Mission & Vision Statements Defined

Woodward Academy Mission Statement Defined

  • Proud traditions:  We respect and honor our rich history and provide a traditional structure within which innovation is embraced and encouraged. Our traditions are reflected in the commitment to academic integrity through an honor code, the wearing of uniforms, and high standards for integrity, character and civility.
  • Atlanta’s oldest college-preparatory school:  Woodward Academy began as Georgia Military Academy (GMA) in 1900, preparing (then) young men to be citizens, and, when duty called, to serve in the armed forces. In the mid-1960’s, GMA’s name was changed to honor its founder, Col. John Charles Woodward, and the first female students were admitted just prior to the name change. The Academy also changed its curricular focus to a liberal arts orientation, preparing young people for college. Woodward was among the first independent schools in Atlanta to integrate.
  • Innovative, challenging and well-rounded educational experience:  We are committed to being a leader in education and the educational environment, encouraging creative and innovative teaching, exploring new ideas, building and maintaining state-of-the-art facilities and striving for a sustainable campus environment, with an equal emphasis on the importance of the arts, athletics, and service for a full educational experience. Students are led by a highly talented, deeply committed faculty with longevity in service to Woodward, who strive for excellence in all they do.
  • Uniqueness of each individual:  We embrace the special characteristics presented to us by each student. We believe every student is important, has unique value and deserves the opportunity to succeed. Nurturing the potential, integrity and uniqueness of the individual is central to our approach.
  • Broadly diverse:  We are proud of our diverse student body representing a variety of learning styles, socio-economic levels, cultural, ethnic and religious backgrounds, all drawn from a 24-county area of Atlanta. We strive not just to be diverse, but to live inclusively, by embracing individual differences, so that everyone feels valued and appreciated.
  • Caring community:  We embrace students, parents, faculty and staff by striving to create a warm, welcoming environment for all members of the Woodward family. Supportive relationships and mutual respect among students, faculty, staff, and parents build community and promote student learning.
  • Excellence:  We are committed to excellence through a challenging college preparatory curriculum, state-of-the-art facilities, dynamic faculty and superior range of offerings in academics, the arts, and athletics.
  • Character:  We value character, and expect the highest level of personal integrity by fostering independence, responsibility, and honor in our students, faculty and staff.
  • Opportunity:  We believe in the development of the whole person and provide a broad range of programs and activities to encourage each student to explore interests, develop talents and experience personal growth.
  • Champion student success:  We are committed to the success of the students we admit, assuring that their unique gifts and abilities are developed to their fullest potential. 

Woodward Academy Vision Statement Defined

  • National model in college-preparatory education:  Because of our commitment to excellence, the development of character, and the education of the whole student, we believe that what we do is the standard-bearer for independent education nationally. While there are no rankings to measure such stature, we encourage our faculty and staff to consult with independent schools, make presentations at professional meetings, and serve on professional boards. We expect Woodward to be viewed as a leader in independent education, establishing the standard others wish to emulate, in academics athletics, the arts, and our commitment to sustainability.
  • Developing critical thinkers:  The chief priority of the school is the intellectual and personal growth of our students. Students must demonstrate essential knowledge and skills, and produce meaningful, relevant work.
  • Developing ethical problem solvers:  Students are expected to develop a sense of responsibility to themselves, to their classmates, to their school, and to the world around them. They must be able to apply their knowledge and their critical and creative thinking skills to construct innovative, effective solutions to authentic problems and challenges – in school, in their own lives and in their extended communities.
  • Inclusive community:  Woodward is committed to maintaining its great diversity and enhancing the inclusiveness of the community, ensuring that each individual is valued and appreciated.
  • Rich in opportunities for student success:  Woodward’s large scale with small class sizes assures that students receive broad opportunities inside and outside the classroom. A full range of college preparatory courses including three instructional tracks, the Transition program for students with learning differences and 23 AP courses in the Upper School provide unparalleled options for academic success. A wide array of visual and performing arts, 18 varsity sports and a myriad of clubs and service opportunities afford students abundant options to pursue talents and interests.