In Focus

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Email: info@gwa.com
Website: www.gwa.com
Phone: (678) 635-3800

• Upper School Winter Term: Jan. 6 -16
• School Holiday: Jan. 19, MLK Jr. Day
• Open House: Feb. 1 at 2 p.m.
• 7th Grade Trip Meeting: Feb. 2 at 6 p.m., cafeteria
• Half Day of School: Feb.12 (all grades - see below)
• Winter Break: Feb. 13 - 16

CLICK HERE to access the GWA website calendar

Winter Term is in full swing at GWA! While some upper school students are traveling or participating in internships, many are diving into courses that let them explore passions beyond the traditional curriculum. This year’s offerings include:

• Fly Fishing
• Cooking for One
• Intro to Pickleball
• Mini Med School
• The Art of Charcuterie
• Mini Quilting
• Guerrilla Warfare in American History
• Jazz Band
• Forensics
• …and more!

Stay tuned for a closer look at these creative, hands-on Winter Term experiences.

Seventh grade students in Mrs. Harrison's Life Science classes finished the fall semester with an engaging hands-on project tying in the use of forest resources with the exploration of wildlife native to Georgia and their habitats. In this project, students researched a wildlife animal and the natural habitat in which it lives, then created a three-dimensional papier-mache model representing both the animal and its environment. Students also designed a snapshot of their animal listing habitat requirements, physical descriptions, diet, reproduction method and any unique abilities/interesting facts. This hands-on experience where science meets art supports skill building, deeper learning, critical thinking, and environmental awareness.

During the month of January, kindergarten classes are exploring the world of science through hands-on learning with a variety of scientific tools. The unit begins with tools that help scientists make careful observations, including magnifying glasses and microscopes.

To launch the lesson, students participated in a nature walk, collecting items they were curious to examine more closely. Back in the classroom, they practiced observing their findings using both a magnifying glass and a microscope. As a class, students discussed how easy each tool was to use and shared their preferences, building both scientific skills and a sense of wonder through active exploration.

George Walton Academy students are spanning the globe this season, participating in a series of immersive Winter Term travel experiences designed to broaden perspectives beyond the classroom. From European exchanges to scientific expeditions in the Southern Hemisphere, these trips offer students unique opportunities to engage with diverse cultures and landscapes.

One group of students traveled to France and Spain to reconnect with exchange families. This experience provides an in-depth look at international education systems as students attend local schools and live within the community.

Another group is exploring Germany, Austria and Switzerland on a STEM-focused journey. Meanwhile, a science-centered expedition has taken students to the Galapagos Islands and Ecuador, where they are combining environmental studies with a hands-on service project.

The furthest trek features an adventure of a lifetime in New Zealand, focusing on the country’s unique geography and outdoor exploration.

George Walton Academy wishes all traveling students and faculty well as they continue to learn, explore and represent the Bulldog spirit abroad.

Join us for an evening of fun, fellowship and fundraising in support of GWA! Tickets are on sale and selling fast! There are a limited number of tickets available, and they have sold out quickly each year — so go ahead and secure yours while you can.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS

The George Walton Academy Casino Night & Benefit Auction this year will take place on:

Saturday, March 14, 2026

Beginning at 6 p.m.

at the Towers at Snows Mill

Monroe, GA

Whether you plan to attend the Casino Night event or not, we host a public Silent Auction for our entire GWA community during the two weeks prior, culminating on the night of the event. As we finalize all of the items, experiences, and packages to be included, we're asking: do you have something special you'd be generously willing to donate for our silent auction?

Whether you own a business, have a personal talent or have items you'd be willing to include, all donations are appreciated — in fact, we love creative and unique ideas.

Our soft deadline for silent auction donations is Friday, Feb. 13.

Email Amanda Jackson to donate to our Silent Auction! Questions? Contact Matt Reynolds at mreynolds@gwa.com

Help us spread the word! GWA’s Open House is coming up on Sunday, Feb. 1 at 2 p.m., and it’s a great opportunity for prospective families to experience what makes George Walton Academy More Than a School. Please share this event with friends, neighbors, and colleagues who may be interested in learning more about GWA. We can’t wait to welcome them to campus!

Every year has a story and we are capturing it for you! Secure your copy of the 2026 yearbook to ensure you don’t miss out on the highlights. Sales close Feb. 1, and we will have a very limited number of books available to sell when they arrive.

ORDER YEARBOOK › HERE

It's almost Art Show season for our lower school artists! Our first show will begin on Feb. 20! The Monroe Walton Center for the Arts elementary school art show will be on display from Feb. 20 - March 19 in downtown Monroe. Selected students will receive an individual invitation to the reception, but EVERYONE is welcome to come view the amazing work on display!