Founded in 1900 Woodward Academy has a rich history. It began as Georgia Military Academy a boys-only military school. Colonel John Charles Woodward and his wife Lucile founded it. They used a building that housed a previous short-lived academy. The campus started as sixteen acres of scrub land. The first class had thirty cadets. They lived and studied in Founders Hall. This building contained classrooms labs a library and an armory.
Over time Woodward Academy grew. By 1907 it had 120 cadets and ten teachers. Rugby Hall was built in 1902. It provided rooms for cadets and teachers. A gymnasium was added in 1907. This became known as the Old Gym. President Theodore Roosevelt ordered a US Army officer to be a full-time instructor in 1908. A football field was also built that year.
The years leading up to and after World War I were significant for Woodward Academy. Its founder helped launch the Association of Military Colleges and Schools. The academy became a Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps program. Hundreds of alumni served in World War I. Many were commissioned officers. Monument Row honors alumni killed in WWI WWII the Korean War the Vietnam War and later conflicts.
The Great Depression presented financial challenges. The day student population fell to seven by 1926. Colonel Woodward recruited students from Cuba and other countries to help keep the school afloat. Teacher salaries were low. Some teachers worked for room and board. The Memorial Gate was dedicated in 1929-1930. The band received its first uniforms. Lucile Woodward died in 1931.
In 1932 Colonel Woodward transferred ownership to a non-profit corporation. This became known as the Great Gesture. The academy was now run by a board of directors. Other founders included Robert W Woodruff. In 1939 Colonel Woodward died. Colonel William R Brewster Sr his son-in-law became president. He increased enrollment significantly and founded a junior school. He also started a junior college but it was later discontinued.
In 1960 Commander William R Brewster Jr became president. He oversaw the transition from a military academy to a non-military college preparatory school. This included phasing out Army ROTC. The school was renamed Woodward Academy in 1966. The boarding program ended in 1993. The school became co-educational in 1964. Woodward Academy’s history is a testament to its endurance and evolution. It has adapted to changing times while maintaining its commitment to academics. Today Woodward Academy stands as a leading institution. It serves students from Pre-K through 12th grade on two campuses. Its legacy continues to shape the lives of its students.