OUR TRADITIONS
A COMMUNITY THAT FEELS LIKE 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.
SERVICE LEARNING
RESPONSIBLE CITIZENS
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.
SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY
CARING FRIENDS
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.
HONORING OUR PAST, PRESENT + FUTURE
WOODLAWN TRADITIONS
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FAMILY TREES
The tree has always been a symbol of importance at Woodlawn, both because of the sheer number of them on our campus and because of what they teach us by example: resilience and grace through inevitable changes; the value of independence and interdependence; and a steady pursuit of lifelong growth. Each class is a member of either the Oak, Maple or Poplar family, and students remain a part of their family tree throughout their time at Woodlawn. The oak is representative of courage and strength; the maple, wisdom and balance; and the poplar, endurance and opportunity.
“The Family Tree Ceremony is a very special way to bring together the different grade levels. We’re all “sorted” into certain tree groups that are mixed with different grade levels. For example, as an eighth grader I was placed with the Poplar group, which included a couple different classes in both Upper and Lower School. At each assembly, pep rally, and other school gathering, we sit with our tree groups. this allows us to bond with other students in different grades that we may not have gotten to know otherwise. This makes us feel more like a family than a school, which is a very special experience. I really enjoy the Woodlawn Family Tree Ceremony and I hope it is carried on long after I am gone.” – Jack Hager ’19
WOODLAWN DAY
Woodlawn’s oldest tradition comes once a year, early in the fall. In honor of Dr. George Stinson (the original land owner of Woodlawn’s historic campus), we center the day around celebrating the history of our campus. Students enjoy 19th century games on the field, gardening, tours fo the historic Stinson Hall led by our own Mrs. Lolla, and square dancing lessons.
“Woodlawn has empowered us to dance the Virginia Reel with our calculus teacher, who always dresses the part with a straw hat and overalls. What teen would voluntarily do such a thing? And yet, we understand now that letting your guard down, having fun in silly ways, is what has enriched our lives the most at Woodlawn.” – Sydney Bowman ’14
KINDER-SENIOR BUDDIES
The youngest and most senior members of the Woodlawn student body are always in the same family tree, and each year our kindergartners are paired with a “buddy” from the senior class. The buddies visit each other’s classrooms, connect at K-12 events, and even send each other special notes and gifts throughout the year.
“Being a mentor to a Kindergarten buddy was probably one of the best perks of beings a senior at Woodlawn. My buddy Skylar and I hit it off pretty well, and we always greeted each other when we passed on campus. My favorite moment was when I received a handmade heart from Skylar, which I made sure to keep safe on my locker door.” – Reilly Milburn ’15
RING BREAKFAST
Each fall we celebrate with our junior class as they prepare to receive their class rings. A full breakfast on the patio around the fire pit precedes the “turning of the rings” ceremony. One twist to the left, is how it goes, to represent good fortune for the future. Classmates join in on the celebration with a now student favorite – the ring pop!
“The Ring Breakfast is exciting for the juniors because the class rings we receive are tailored to our tastes and experiences. For me, I had a track cleat and a soccer ball on my ring because when I look back on my years at Woodlawn, I have come to realize that my best memories have come from my time on the trails and my wonderful experiences with the soccer team that I wouldn’t trade for anything. The Ring Breakfast gives juniors the time to look back on all that they have accomplished at Woodlawn and reminds us to embrace the small community we have and the unity it brings.” – Taylor Scott ’16
20 YEARS AND COUNTING
OUR FOUNDING
Founded in 2002, Woodlawn first began with just seven students and two small buildings, and opened its doors for the first time in the fall of that year. Just two years later, 70 students were enrolled and Woodlawn had already established a reputation as a place where high academic standards led to independent, lifelong learning.
WHY I LOVE WOODLAWN
“My life at Woodlawn is central to my identity, and I wouldn’t be the same had it not been for this small community where teachers and classmates become a second family. Woodlawn is unique. Where else would you find students playing basketball in a gym designed to look like a traditional red barn or see middle schoolers studying about plants in the campus gardens? As students and teachers we are athletes, artists, musicians, and much more. Sometimes a bit quirky – one friend created a business designing bow ties and a favorite teacher, a former Apple executive, enjoys flying his drone around campus.”
– Taylor S. ’14
Rice University
