Dear Families,
Happy last day of school! I hope everyone has a wonderful summer.
Over the past eighteen months, we have been carrying out extensive stakeholder surveys, faculty committees have been studying existing practices and envisioning the future, and a group of trustees, parents, and staff have been using this data to develop a strategic plan to guide GWA for the next five years and beyond. GWA will turn 60 in 2029, and this summer the Board will approve a comprehensive strategic plan to chart the path forward.
As part of this strategic planning, the school was carefully evaluated by two longstanding accrediting associations: the Georgia Independent School Association (GISA) and the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS). Both GISA and SAIS recently issued lengthy reports on their findings. The good news is that they unanimously approved GWA for re-accreditation!
In the months ahead, I will share the findings of these reports with you, detailing both commendations and recommendations for school improvement over the next five years. We have much to celebrate and much to work on! For now, I share the conclusion from the GISA Reviewing Committee:
GWA is a special place where family and values are wanted and respected. The atmosphere is welcoming; traditions are important, and academic excellence is key to the mission of the school. The strengths of GWA are rooted in the more than 50-year history of traditions, values, family involvement, and strong relationships. Stakeholders are passionate and proud of the school’s legacy and want it to continue. The rigor of the college-preparatory academic environment is essential to the success of the school, enhanced further by strong college counseling and international travel experiences. As a result, GWA graduates are well prepared for the future.
The faculty is dedicated to the well-being of the students and provides a nurturing, loving environment – going above and beyond the curriculum. The small class sizes provide the opportunity for students to be “seen” and to flourish in the many-faceted experiences of GWA school life where relationships are key. It is apparent that being a “family” with “Christian values” and “long-standing traditions” is important to the success of the school. Long-lasting GWA traditions are valued; yet there is a desire for “fresh” ideas and thoughtful innovation. There exists a desire for balance of old and the new. The community at large needs to know the exciting things happening at GWA. Additional marketing efforts are a must. Plans for an expanded marketing piece to include a value proposition and improved website are key to “spreading the word.”
After a thorough review of George Walton Academy’s Assurances, current reports, and documentation, evidence of a continuous school improvement and strategic plan, and on-site and on-line stakeholder interviews, the GISA Accreditation Visiting Team is pleased to unanimously recommend George Walton Academy for accreditation.
- Jeff Jackson, GISA President
I want to thank everyone who contributed to this Herculean effort. Over the past two years, there were more than 600 individuals who participated in on-line surveys, focus groups or faculty and staff committee meetings. Special thanks to Latin teacher Cortney Pickens for her leadership of the lengthy accreditation process.
Best wishes for a meaningful summer. Go Bulldogs!
