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George Walton Academy
Building Champions
Philosophy and Purpose
George Walton Academy is an independent, nonprofit, coeducational day school dedicated to providing a learning environment in which a young person can grow, learn, be challenged, and find success. We are interested in the development and well being of the total child as a person, scholar, citizen, and athlete. We believe that each child is different, but we have high expectations of all our students in all aspects of their school experiences and expect that they will put forth their best efforts at all times. The Academy emphasizes the importance of good manners, concerns for the rights of others, and proper conduct. We believe that a school setting with small classes, competent and caring teachers, and a strong college preparatory curriculum which stresses excellence, intellectual challenge, student responsibility, and hard work creates a confident young person prepared and ready for the adult world.
Expectations
Once a student is enrolled in George Walton Academy, it is important for parents and the school to have open lines of communication and to understand each other's expectations. We set high goals for our students. We expect them to work hard and to strive to reach their potential as young people. We expect them to conduct themselves properly, to treat others with respect, and to be the best they can be in all areas. We expect our students to abide by the rules of the GWA dress code. We also expect parents to be supportive of the faculty and administration as we work with their children. Every parent and student is required to read and be aware of the "rules and regulations" of the Academy set forth in the Student Handbook. Parents are very much a part of the GWA family, and they are encouraged to take part in the numerous activities of the school as well as participate in our Annual Loyalty Fund. George Walton Academy cannot continue to be a quality educational institution without the interest, cooperation, involvement, loyalty, and confidence of our parents. In return the administration, faculty, and staff pledge to put forth every effort to encourage your child to do his or her best at all times, to communicate with parents, to have high standards of instruction, and to deserve the trust and responsibility we have been given as teachers and counselors. Parents are very much a part of the GWA family.
Mission Statement
The mission of George Walton Academy, a college preparatory school, is to establish a safe environment, to promote lifelong learning, and to assist students in becoming responsible, self-disciplined adults who will contribute positively to a rapidly changing society.
Beliefs
We believe all students have the right to receive an education in a safe environment.
We believe each student is a valued individual with unique physical, social, emotional, and intellectual needs.
We believe learning is a life long process.
We believe it is crucial to monitor a student's progress so that curriculum modifications and staff development can be structured to enhance noted strengths and weaknesses.
We believe that students should demonstrate their understanding of essential knowledge and skills, and be actively involved in solving problems and producing quality work.
We believe a student's self-esteem is enhanced by positive relationships and mutual respect among and between students and staff.
We believe our school staff and stakeholders in the community should present themselves as positive role models for students.
We believe that part of our job as educators is to help students learn the value of taking personal responsibility for their work and actions.
We believe that assessment of student learning and our school's effectiveness should be ongoing in order for us to work continuously to improve the learning process.
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GWA Profile
School
George Walton Academy is a coeducational, independent, non-profit, college-preparatory day school founded in 1969. The school has over 940 students in grades K4-12th grades. The academy serves students from Walton, Newton, Rockdale, Oconee, Morgan, Gwinnett, Clark, DeKalb and Barrow counties. The Academy is governed by a self-perpetuating Board of Trustees and is a member of the Southern Association of Independent Schools, Georgia Independent School Association and Georgia High School Association.
Faculty
The school has 130 faculty and staff members with a ratio of one professional staff member to each twenty students. School counselors coordinate guidance, and individual faculty members assist as advisors to the students. The upper school counselor provides college and academic counseling.
Accreditation
George Walton Academy is accredited by the Georgia Accrediting Commission, Southern Association of Independent Schools and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
School Year
George Walton Academy's school year consist of 180 days divided into two semesters. Each semester is divided into two nine-week marking periods with students attending six classes daily.
College
100% of George Walton Academy graduates have been accepted into a college or university. A large majority of our graduates are eligible for scholarships with the average college scholarship being more than $8,000 per senior.
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