the woodlawn difference
about us
Woodlawn School is a Pre-K – 12, independent day school on a 61-acre, wooded historic campus one mile from Davidson, NC. Our 177 young alumni have been admitted to the most selective American and international colleges and universities, where our unique approach to teaching and learning enables them to thrive in college and beyond.
OUR PURPOSE
OUR VALUES
Woodlawn students are joyful learners who choose a bright, optimistic, positive emotional response to change. They are unafraid to learn new things. They have a healthy understanding that failure is essential to success. They have the self-knowledge and confidence to effectively navigate a complex and turbulent world.
61 ACRES
OUR CAMPUS
Our campus features 9 buildings; 61 acres of woods and fields; gardens; outdoor classrooms; and a challenge course supporting our emphasis on healthy, outdoor activities – 55 minutes of recess every day, for everyone! Our curriculum is designed to use our campus to keep kids active, moving, and engaged.
“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 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. ’16
Rice University
diverse global community
DIVERSITY, EQUITY + INCLUSION
Woodlawn’s mission is to prepare students to be contributing members of a diverse global society. While we offer rare and innovative educational opportunities that set us apart, we encourage and support our students to be a part of their global world, not apart from it.
WE WORK TOGETHER
OUR LEADERSHIP
Our educational philosophy provides the guiding principles that we use to carry out our mission. We provide a superior learning environment by encouraging critical thinking, curiosity, and diligence. We promote the personal growth of our students by encouraging creativity, leadership, and individuality. We are socially responsible by valuing multiple perspectives, compassion, tolerance, and respect. We incorporate environmental sustainability in our curriculum, school culture, and stewardship of our land and resources.
SETTING THE FOUNDATION
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.
