The Woodlawn Way
Caring friends. Responsible citizens. Motivated learners.
It shows — our students are thoughtful, caring citizens of the Woodlawn community and beyond. It's been dubbed, "The Woodlawn Way". As you walk around campus, it's not uncommon to see a fifth grader stop along his way to class to pick up some stray trash. You'll watch a tenth grader hold the door open for his teacher whose hands are full. You'll hear an eighth grader thank her teacher at the end of class. This culture of respect has been dubbed “The Woodlawn Way,” and it’s contagious: new students quickly recognize that such mutual respect results in independence and responsibility – and that the teachers trust that they will make good choices.
Finding your place
Maybe the best part of going to Woodlawn is that everyone can find something to be a part of. With dynamic and constantly evolving clubs and activities, you're bound to find something you like. And if you don't? Woodlawn encourages you to start your own club based on your own interests and passions. There's countless paths to choose — the hard part is choosing which path!
Parents also have ample opportunities to plug in. From room parents to helping out in the garden to coordinating special events on campus and in the community, we depend on our parent volunteer community.
A community that feels like a family
You’ll feel it the moment you step onto campus – that something special that says "close-knit family." Parents working side-by-side in the gardens with our teachers and students, students showing up on a Saturday to help clear the cross country trails for an upcoming meet, and alumni stopping by when they are in town just to say hello to their teachers and former classmates. Our parents, teachers, and students become one big, supportive family, watching out for each other and supporting their success. The result? An environment where students are encouraged to step out of their comfort zone, where lifelong friendships are formed, and where real-world connections are made every single day.
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JP Shaw '14
Woodlawn has been more than a school, more than just a place where I came to learn. Woodlawn has been a second home, my classmates a second family. Woodlawn students have been given a gift, an experience unlike any other: we know what community truly is, what friendship really means. We know the essence of education, the inner workings of what it means to live with honor and integrity.
Zach Lorch '17
Making your own fun...
The part I enjoy most about Woodlawn is that you get to make your own fun. Interested in a ga-ga pit? Build one yourself on campus! We spent the fall building this one and then had a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Now nearly everyone in the school is playing ga-ga ball. It's pretty cool. You learn pretty quickly that you can make a difference by just speaking up and getting involved. It's surprising how many people will join in on the fun. Check out our Grounds Crew club. We're always looking for new members.