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1WHO WE ARE

2At the heart of the Woodward Academy campus stands a gate. For 120 and counting, new students have arrived and entered—metaphorically—through this gate. And then, at the conclusion of their senior year, they go back out, off into the world and to the rest of their lives.Looking at this great body of students over the years, you see that each arrives here unique. Each has their own story, their own family, their own strengths and challenges, their own goals and dreams. They come from all across Atlanta, and even the world. They are different in many ways—economically, geographically, racially, spiritually, and in their learning styles. Twelve thousand individual stories and counting. And yet, they also are all part of one single story. Because, while everyone comes from their own beginning, and goes on to their own future, there is also the time that they spend together on this side of the gate—within Woodward. From the moment they enter Woodward to the moment they leave, these students learn and strive and grow together. They learn how to think about and engage in the world outside of themselves, making a commitment to do their best, and gaining the confidence to make a difference. This shared purpose and ethos is something we call the Woodward Way.In 1900, this vision was present at the very formation of this Academy. Founders Col. John C. and Lucile Woodward believed students needed a place to be challenged and encouraged, where they could grow not just in their knowledge, but in the traits and qualities that would shape the way that they use that knowledge—a strong foundation, strong enough to hold whatever future would be built upon it. Problem-solving. Responsibility. Hard work. The Woodward Way has remained at the heart of this place even as the Academy has evolved. Now, we are a place that welcomes all people, a place with no home for intolerance. Woodward is a place for people of differing beliefs to come together with compassion and respect, a place for nurturing conversation and understanding rather than sowing division. At the core of our belief is that all people are innately valuable as they were created, and that there is no place for intolerance here. Respecting ourselves, each other, our school, and our world is the Woodward Way.The shared ethos of the Woodward Way manifests in every aspect of the Academy. It creates a place where caring, engaged citizens grow. A place where children are equipped with empathy for all people, socio-emotional intelligence, and thoughtfulness, as well as the confidence, tenacity, and resilience to put those qualities to work in the difficult—but desperately needed—effort of making the world a better place. It is a place where all seniors are required to take a Compassion Capstone class, which serves as a platform for them to go out into the world ready to help others.“Before we acquire great power we must acquire wisdom to use it well.” That’s Ralph Waldo Emerson. Or, perhaps you like your inspirational quotes more contemporary, so here’s Spider-Man’s Uncle Ben: “With great power comes great responsibility.” At Woodward, great power means knowledge, but along with it comes accountability, tolerance, compassion, and a strong work ethic. Working hand in hand with families, we empower each child to tap into their innate gifts and pursue them to the fullest, to send children out into the world confident and capable. To be good people.Once those students pass back out of the gate and into the rest of their lives, they are not leaving the Woodward Way behind. They take it with them. Wherever they go to college, whatever occupation they choose, they bring the values and skills they gained during their time here. And it is that identity, that energy, that charges them with a mission: Make a difference. Serve others. Leave the world better than you found it. Our alumni do this in big ways, as government leaders and heads of industry. They do so in quiet ways, too, out of the spotlight—surgeons saving lives and volunteers gathering food for the needy. But it is something they all share. A journey they all take. Together.That is the Woodward Way.This is the Woodward Way story.WHO WE ARE

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4What we do. Why we do it. Who we do it for.Woodward provides a topflight private education to students of all backgrounds and demographics from across the Atlanta area—we are Atlanta at its very best. This education extends far beyond academics and into service, the arts, athletics, and a wide range of cocurriculars.In a world where difference is often associated with conflict, Woodward rises above. The Academy serves as a sanctuary for difference, while nurturing conversation and understanding rather than sowing division. At the core of our belief is that all people are innately valuable as they were created, and that there is no place for intolerance here. Respecting ourselves, each other, our school, and our world is the Woodward Way.Here, students don’t just gain knowledge. They gain skills and traits such as respect, social awareness, empathy, open mindedness, accountability, and dedication to service, which will serve them throughout their lives, so that they can go out and make their mark in the world.We look out and see a fractured, contentious world. A world that needs people equipped to handle thorny challenges and to overcome divides in order to create a better future. It needs responsible, engaged citizens committed to honesty, understanding, and justice. It needs wisdom.We believe that we are called to the work of training those engaged citizens of tomorrow, of equipping our students with the knowledge, compassion, and resiliency that will enable them to achieve their own unique measure of success, bridge divides, and foster unity, in ways big or small, in their communities and in the world.Parents in the metro Atlanta area who believe in the transformative power of education. Parents who don’t just aspire for their children to get into the best college, but aspire for their children to be good people and to make their unique mark in the world beyond college. Parents who value differences and do not want their children to live inside a bubble. Parents who value responsibility and hard work, but who also want their children to try a variety of clubs and activities (and have a lot of fun in doing so) in order to discover and activate their passion.WHO WE AREWoodward Academy

5WHO WE AREWhat makes us different?We are the only private school that truly represents all of Atlanta, a community of diverse students and families. Here, students learn how to respect and relate to other people and cultures, fostering personal connection and growth. We are a big community, one with size and scope and diversity, and yet the Woodward experience is deeply personalized. Each student can tailor their own educational experience to their unique talents, interests, and passions.

6OUR PERSONALITYOur students learn to approach others with compassion and empathy.Our vast opportunities allow students to pursue passions that sustain them through life.We embrace every student as they are, and we value the unique skills and talents that only they can offer the world.Respecting ourselves, each other, our school, and our world is The Woodward Way.Students learn to view the world from the perspective of others in our inclusive community We provide nurturing spaces that ground students in a caring community.We create dedicated scholars and engaged citizens.CompassionateGroundedRespectfulEnthusiasticDedicatedTolerantAuthentic

7A community that looks like Atlanta and the world, with a wide and deep range of people from a great variety of cultural, intellectual, religious, and ethnic backgrounds.A space for students to learn from those with different backgrounds and experiences so they can go out into the world knowing how to interact respectfully with others, including those with whom they disagree.The ability to tailor the curriculum to meet each child and family where they are academically, and to shape their education to answer the call of their passions (rather than serving as a pressure cooker or under-challenging them).More activities and cocurriculars than any other school, the chance for every student to find their passion, whether it’s biotechnology, debate, game design, world languages, robotics, or dance.OUR VALUE PROPOSITIONS

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