Developing Woodward's New Strategic Plan
Over the past year, Woodward has undertaken a thoughtful and collaborative process to shape our next Strategic Plan—one that reflects both the heart of our community and the promise of our future. More than 2,000 parents, students, and employees shared their voices through surveys, listening sessions, and conversations, helping us focus on what matters most for the years ahead. While this work continues through the rest of the 2025-2026 school year, we’re sharing the four strategic pillars now to show where the plan is headed—honoring Woodward’s traditions and positioning our students to lead with confidence, character, and purpose in a rapidly changing world.
How To Get Involved
Woodward's Strategic Plan is a shared vision, shaped by the voices of our community. If you have questions, ideas, or feedback to share, we'd love to hear from you.
Please email us at strategicplan@woodward.edu to join the conversation and help shape the future of Woodward Academy.
We believe the Woodward Academy of tomorrow must prepare students not only for success today, but for leadership tomorrow. To that end, the future Woodward experience will align with four strategic pillars—Academic Excellence, Meaningful Connections, Signature Strengths, and Clear Pathways to the Future—intentionally designed to guide every aspect of a student's journey. Together, these pillars ensure that every student discovers their strengths, pursues their passions with confidence, and graduates ready to excel at the nation's top colleges and to lead with purpose beyond.
Academic Excellence: The Foundation for Every Learner
Every student receives rigorous, research-based instruction tailored to their readiness and potential. Woodward is committed to reimagining academic excellence so that students not only master core foundations but also engage in innovative, hands-on learning that prepares them to thrive in a changing world.
Connected Social Experience: Connections That Strengthen Well-Being
Students build lasting friendships and collaborative relationships across multiple circles of connection, grounded in character and belonging. Woodward fosters a community where social experiences strengthen personal growth, empathy, and well-being, ensuring every student feels supported and valued.
Signature Strengths: Depth Where Students Can Shine
Students pursue passions and interests with an intentionally curated set of programs that build advanced skills, purpose, and confidence through immersive, hands-on experiences. These Signature Strengths will be distinctive and high-impact— selected for their ability to set Woodward apart— fueling excellence and distinguishing our students in Atlanta and beyond. Potential examples include Athletics, Arts, and Innovation; as this work evolves, we'll share more about the areas of focus.
Pathways to College, Career, and Life: Clarity for What Comes Next
We guide every student to discover, prepare for, and take their first steps toward a future where they will thrive. Through personalized guidance, expanded opportunities, and a clear "Portrait of a Graduate," Woodward equips students with the skills and confidence they need to succeed in college, career, and life.
Key Milestone Dates
Task Forces:
Chairs & Core Team Members
Academic Excellence
Co-Leaders: Alex Bragg, Chad Ross
Core Team: Amy Walker, Bob Petitto, Karen Klein, Paula Gentry, Stacey Coffey
Connected Social Experience
Co-Leaders: Meredith Draper, Mark Carrington
Core Team: Brett Reichert, Carrie Lauchlan, Chris Lewis, Kourtney Mance, Tre Wimby
Signature Strengths
Co-Leaders: Anthony Thomas, Maggie Berthiaume
Core Team: Erin Greenway, Gina Calloway, Morgan Potts, Tad Sahara, Tonia Webb
Pathways to College, Career & Life
Co-Leaders: Jonathan Merrill, Jodi Hester
Core Team: Anna Thomas, Chato Hendrix, Jesse Bowen, Robert Daugherty, Ryan Davis
Webinar Recording
How to Get Involved?
Woodward's Strategic Plan is a shared vision, shaped by the voices of our community. If you have questions, ideas, or feedback to share, we'd love to hear from you. Please email us at strategicplan@woodward.edu to join the conversation and help shape the future of Woodward Academy.