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Our Stories

While Woodward students and faculty come from a wide range of backgrounds and locations, it is their diversity of experiences, interests, and dreams that makes Woodward the most vibrant school in Atlanta. Here are some of their stories.

Calvin

Middle School

Calvin

Middle School 

Seventh grader Calvin wasn’t feeling challenged at his previous school. During a summer program, he met a Woodward alumnus who told him all about his experience at the Academy.  

“I had the opportunity to participate in a summer program at Vanderbilt University where I stumbled into Woodward alum Alan Wright ’21,” Calvin said. “He told me that there were many rigorous course selections and great teachers to help me grow at Woodward. Alan said that it was the education he received at Woodward that prepared him for Vanderbilt. Once I got to Woodward, I soon realized that all the things Alan told me about Woodward were true. I have enjoyed Woodward so far, and I’ve never looked back.”

Calvin said his teachers value his opinion and care about him. “I also feel that my teachers push me to be great. I have learned to trust them, and I realize that whatever they are telling me to do is going to benefit me. At Woodward, each one of my teachers has made me feel that I matter and that what I can achieve has no bounds.”

He’s especially inspired by his math teacher, Ugarhon Serrette. “Even though math is one of the hardest subjects, Mr. Serrette is always so calm and relaxed. Whenever things get hard,  he always encourages us to persevere and assures us that we will eventually grasp the concept, which fosters confidence in our math skills.”

In his first year at Woodward, Calvin joined the Middle School’s debate and baseball teams. ”When I am not doing school activities, I play travel baseball, trade cryptocurrency, read, hang out with my friends, and spend time with my family,” he said. 

Calvin described a typical school day for him:

“When I wake up, I get my thoughts together and pray with my brother. Because I live a little distance away from the school, my mom insists that I am downstairs by 7:45. So, I eat breakfast in the car, while one of my parents drives me to school. 

When I get to school, I socialize with my friends in the quad, go to my locker, drop off my bags, grab my books for first period, and get prepared to focus on school. After my first two classes, I go to community time, to my third class, and then study hall where I work on any homework assignments right before lunch. Then comes one of the best parts of the day–lunch and time to socialize. After I finish eating, I play basketball on the courts with my friends, and then we go inside for another two other classes before the school day officially ends. After school, I usually attend tutorials to get help with any unanswered homework questions. 

When tutorial ends, I go to Middle School baseball practice or my travel baseball practice. When I get  home, I do all of my homework, study for any upcoming assessments, do all of my personal hygiene, and complete my evening exercise routine. Finally, I lay out my clothes for the next day, and I go to sleep.”

Calvin said going to Woodward has been life-changing. “I think Woodward is the best school for me because I fit in socially and  feel academically challenged. The teachers really take care of me and care about my growth.”

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Keira

Woodward North

Fifth grader speaks about respect and creating a safe environment where students can freely express themselves

Keira

Class of 2031 - Woodward North

Keira, a fifth grader at Woodward North, said one of her favorite things about her school is the wide variety of activities and clubs available to students. "We have all these different clubs for all different interests, different grades, and different levels of what you're good at. It's really fun here!"

Woodward's dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion also appeals to Keira, especially the way in which different cultures and religious traditions are explored and celebrated: "Every time there's a new holiday, big or small, we always talk about it and how to include other cultures."

Keira believes that the Woodward Way is all about respect and creating a safe environment where students can freely express themselves. "The Woodward Way means we should respect each other. But I think it also helps create a safe community where people can speak their mind freely."

In her free time in and out of school Keira enjoys running, singing, playing her violin, learning Bollywood dancing, and spending time with her friends. She said she values the friendships she has formed at Woodward. "Being with my friends, I've learned how to trust everybody and that I am able to speak my mind with them. And I’ve learned if I'm having trouble with something, they are there for me."

As for her future aspirations, Keira's career interests continue to evolve. While she said she knows she wants to be a doctor and had previously considered becoming a neurologist, she is now leaning toward a career as a therapist.

