Woodward Academy is a special place. Over my 32 years as first a teacher and coach, and now as president, I have experienced firsthand the profound impact the Woodward community can have on young people and their families.

I have taught exceptional students, coached talented athletes, and watched my own sons traverse our historic campus. All these experiences have reinforced a simple truth: A Woodward education prepares students not just for college but for life.

Our North Star

This year, Woodward Academy marks 126 years of serving students and families. Since our founding, the world has changed dramatically. Technology has transformed how we communicate, work, and learn. New industries have emerged. Global connectivity has brought people closer together. And artificial intelligence is now reshaping conversations about education, careers, and the future of work.

Founded as a military academy at the turn of the 20th century, Woodward looked very different from the institution we know today. Over time, our school has evolved alongside the city of Atlanta and the families we serve, expanding academic programs, embracing new approaches to learning, and becoming one of the nation's most respected independent schools. 

At Woodward, our students are our North Star. Every decision we make is grounded in supporting their growth and preparation for the future. 

Students need opportunities to develop resilience, curiosity, empathy, integrity, and critical thinking skills. They must learn to collaborate with others, adapt to change, and approach challenges with confidence and endurance. We keep these needs in mind constantly at Woodward. 

The students we teach today will work in careers that do not yet exist, using technologies we have not yet imagined. It is our charge to help students develop the skills they need to inspire lifelong learning, embrace innovation, and lead with resolve through uncertainty. 

Learning Beyond the Classroom

From pre-K through senior year, Woodward students are challenged to think deeply, solve problems creatively, and communicate effectively. Whether they excel in mathematics, discover a passion for robotics, flourish in literature and the arts, or pursue leadership through athletics and service, students are encouraged to explore their interests and develop their unique strengths and talents.

Every spring, our Upper School students experience our Maymester program, one of the many ways we bring this “always-be-exploring” philosophy to life. Rather than following a traditional classroom schedule, students immerse themselves in specialized courses, internships, travel experiences, research projects, and hands-on learning opportunities. Some explore new cultures and communities. Others gain insight into potential career paths or pursued passions outside their everyday coursework—a vivid reminder that education is most powerful when learning extends beyond the classroom. 

A Community of Belonging

Just as important as what students learn is whom they learn alongside. Our students come from 126 zip codes across metro Atlanta and bring with them a wide range of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds. Every day, they engage with classmates whose viewpoints may differ from their own. These interactions create opportunities to build understanding, practice empathy, and develop the interpersonal skills essential for leadership in an increasingly interconnected—and increasingly divided—world.

At a time when many institutions are struggling to foster meaningful dialogue, schools have a critical responsibility to help young people learn to listen thoughtfully, engage respectfully, and work collaboratively with others to help mold not only stronger students but also stronger citizens. In an age increasingly influenced by technology, human connections are more important than ever.

Excellence with Purpose 

At Woodward, students have access to 25 AP courses, a nationally recognized Transition Learning Support Program, more than 100 clubs and cocurricular activities, 75 annual arts performances and 19 varsity athletic programs. Through our Global Connections Program, students participate in international experiences that broaden perspectives and deepen their understanding of the world around them.

A typical Woodward graduating class attends more than 100 colleges and universities, contributes thousands of hours of community service, and earns significant amounts of scholarship awards. More importantly, our graduates leave prepared to make tangible contributions in their professions, their communities, and their lives.

The world our students inherit undoubtedly will look different from the one we know now. Yet if the past 126 years have taught us anything at Woodward, it is that schools succeed not by standing still but by evolving while staying steadfastly true to their purpose.

At Woodward Academy, our purpose is clear: We prepare students not only for college but for life. And these students, our North Star, remain our focus, now and forever.