Woodward Academy

Our 8th and 6th graders have been at Woodward since kindergarten. In fewer than the 150 word limit imposed, here are likes/dislikes. The good: - Woodward develops well-rounded students: challenging academics are a given, but arts and PE are also required through HS. - Classrooms, fields, etc. are first-rate. The endowment is second only to Westminster's in Atlanta. - Student body is diverse ethnically (30% minority) and geographically. We live in Buckhead, but Woodward isn't snobby. Cliques are present -- as in every school -- but aren't pervasive. The bad: - While class sizes are small, the school itslef is very big (2d-largest private school in the U.S.). - Because of geographic diversity, your child's best friend may live 30 mis. away. - Honors classes are tough, but my kids didn't find school challenging until 7th grade: prior grades should be a little harder. - Private schools are expensive: 40K+/year. An excellent school, though: kids are happpy!
—Submitted by a parent

I attented woodward academy from pre-k-12 grade and it was the best school ever. Im a jr in college now and was actually ahead of a bunch of students when i entered my freshman year of college. Amazing cheerleading program to.
—Submitted by a student

I go to this school & it's amazing!
—Submitted by a student

remarkable academics! really prepares you for college. My sons freshman year at the University of Florida was a breeze because Woodward worked him so hard. Graduating from there really gave him an advantage over everyone else due to Woodward's exceptionally tough curriculum.
—Submitted by a parent

Woodward is an expensive school that caters more to your money than to your childs performance. I have a child there and we hope to not return next year. Woodward teachers and councilors pick and choose who they want to help. There are many concerned teachers and councilors but there is just as many not. Many teachers are rude and have no respect for the parent or the child. This has been a costly learning experience for my family.
—Submitted by a parent

It is a very expensive school and caters to students of parents with money, lots of money. Students of working class parents are often treated harsh and teachers are more critical and less tolerant. I send my children there to ensure them a safe, productive learning enviroment - Woodward does provide that. The learning environment is also good.
—Submitted by a parent

I am a parent of 4 children, all of whom go to Woodward. We have been apart of the Woodward family for 12 years. I have had nothing but a great experience at every school (Busey,Primary,Lower, Middle, and High). It is very challenging academically, however, it's the only school my children have known. I have often struggled with the athletic program, as I feel like they aren't competitive enough. My overall experience with the school has been very pleasant. The faculty is very nice. The campus is absolutely Beautiful.
—Submitted by a parent

I have two children there is is by far the most well rounded and balanced academic and social environment in the ATLANTA. It's like Harvard meets the United Nations! Exceptional!
—Submitted by a parent

this school s excellent an dteches the kids good dicipline
—Submitted by a parent

Easily the best school in Atlanta!!! The best part is you get to avoid all the 'Buckhead Social-Climbers' and your kids get into better colleges
—Submitted by a parent

I loved it there. It was an amazing experience.
—Submitted by a student

its a great school with amazing opportunities. I have been there since 1st and am in 7th now. It is challenging academically and the arts and athletics are amazing. We are very competitive in sports and there a a LOT of really talented kids in drama,art,music,and academics. It is amazing, whether you go to Woodward North Campus (PK-6) or Main Campus (K-12). Everyone is so friendly and the campus is beautiful. The teachers are really helpful and they just care, and they are very approachable. The number of people in grades differ. In kindergarten to 3rd or 4th grade, there are about 50-80 students. In 5th there are about 100. In 6th, last year we had 197. in 7th and above, 150 plus. Maximum, there are 15 students in one class, usually less. I love Woodward,it is an amazing place, but they are serious about academics. they don't tolerate cheating, etc.
—Submitted by a student

The school has great diversity, great resources, great opportunities. However, it can also be rigid and stressful, and probably gives more homework than is now thought to be developmentally advantageous. Success and happiness here depends very much on the fit between school and the child and his or her family
—Submitted by a parent

I am a student here at WA and it's amazing. I am so glad my parents sent me here because I don't know where I would be right now if I was back at Rising Starr. All the academics, arts, and athletics are just so amazing. I have been playing sports and it is just so amazing what they have taught me in a year. This is an expensive school but you DEFINETLY get what you pay for!
—Submitted by a student

I am a student at this school and have been for 10 years now I am entering the 9th grade and have never stopped loving this school. I have all intentions of graduating from this school. They do such a good job of preparing you for the next stage in your life whether that next stage is middle school or college. I would highly recomend this school to any student or parent. P.s (the students are super friendly)
—Submitted by a student

This may very well be the best independent school in the USA.
—Submitted by a parent

This is my daughter's first year at WA. She is in the 7th grade. I wish that I would have enrolled her in her earlier years. She had to play catch up on English and Math. However, she is during well for her first year. There is alot of help you can get if you are struggling. The teacher that we have encountered have always been very helpful. They have a great bunch of caring teachers then any where we have ever been! There are many clubs and sports that a student can participate in. My child did take advantage of many things that WA had to offer. I would highly recommend this school to anyone.
—Submitted by a parent

Even though i have only gone for a shadow day, this school is great. Teachers there expect students to really think or rather challenge them. When i was in some classes it was scary because the teachers were a little disappointed with the students because the class had no A's on a quiz. I was like, i thought if i were to attend i didnt know what would happen. So teachers strive for students to really think and know what there suppose to know. I really recommen thi school to students and parents but when applying dont do everything at the last moment because they are serious!
—Submitted by a student

This school was and always will be amazing. I'm a 2001 high school graduate. And having an education and a diploma from my Alma Mater has provided me the opportunity to obtain higher education from other elite institutions.

The quality of education in GA. drives many to Atlanta private schools.Though no school is perfect, We find that Woodward is academically very challenging,athletically above others in variety and quality of programs, ethnically and socially diverse,rich in opportunity for exposure to both visual and performing arts,history and literature of the world,and the highest levels of math and science. We also wanted a school that addressed issues of ethics and social and personal responsibility. We wanted excellence without eliteism and for our children to leave Woodward,confident, that following graduation, they were more than well prepared for the college of their choice.Of course,our objective in this long term investment in a Woodward education was for them to become happy, productive citizens of the world. Mission accomplished with two daughters through college and grad school and one son to graduate from WA next year! The best investment we have ever made.
—Submitted by a parent