Whichever path she ultimately chooses, she cited the inclusive methods of instruction employed by her teachers as key to her academic success. "All the teachers here are really fun. They know when you're at a different level of learning, whether it be higher or lower, and they're there to accommodate you. And they adjust to make sure that you're learning the way you need to. And if you have trouble, they're there to help you."

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Max

Woodward North

Max

Woodward North 

Woodward North fifth grader Max is a kid who tells it like it is. When asked how he feels about his teachers, he’s diplomatic: “They're really nice. They're strict—in a good way. They're great!”

Thoughtful and active, Max says his favorite times of the day are recess—where he enjoys football on the large athletic field, four square, and hanging out with his friends—and STEAM. “We're working on a project on our computers and that's pretty fun.”

Max espouses a uniquely philosophical perspective on the Woodward Way: “To me the Woodward Way means that everything has a purpose and everything has emotions and you should respect that.” He says he feels like he gets that respect from his teachers and friends at Woodward, and tries to give it in kind.

“Loyalty comes with a kind of price,” he says, musing on what he’s learned about friendship. “If your friend goes somewhere and you're really great friends, and you've been friends for a long time, you may want to follow them. And if they're like way out there and you want to be there for them, you have to decide if you want to go out there too, and what that means.”

Max says maybe his favorite place at school is homeroom with Ms. Park, “because it's peaceful and my homeroom teacher is pretty cool.”

Outside of school Max enjoys playing lacrosse, and says someday he’d like to play professionally. If that doesn’t pan out, he says he plans to be a videogame designer.

Asked why he thinks Woodward North is the best school for him, Max says he appreciates how Woodward North goes through sixth grade and prepares kids for the transition to Middle School on the Main Campus. “And you can learn more actively,” he says. “The teachers don't just teach; they do it in a fun way.”

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Lil

Primary School

Lil

Primary School 

Here are a few of Lil’s favorite things:

“My dogs, my parents, and my grandparents, and I love my roller skates, and I love reading.” 

She also loves going to school at Woodward Academy. “There are really good teachers, a lot of fun activities, and a lot of fun things to do on the playground.” 

Lil’s Mom, Stephanie, said her daughter leaves school happy each day. “She is supported in a way that she has self-esteem, and is granted the space to blossom into the incredible kid she is,” Stephanie said. “Her energetic desire for learning is matched by her inspiring, child-centered teachers.”

As Lil moves ahead to the Lower, Middle, and Upper Schools on her Woodward journey, her Mom looks forward to observing the continued fostering of Lil’s curiosity. “She received important building blocks for learning at the Primary School that she will take with her in her lifelong learning journey.” 

Lil’s Mom also anticipates a journey filled with a sense of community. “There is a sense at Woodward that all are welcome. The Parent Community is comprised of folks from all over the city, coming together in a place that gives our kids exactly what they need.”

As for Lil, she's already looking ahead to what she might want to be when she grows up. "Maybe a chef. A dancer. An actor. An artist. I could do all of those but maybe not at the same time." To other students looking into attending Woodward, she would say, "You will love it here."

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Byron

Lower School

Lower School Student plays the saxophone

Byron

Class of 2030 - Lower School

Lower School student Byron is drawn to acting. He was chosen to play the lead in two school productions, “Shrek Jr.” in fifth grade and “Oliver and Annie” in fourth grade. Outside of school, he appears in the 2023 TV movie, “A Nashville Legacy,” playing the younger version of one of the main characters.

Filming for the movie was done in Alabama over the summer of 2022. “I got to meet some of the actors, the director, and the executive producer. And it was fun being on camera and meeting people. My scenes were kind of funny so everytime I did it the whole place laughed,” Byron said.

So, what exactly does he like about acting? 

You can pretend. As a kid, I used to pretend a lot,” he said. “I like the different characters you can play. One character might be a really nice person, and then the next can be like a really evil person. Last year, I was Oliver, and I was in an orphanage. This year—almost a complete contrast—I was a big ogre in a fairytale land who didn’t like anybody. Both had happy endings. Shrek became nicer, happier, and a little more accepting, but not a lot.”

