low- and moderate-income families could receive the same level of care, nurturing, education, and opportunities often available to children from more affluent communities. She believed that a child's future should never be limited by a family's income, and that every child should be surrounded by love, encouragement, and the truth of God's Word.
From the very beginning, Stepping Stones Academy has been committed to providing a safe, faith-filled environment where children are known, valued, and inspired to reach their God-given potential. Through academic excellence, character development, and compassionate care, we strive to help every child build a strong foundation for lifelong learning and faith.
Today, we continue to honor Debbie Barclay's legacy by serving families with integrity, compassion, and excellence. Her vision remains at the heart of everything we do as we partner with parents to nurture confident learners, caring hearts, and future leaders who are firmly rooted in Christ.
"Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." — Proverbs 22:6
Debbie Barclay
Founder, Stepping Stones Academy
Our Program
Welcome to Stepping Stones Academy
At Stepping Stones Academy, we believe every child is uniquely created by God with a purpose and unlimited potential. Our mission is to provide a safe, loving, Faith base -centered learning environment where children develop academically, spiritually, socially, emotionally, and physically.
We proudly serve children from infants through 4th grade, providing a seamless educational journey that nurtures a love for learning while building strong Christian character. Our experienced and caring educators partner with families to help each child grow in wisdom, confidence, compassion, and faith.
Our program combines high-quality early childhood education with strong elementary academics, using research-based teaching practices and a biblical worldview. Students engage in hands-on learning experiences that encourage creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving, leadership, and a lifelong love of learning.
What Makes Our Program Different
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Christ-centered education rooted in biblical values
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Safe, nurturing, family-focused environment
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Small class sizes with individualized attention
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Academic excellence from infancy through elementary
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Character development emphasizing kindness, respect, integrity, and responsibility
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Hands-on learning that encourages exploration and discovery
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Strong literacy and foundational math instruction
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Social and emotional development through positive relationships
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Daily opportunities for prayer, Bible lessons, and worship
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Partnership with parents to support every child's success
Our Educational Philosophy
We believe children learn best when they feel loved, valued, and encouraged. Every classroom is designed to inspire curiosity while providing age-appropriate challenges that prepare students for future academic success. We strive to cultivate independent learners, confident leaders, compassionate servants, and faithful followers of Christ.
Preparing Children for a Bright Future
At Stepping Stones Academy, education extends beyond academics. We are committed to helping children develop strong moral character, a servant's heart, and the confidence to make a positive difference in their families, communities, and the world.
We invite your family to become part of our academy, where children are encouraged to Learn with Excellence, Grow in Faith, and Lead with Purpose.
Our Team
Collectively our team have 30+ years of experience working in Early Childhood Education as well as holding certifications ranging from a Child Development Associates to a Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Early Childhood Education. Teachers receive ongoing extensive training in Early Care and Education to keep them up to date on best practices in Early Childhood Education. They are committed to providing high quality care and education to every child at Stepping Stones Academy Director.
Faith children's ministry exists to equip children, engage children and edify the children in the program. This includes even our youngest participants! Our preschool includes children from birth through kindergarten. All week long we provide opportunities to teach the Truths of God's Word in a way that is age appropriate and engaging.
If you would like to visit, please schedule a tour to make your visit more seamless, we would love to know you are coming to be sure you can speak with someone! Please click the link and fill out a visitor registration form ahead of time. This is also helpful if your child has additional support needs. We'd love to be prepared for your visit!
