AP COURSES + HONORS

I’m Jack Hager, and I am a senior here at Woodlawn! I came here in third grade alongside my older brother, David, and we immediately fell in love with the school. Over the past ten years, I have been able to watch Woodlawn grow into the incredibly special place that it is today. Woodlawn offers an experience unlike any other school, and I can honestly say that it has shaped me into the person I am today.

In the classroom, the small size of Woodlawn truly shines. Students are able to establish meaningful relationships with faculty, which fosters a supportive and familial environment. I never hesitate to ask a question or attempt a challenging problem, because I know that both my teacher and my classmates always have my back. Without this setting, I doubt I would be nearly as eager to learn as I have been here. Now, as a senior, I feel prepared to go off to college and speak up, a valuable skill that I owe to Woodlawn.

Outside of the classroom, the sky's the limit for what a student can do here. During my time at Woodlawn, I have had the opportunity to explore several of my interests and blaze my own trail. One great example of this came during the winter of my sophomore year, when a couple friends and I wanted to run indoor track. Due to the rules of our conference, Woodlawn is not allowed to have an indoor track team associated with the school. Despite this unfortunate rule, my friends and I were able to establish a club team which allowed us to compete. Since its establishment, our club has run each winter, and it’s just one example of how the opportunities at Woodlawn are endless. I am extremely grateful for the role that Woodlawn has played in my life, and I would encourage anybody with the opportunity to attend this school to take it.

Jack is currently a freshman at Duke University.

Hi! My name is Clare MacDonald, and I’m a junior at Woodlawn School. Honestly, when I read those words, “I’m a junior,” it’s a little daunting. I’ve been at this school since 5th grade; my formative years of middle school have quickly passed me by in a creative, energetic blur, and already being in the heat of high school seems impossible. Though college applications are on the horizon, my stress immediately dissipates upon walking in the door of Woods Hall, because any other environment would be unimaginable.

We’re more than just your average school. We’re a vibrant, diverse community that supports each other’s various strengths and weaknesses. For example, one of my good friends is a talented visual artist, while another is a Division 1 soccer recruit. Woodlawn adapts to the individual and gives them the materials to succeed in their respective passions, and this could not be possible without our fantastic teachers. The excitement they have for their subjects is contagious in our small class sizes that emphasize challenging, hands-on learning, and complex discussions. Not to mention, they’re always available to discuss the drama of the latest Mad Men episode or rave extensively about a certain band!

If I had to pinpoint my favorite thing about Woodlawn (this is more difficult than one would think), it would be the ability to do anything I’m interested in. From playing three varsity sports to teaching a middle school music elective to co-directing an award-winning medical PSA, I’ve dabbled and experimented in a wide array of topics.

Simply stated, Woodlawn is an integral part of my identity. Well-rounded, with lifetime friendships, I know I have the tools to face whatever college has in store for me.

Clare is a recent graduate of UNC Chapel Hill and is employed at LinkedIn in San Francisco, CA.