When he’s not rehearsing for a play or in front of a camera, Byron’s favorite academic subjects are math, science, and English. He likes to write in his spare time. “I write fantasies and small-moment stories. I’ve been working on this Harry Potter-themed book for awhile but I decided to take a break to focus on acting.” 

He’s also into music, playing saxophone in the Lower School band, and taking piano lessons since kindergarten. “I love playing instruments,” Byron said. “My piano teacher is one of the music teachers in the Primary School.”

Byron believes Woodward is the best school for him. “I like Woodward because of all the opportunities and the people here, because there are people from everywhere basically. Diversity also is why my mom picked this school,” he said. “My teachers help me, and they push me just enough but not too hard.”

When he grows up, Byron wants to be an actor or a music-maker. “If those don’t work, then I will probably want to go into stocks and, what’s it called, real estate, or I would want to be in the Air Force like my parents.” Meanwhile, he’s looking forward to what his Woodward journey holds in the future. He describes his school in just three words: “Fun, friendly, and I’d have to say exciting.”

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Iyla

Upper School

Iyla

Upper School 

If anyone knows her way around Woodward Academy, it’s Iyla. Having started at Woodward North for Pre-K, then joining Main Campus in 7th grade, the Upper Schooler views Woodward as her second home: “I have been here for 13 years and do not regret one bit.”

“The Woodward Way is all about respect for me–respecting myself, each other, our school, and our world,” she says.

Among the most important skills Iyla says she has learned at Woodward is time management. “It helps me to balance my life between school, friends, and free time. I can now confidently manage my time to maximize opportunities.”

But academics are not just about getting from point A to point B as efficiently as possible, and Iyla says her love for Woodward is as much about the support provided by her teachers. “All of my teachers care about me and make me feel comfortable. Every teacher wants me to grow to my fullest potential.”

She says she is especially fond of her English teacher, Ms. Trumble. “She inspires me because she always has a great, positive outlook and never fails to make everyone in class smile. I admire her perspective on life.”

Outside of school Iyla enjoys competitive dancing. A member of the National Honors Society as well as the Spanish National Honors Society, she also serves as a peer leader and an admissions ambassador.

Iyla says she plans to study exercise science in college and hopes to become a physical therapist.

“Woodward has shaped me into the person I am today, through the amazing teachers and staff guiding me through every aspect of my life even beyond academic work,“ Iyla says.

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Connor

Lower School

Connor

Lower School 

Connor really loves coding and has his sights set on computer science or engineering as a career, but that is not his only passion. He is a well-rounded student with a wide range of interests he’s exploring at Woodward Academy.

“Around the pandemic, I was stuck in the house with nothing to do,” Connor said. “My Dad was on virtual meetings, so he got me this book on coding ideas and tutorials. I spent the entire pandemic coding and I’ve been passionate about it ever since.”

Connor entered Woodward Academy in fourth grade. In the Lower School, he has had opportunities to practice coding by participating in First Lego League. He looks forward to participating in robotics in Middle and Upper School as well. “I probably want to be a software engineer or computer scientist, something along those lines,” he said.

Connor also plays violin in the Lower School Orchestra, and he is into tennis and archery. He says he can explore everything that interests him at the Academy. “Woodward is a great school with amazing opportunities. At my old school, they really were limited. This school has given me time to do what I’m passionate about.”

When he was asked to provide three words that describe Woodward, Connor took a few minutes to think about it. “Vibrant,” he said. “I’d also say ‘free’ and ‘open.’ You’re able to let your passions guide you.” Connor asked to add one more word, because of the great friends he’s made at Woodward:  “community.” 

“It’s going great for me,” he said. “I’ve made lots of friends. Boone, David, and Carter are friends I can rely on.”

