Vision

Together, we exist to empower our youngest learners by igniting a passion for joy-filled. lifelong learning.

Our School Colors and Mascot

Our school colors are burnt orange and denim blue. Our mascot is a fox.

Our School's Profile

Marion County School Board members officially named Fordham Early Learning Academy in July 2022. Our new school opened on August 10, 2022, with 47 excited Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) and kindergarten students and many dedicated staff. Fordham Early Learning Academy was established to serve our community's earliest learners from prekindergarten to 2nd grade. This choice program for families began with VPK and kindergarten students in 2022-2023. Additional grade levels will be added over the next two years, starting with 1st grade for the 2023-2024 school year and 2nd grade for the 2024-2025 school year. 

Press Release

Fordham Early Learning Academy, the newest school in Marion County, targets the youngest learners in the community.

Fordham Early Learning Academy opened August 10 to four- and five-year-old students in Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) and Kindergarten. First grade will be added next year, and second grade in 2024. VPK students must be four years old on or before September 1 of each year. Kindergarten students must be five years old on or before the same date.

Named for Edmond Fordham, a career educator and leader in Marion County Public Schools, the Academy operates as a choice program, meaning any appropriately-aged student can apply to attend. As with any choice program, parents/families must provide their own transportation. If enrollment demand exceeds targets enrollment, Marion County Public Schools (MCPS) will use its established lottery system to determine enrollment selections.

Located at 4000 W. Anthony Road near Ocala, the Fordham Early Learning Academy focuses on developing strong literacy skills, social-emotional learning concepts, and music enrichment opportunities in early learners. Future expansion plans could include opportunities to serve three-year-old students.

The Academy’s namesake, Edmond Fordham, grew up in Marion County’s Fort McCoy area and graduated from Howard Academy. He served in the U.S. Air Force and later graduated from Payne College in Augusta, Georgia.

Fordham served Marion County Public Schools as a history teacher at Belleview-Santos School; assistant principal at Osceola Junior High School; and principal at Sparr Elementary, Dr. N.H. Jones, and Dunnellon Elementary Schools. After retiring, Fordham became the site administrator for NOVA Southeastern University, mentoring aspiring school administrators enrolled in the Early Education and Exceptional Student Education programs.

Community groups and organizations interested in partnering with the Academy can contact Early Learning Director Jennifer Beck, who serves as the school’s principal, at 352.671.4925 or Jennifer.Beck@marion.k12.fl.us.