Upper School begins an exciting period in a student’s life. To be sure, grades begin to count for college admission, but perhaps more importantly, students are being prepared to succeed in college. In addition, the Upper School offers many opportunities for challenge, service, and competition in which students discover who they are, and who they want to be.
Outside of the classroom, students are encouraged to get involved in our 16 varsity, no-cut athletic teams, One-Act Theater competition, Literary competition, Science Olympiad, Mock Trail and Debate team. In addition, Valwood creates leadership experiences by offering community service clubs like Interact or Key Club, Student Government, Red Cross Blood Donor Drives, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Outdoor Recreation Club.
All students in Upper School enjoy the support and individual attention of small advisee groups, small classes and daily after-school tutorials. Valwood exposes its students to the benefits of travelling each year during class trips, which includes college tours in tenth and eleventh grade.
Finally, Valwood’s seniors have the unique opportunity to discover their passions and shadow local professionals during a one-month internship that concludes their senior year and time at Valwood.
Valwood is proud to offer 15 AP courses across all departments and 7 college classes taught on Valwood’s campus. Seniors may also dual enroll through Valdosta State University and/or Wiregrass Technical College. The rigorous nature of Valwood’s curriculum ensures that upon graduation all students are thoroughly prepared for any academic demands they will encounter at their chosen university.
College preparation also comes in the form of guidance at Valwood. Even as soon as students begin the 9th grade, they will be exposed to the college admissions process. Throughout their four years in Upper School, students meet frequently with the guidance counselor to set comprehensive goals and timelines so they identify, apply to, and secure admission to colleges and universities that will meet their needs, nurture their talents and interests, and appropriately challenge them.
The mission of Valwood School emphasizes academic excellence, character and a commitment to serve others. In support of that mission, members of the Valwood School community agree when they enroll to abide by the standards expressed in our Honor Code. By adopting this code, our students, families and faculty affirm the values of honesty, respect, self-control, safety, fairness, and character.
The Honor Code at Valwood School is as follows:
As a member of the Valwood School community, I pledge to be honest with myself and with others; to strive to refrain from all acts of cheating, lying and stealing; and to treat others with respect and courtesy.
The Honor Code applies on campus and on any off-campus school-sponsored trip or event. The following are some common examples of behaviors that are not appropriate for a Valwood community member: plagiarism, cheating, deception, disrupting the work or focus of others, harassment, bullying and intentional destruction of property.
With this Honor Code in place, we ensure that Valwood School is safe environment for each and every one of our students, families and staff. The camaraderie is palpable on campus and this is a primary reason students and parents alike choose to Valwood.
State law requires that Georgia teens under the age of 18 successfully complete ADAP (Alcohol and Drug Awareness Program) certification in order to obtain their Class D Georgia driver’s license. Valwood does not facilitate ADAP certification on campus. Students should visit the Electronic ADAP (eADAP) website to complete the program and print their certificate prior to testing for their license.
For more information on the eADAP click here.