The Beagle School Celebrates $1.4 Million Renovation and $500,000 State Investment to Support Generations of Young Learners

The Beagle School, the longest-running preschool in Saratoga Springs, celebrated the completion of a $1.4 million renovation of its “Little Red Schoolhouse” at 115 Regent Street.

The project more than tripled the school’s square footage, brought both of its locations under one roof, expanded the school from one classroom to three and will allow Beagle to increase enrollment for the school year and summer camp. The celebration included a visit from New York State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Assemblymember Carrie Woerner, who announced $500,000 in state operating support for the school.

Founded 54 years ago on the belief that children learn best through play, The Beagle School has long served children ages two through five from Saratoga Springs and surrounding communities. Its founders embraced the idea that every child is a natural explorer, and the school’s mission remains to provide a place where children feel safe to explore, ask questions, solve problems, and discover the world around them.

“This project was 40 years in the making, and it reflects what our community can accomplish when dedicated board members, community partners, teachers, families and public leaders work together on behalf of young children,” said Jessica Todtenhagen, Director of The Beagle School. “At Beagle, the moments children experience through play are where confidence, collaboration and learning come together. This renovated building honors that mission while giving children and teachers the space they need to learn, explore and grow.”

Speaker Heastie and Assemblymember Woerner joined Senator Tedisco, members of the Saratoga City Council, school leaders, families and community members for the ribbon cutting ceremony and toured the renovated preschool space. The $500,000 announced at the event is in addition to $250,000 in operating funding and a $150,000 capital grant for playground equipment previously secured for the school, support that will help ensure Beagle’s financial stability as it continues preparing students for kindergarten and beyond.

“It was a pleasure to be in Saratoga with Assemblymember Woerner and to see these great community resources for learning, curiosity and fun,” said Speaker Heastie. “I was also proud to see the newly renovated Beagle School preschool building that will expand class sizes and continue to serve generations of local families through childhood development and education.”

“The Beagle School preschool has been an integral part of the Saratoga community for decades,” said Assemblymember Woerner. “The addition of three new classrooms will allow Beagle School to provide an inclusive educational space for children to learn and grow for years to come. It was great to be there with Speaker Heastie, and I was proud to see the incredible success Beagle School has had in fundraising and renovations.”

The project moved forward with the support of Beagle’s Board of Directors and community partners, including Balzer & Tuck Architecture, The LA Group, Black Diamond Construction and M&T Bank, along with teachers, families and donors who helped make the long-awaited renovation possible.

“This renovation represents the dedication, persistence and generosity of the entire Beagle community,” said Garrett Gray, President of The Beagle School Board of Directors. “For years, board members, families, teachers and community supporters have worked toward a shared vision of bringing Beagle’s programs together in a space that reflects the quality of its education and the warmth of its mission. We are thrilled to see that vision become a reality for today’s students and for the generations of Beagle children who will follow.”

The Beagle School also provides tuition assistance for families, helping make its play-based preschool experience accessible to more children. The school’s long-standing approach encourages children to become active, creative explorers who build confidence, collaboration skills, and a love of learning that carries into kindergarten and beyond.

“We are beyond grateful to Speaker Heastie and Assemblymember Woerner for their support,” Todtenhagen said. “This investment will have a tremendous impact on future students by helping ensure The Beagle School can continue delivering on its mission for generations to come.”