HOME OF THE MUSTANGS
About Us
Stepping Stones Academy is a non-profit K-8th grade charter school that was founded in 1999 by its owners,
Mrs. AnnMarie Short and Mrs. Dedre Alliger. As a charter school, Stepping Stones Academy is its own educational institution and is not part of a school district. Attendance is free.
MISSION STATEMENT
We envision an environment which provides academic, social, and personal skills children need to become confident and responsible citizens.
We believe learning should be based on individualized, relevant activities and frequent achievement.
We promote high student expectations with consideration and respect for all individuals; thereby, developing life-long learners and productive members of society.
THE TALE OF STEPPING STONES ACADEMY
Once upon a time there lived two teachers who
dreamed of a school filled with happy children, caring
teachers, and supportive parents. One day the two
teachers decided to make their dream come true, so
they spent the next two years designing their school.
They built a small and inviting campus, chose a high
quality and challenging educational program, and hired
certified and dedicated staff members. The teachers
dreamed of a school where everyone knew each other,
so they established small class sizes and limited
campus enrollment to 205 students. They envisioned a
safe and friendly environment, so they adopted a strict
code of conduct where children worked together as
team members and friends. They imagined children
understanding why school is important, so they used
special programs to make class lessons relevant to job,
social, and life skills. Finally, on September 7, 1999, the
teachers’ dream became real, when Stepping Stones
Academy opened its doors for the first time. And the
two teachers, with all of the children, parents, and
teachers, lived happily ever after!
MEET THE FOUNDERS
AnnMarie Short and Dedre Alliger founded Stepping Stones Academy in 1999. After two years of planning, their dream became reality when they opened a school with small class sizes; high academic standards; application of academics to job, social, and life skills; and a partnership between the school and families. Mrs. Short and Mrs. Alliger serve as school principals at Stepping Stones Academy.
Mrs. Short taught for 9 years before becoming principal. She graduated from ASU West with a dual major in Elementary and Special Education and then earned her Master’s Degree in Counseling from NAU. Mrs. Short lives in Peoria with her daughter, Emma.
Mrs. Alliger graduated from Central College in Iowa with a B.A. in English Education and minors in Reading, Journalism, and Psychology. She taught for 17 years before becoming
principal. She lives in Peoria with her husband, Dennis, and children, Caleb and Courtney.
