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, and our proud mascot is the fox—symbolizing intelligence, creativity, and adaptability.
Why Families Choose Fordham
Since opening in August 2022, Fordham Early Learning Academy has quickly become one of Marion County’s most sought-after choice schools. Designed exclusively for the youngest learners, Fordham provides a boutique early childhood experience blending academic rigor with joyful exploration.
Families across the county are eager to secure a seat, reflecting the school’s growing reputation as the premier place for early learning in Marion County because excellence truly starts here.
Growth and Success
Fordham began with just 47 students in VPK and Kindergarten. Since then, it has experienced extraordinary growth and success:
● 2022–2023: Launch year with VPK and Kindergarten.
● 2023–2024: PreK-3 and First grade added
● 2024–2025: Second grade added, completing the PK3–2nd grade configuration.
● 2025–2026: Fordham proudly serves around 238 students, including one three-year-old program, four VPK classrooms, four Kindergarten classrooms, two 1st-grade classrooms, and three 2nd-grade classrooms.
What Sets Fordham Apart
Exclusive Focus on Early Childhood: Serving only Pre-K 3–2nd students, Fordham specializes in the most critical years of development, ensuring a strong foundation for lifelong learning.
Proven Academic Success: Students consistently exceed district averages in early literacy, reading, and math benchmarks.
Whole-Child Development: Beyond academics, Fordham emphasizes resiliency learning, music enrichment, a vibrant art program, physical education program. and a media (library) program.
Personalized Attention: With smaller enrollment and highly trained staff, every child is known, supported, and celebrated. Beyond the benchmarks students are met daily, with enrichment and intervention, meeting the learner’s needs.
Community Partnerships: Collaborations with the Early Learning Coalition and local organizations expand resources and support for families.
Our Namesake: Honoring Mr. Edmond Fordham
Fordham Early Learning Academy proudly honors the legacy of Edmond Fordham, a lifelong educator and leader in Marion County.
Mr. Fordham grew up in Marion County’s Fort McCoy area and graduated from Howard Academy. He went on to serve in the U.S. Air Force and later graduated from Payne College in Augusta, Georgia.
His career in Marion County Public Schools spanned decades of service:
● History teacher at Belleview-Santos School
● Assistant Principal at Osceola Junior High School
● Principal at Sparr Elementary, Dr. N.H. Jones Elementary, and Dunnellon Elementary
After retiring from the district, Mr. Fordham continued to impact education by serving as site administrator for Nova Southeastern University, where he mentored aspiring school administrators in the Early Education and Exceptional Student Education programs.
His dedication to students, families, and the community left a lasting legacy of academic excellence and leadership, which lives on through the school that now bears his name.
Join the Fordham Family
Fordham is more than a school. Fordham is an elite early learning experience. With limited seats available each year and growing community demand, securing a place at Fordham means joining families committed to excellence in education.
For enrollment or partnership opportunities, contact our school at 352.671.4925
Press Release from Fordham's Grand Opening in 2022
Fordham Early Learning Academy, the newest school in Marion County, targets the youngest learners in our community.
Fordham Early Learning Academy opened August 10, 2022 to four- and five-year-old students in Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) and Kindergarten. First grade and PreK were added last year, and second grade this year. 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.
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 [email protected].