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Dinara

Woodward North

Dinara

Woodward North 

Woodward North third grader Dinara says one of the things she most appreciates about her school is how welcoming it has been. Born in the United Kingdom, Dinara had only been at the school for a few months, but said it already feels like home. “I love my teachers. They have given me such a warm welcome into Woodward North, especially because I came from a whole other country.”

She said it probably has something to do with the school’s guiding ethos as she understands it. “To me the Woodward Way means everyone is respectful to each other, no matter what.”

Dinara’s favorite spots on the Woodward North campus are the school’s Multiplex (“It's very big and has lots of room for me to run around in!”) and the big stage in the school’s Art Center: “When I perform there I feel like a real performer.”

Her favorite subjects? “I like math because it gets me really thinking. I also like P.E. because I really like playing sports,” she said.

Outside of class Dinara enjoys art club, dance (ballet and jazz), and orchestra, where she plays the violin. She admitted that while she loves the violin, “it can be hard putting your fingers on the strings and knowing all the notes.”

Down the road, Dinara said she plans to put her care for others into action. “When I grow up I would like to be a police officer because I'm very brave and I want to save the day and help other people.”

Characterizing her new school as diverse, respectful, and kind, she summed up her feelings thusly: “I think Woodward is the best school for me because all the teachers are very nice and the children are very good friends to me. It's just a very nice school in general!”

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Austin

Woodward North

Sixth grader participates in cocurricular activities, including basketball

Austin

Class of 2030 - Lower School

Woodward North sixth grader Austin believes that the Woodward Way is all about respect and kindness: "You have to respect everyone and good things will come to you as long as you put good things out there in the world."

Austin said Woodward's diverse student population has broadened his horizons. "I've learned a lot of cool things about a bunch of people, and about different celebrations and different holidays too."

Similarly, Austin said his favorite thing about Woodward is the strong sense of community and camaraderie that he feels among his peers. He also spoke highly of his teachers, naming Cheri Mills as one of his favorites. "They’re nice to everyone and they make learning fun," he said.

When asked about his favorite place on campus, Austin mentioned the STEAM room, noting that there's "always something fun to do in there." 

Austin enjoys a number of cocurricular activities, including basketball and the math team. While he is passionate about basketball and dreams of becoming an NBA player, he admits math team was not initially his choice. "I didn't really want to do it, but my mom made me." Nevertheless, he is proud of the math team's accomplishments, with 10 members making the top 20 in a recent tournament, and eight of those in the top 10. He shared his excitement about the team's participation in upcoming state and national tournaments.

Asked to summarize Woodward in three words, Austin opted for "learning, fun, and creative!"

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Amirrah

Upper School

Junior at Woodward in the Upper School library

Amirrah

Class of 2024 - Upper School

Amirrah, a junior in Woodward's Upper School, says that to her the Woodward Way represents a guided path toward success. It's a path upon which she's already traveled a fair distance. In her first year at Woodward, Amirrah was honored with a Distinguished Service Award for her work with the Child2Child Book Foundation, a nonprofit she founded in 2019. Working through her foundation she has shipped and distributed more than 20,000 books to young children in Ghana and plans to share 40,000 more books with children in Ghana and Togo. "Woodward has supported my efforts to give back and we are planning a book drive at school to receive book donations to ship to Africa," she said.

Before joining Woodward in the 10th grade, Amirrah lived in Nigeria and California attending French schools. "In Atlanta, I attended an international school, but it was not a good fit. The diversity of Woodward was very attractive to me and once I settled into the community, I knew I had found my tribe."

"Woodward brings together students of diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences," said Amirrah. "As a person of color in a foreign country, Woodward’s diverse community made me feel comfortable and heard, and my confidence grew."

Moreover, Amirrah says Woodward helped make her dream come true when she was accepted for School Year Abroad in France. "My teachers were very supportive and encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone by living in France for a year. This experience will prepare me for my next journey—college!"

As she looks to the future, Amirrah plans to continue her work with her foundation, while leaning toward studying International Relations and pursuing a career in foreign service. Her goal is to make a positive impact on communities around the world. In the meantime, Woodward has provided her with the foundation and support to pursue her dreams and aspirations.

