The Beagle School in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., has officially commenced a long-anticipated renovation project, marking a significant milestone in its 40-year history. The school, renowned as the longest-running preschool in the area, is investing $1.4 million to expand its facilities and enhance educational offerings for children aged two to five years.
This renovation will transform the school’s “Little Red Schoolhouse” at 115 Regent Street, increasing its enrollment capacity from one classroom to three. The expansion aims to create a cohesive learning environment where all students can engage together. Additional features of the project include increased storage, new preparation stations, upgraded staff facilities, improved ADA accessibility, and modernized parking arrangements.
Construction began in August 2024 following the conclusion of the Beagle School’s summer programs and is expected to be completed by spring 2025. During the renovation, programs have been temporarily relocated to the Saratoga Children’s Theater and the Saratoga Health and Wellness building.
Director Jessica Todtenhagen expressed enthusiasm about the progress, stating, “It’s been pretty amazing, and anything that has popped up since we started — there have been solutions to everything.” She noted that the process has gone smoothly so far, which has heightened excitement among staff and families.
Founded in 1972, the Beagle School has consistently sought renovations to meet the growing needs of its community. The project gained urgency following an incident in June 2024 when a drunk driver crashed into the school’s Little Beagle location on Circular Street, displacing the two-year-olds’ program. This incident prompted the school to realize the necessity of having all programs under one roof.
“We had to find a new place for our two-year-olds to be, and luckily, the Saratoga Children’s Theater was so wonderful,” Todtenhagen said. “What that did was make us realize not being together was not sustainable.”
The renovation initiative has garnered strong support from the Board of Directors, with Garrett Gray, Board President, and Matthew Neuringer, Board Member, playing pivotal roles in moving the project forward. An official groundbreaking ceremony took place recently, celebrating the collaborative effort of the school’s board and community.
“This has been a journey, to say the least. It feels surreal to be standing here and actually have work going on behind us,” Gray remarked during the ceremony. He acknowledged the contributions of past and present board members, emphasizing the dedication required to undertake such a substantial project.
To facilitate the expansion and ensure tuition remains affordable, the Beagle School is aiming to raise $1 million from community partners. The funding will support both the renovations and ongoing operational costs.
For those interested in following the progress of the renovation or learning more about the Beagle School, additional information is available at www.beagleschool.com or by contacting Todtenhagen at [email protected]. This initiative not only represents a physical transformation for the school but also signifies a commitment to enhancing early childhood education in the community.
