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Carrington Academy

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A Family’s Vision for Education

Carrington Academy was founded in 2001 by Valerie and Chris Davis in Gainesville, Georgia. As lifelong educators and parents of five children, the Davises wanted more than a traditional daycare. They envisioned a preschool that educated the whole child. Their goal was to nurture students academically, socially, and emotionally within a safe and supportive environment.

The first Carrington Academy was named after a nearby apartment community. The school quickly became known for its strong educational foundation and close-knit culture.

Growth Rooted in Passion

Valerie and Chris’ commitment to excellence and love of education inspired rapid growth. After the success of their first school, they built Carrington Academy Windermere in Cumming, Georgia. Chris’ brother, Brent Davis, opened an additional campus on the opposite side of Cumming, continuing the family’s passion of providing quality early education.

The Davises came from a family of classically trained artists and opera singers, which shaped Carrington’s distinctive identity. From the very beginning, fine arts were a cornerstone of the school experience. Music and art classes were built into tuition and offered at no extra cost, reflecting the founders’ belief that creativity is an essential part of learning.

Carrington Academy’s dual-language instruction and robust fine arts program set it apart from other preschools in the area. While many early learning centers focused solely on care, Carrington was known as an elite private preschool dedicated to developing the mind, heart, and imagination.

Expansion Across the Greater Atlanta Area

As word spread and demand grew, Carrington Academy steadily expanded its presence across South Forsyth County and beyond. The Majors Road campus opened in 2007, and the Kelly Mill Road campus in 2013. Soon after, Carrington reached new communities with the opening of the Suwanee campus in 2016, the Alpharetta–Avalon campus in 2017, and the Braselton campus in 2018.

The Davis family remained deeply connected to Carrington Academy’s story. The Davis Group, founded by the original Carrington owners and their family, continued to design and construct new Carrington Academy buildings. This ensured that each campus reflected the same care and vision that defined the original schools.

Carrington Academy Today

Today, Carrington Academy is part of Spring Education Group. Spring Education is a network of private schools dedicated to delivering more outstanding educational outcomes to more students across America.

Many founding staff members are still part of the schools, including a school director, assistant principal and chef! Several teachers are former Carrington Academy students themselves, carrying forward the legacy of learning and care.

A Lasting Legacy

For over two decades, Carrington Academy has been more than a preschool. It’s a place where children discover a love of learning, families feel connected, and teachers are passionate about guiding the next generation of learners. That legacy has inspired meaningful traditions that celebrate the school’s mission and creativity. With a strong foundation in academics, arts, and community, Carrington continues to help children grow, thrive, and succeed in school and in life.