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Elliott

Upper School

Woodward swim team member sits next to the competition pool

Elliott

Class of 2025 - Upper School

Elliott, a sophomore in Woodward's Upper School, says attending Woodward has changed how he sees the world: "Woodward has shaped me to become a better learner and to understand every aspect of a situation. I have learned about the opinions and sides of different topics, such as NATO's actions in regard to the ethical uses of biotechnology."

"Woodward has helped me learn just how important education is and how far it can take you."

Elliott arrived at Woodward in seventh grade as part of the Academy's renowned Transition Learning Support Program. Since then, he said he has learned the value of hard work in achieving his goals, be it in academics or athletics. He joined the Woodward swim team in eighth grade while moving into enriched prep level classes and playing soccer. Now in the Upper School, Elliott continues to challenge himself academically, taking Honors and Advanced classes. In addition to the swim team, where he serves as a swim captain, he participates in a range of cocurricular activities such as sophomore captain of Honor Guard, track and field, and debate team. He's also an Admissions Ambassador for the Class of 2025.

Elliott says he has learned from his friends at Woodward and his time in Transition that there is no one-size-fits-all mold for students. "Each individual is unique in their own way, with different thoughts, beliefs, interests, and learning styles," Elliott said. "Whether it's pursuing computer science, aviation, chemistry, or political science and law, Woodward celebrates the diversity of its student body and encourages students to explore their passions."

For his part, Elliott eventually plans to study political science and constitutional, criminal, and defensive law in college.

When asked what the Woodward Way means to him, Elliott says it means doing your best to become the best version of yourself. "Woodward gives you the opportunity to become whatever you want to be."

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Sydney

Upper School

Upper School Student wearing Woodward letterman jacket

Sydney

Class of 2026 - Upper School

Sydney, a sophomore in the Upper School, said she has learned many important lessons during her time at Woodward. For instance: "I’ve learned that having a special allergy meal is a great way to skip the lunch line. Got to love being gluten free!" Beyond that tongue-in-cheek observation, Sydney said she has learned the importance of leadership and advocating for herself and her teammates, skills she plans to employ in the peer leadership program.

Sydney started at Woodward her freshman year after transferring from Atlanta International School. "Even though I have only been at Woodward for a year and a half, I love everything about it and I am much more comfortable here."

Expounding on the elements that have made her feel at home at Woodward, she highlighted the abundance of opportunities available. "I can fill my schedule with classes that are the right difficulty level for me while allowing me to pursue my interests. There is a club, sport, or organization for everyone at this school, and it’s easy to find things that fill me with passion and excitement, while supporting my growth as an individual."

Through founding and managing the school's equestrian team, Sydney has already had the opportunity to become a leader and make a positive impact on the school. This includes meeting with riders and coaches, taking lessons, and attending and hosting competitions. She also rides horses outside of Woodward’s equestrian team, attending competitions nearly every weekend. Additionally, she carves out time to work with various animal charity organizations. Sydney also is a member of the Spanish and French Honor Societies, and is a GSA ally.

Sydney intends to attend college and eventually become a veterinarian. She plans to study biology and world languages as an undergraduate before specializing in equines and animal dentistry at veterinary school. 

Asked who inspires her at Woodward, she cites Mr. Seth Meyer: "I am inspired by his kindness and openness. He is caring, accepting, and always thinking of the students' best interests. Even though he isn’t one of my teachers, he lets me study and hang out with my friends in his classroom, and he provides a safe place to be. He inspires me to be the kindest person I can be."

Similarly, she said Woodward has helped her strive to be a better human being: "The Woodward Way means to practice compassion and respect in everything I do. From my classes, to cocurricular activities, to my friends, the Woodward Way encourages me to show kindness to all."

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Explore Further

Your child’s education is a unique journey of growth, enlightenment, and exploration as they find their way into the world. At Woodward, we provide the compass for that journey.