Humble Beginnings 

Stepping Stones Early Learning Academy was born from a shared vision and a leap of faith.

Before founding the academy, Miss Tammie and Miss Marilyn served as the Director and Assistant Director of their church’s preschool program. Under their leadership, the program grew from serving approximately 75 children in an unlicensed setting to over 200 children in a fully licensed facility. They introduced an after-school program and became a contracted State VPK Provider—transforming the preschool into a thriving, structured, and impactful environment.

But growth often brings challenges. As the program flourished, differences in vision emerged. Certain leadership decisions began to shift the culture in ways that no longer aligned with the nurturing, faith-centered environment they had worked so hard to build. It was during this season of pruning—guided by God’s hand—that they felt called to take a new path.

Out of that difficult yet refining experience, Stepping Stones was born.

Founded on Christian values and a commitment to excellence, Stepping Stones Early Learning Academy is more than a school—it’s a labor of love. Our mission is rooted in quality over quantity, and that will never change. For Miss Tammie and Miss Marilyn, their business has always been focused on the outcome rather than the income first—a reflection of their heart for children, families, and the community.

Though the journey has included growing pains, it has also been filled with grace, purpose, and joy. Today, we celebrate the mercy and glory of God in every step of the story—and we continue to walk in faith, knowing that the best is yet to come.