George Walton Academy

1 Bulldog Drive

Monroe, GA 30655

30 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-12
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on March 04, 2025

We have four children attending George Walton Academy, and we couldn’t be happier with our experience. It’s been truly wonderful. I’d heard that the teachers were exceptional—and I wholeheartedly agree—but I was initially concerned that the community might feel too tight-knit or exclusive. That couldn’t be further from the truth. The teachers and families at GWA have been incredibly welcoming, and the sense of community is one of the school’s greatest strengths.I’ve also been impressed by the wide range of opportunities available. From sports and clubs to academics and travel experiences, GWA offers it all and encourages every student to get involved. The middle school program, in particular, stands out. On the first day of school, they host a field day specifically designed as an icebreaker to ease the awkward transition into middle school—a thoughtful touch we appreciated. I also love that the middle school includes a daily study hall with teachers readily available to support the students.Several of our children are enrolled in the PARC program (ADHD), and our experience there has been nothing short of amazing. We’re so grateful for everything GWA has to offer!
Submitted by other on December 07, 2022

Great school on the outside but as soon as you peel away the layers you find a school that is only a pretty face. mental health is thrown to the ways side, and any child with a learning disability is treated terribly. Staff range from passive aggressive to down right rude and hostile. unless you want a child who only cares about grades and finds the fun and social aspects of School unnecessary don't send your child here.
Submitted by other on April 22, 2022

Headmaster Hobbs and the faculty care deeply about quality education and character development. Parent engagement is an asset as well. Diverse opportunities exist for extracurricular activities.
Submitted by other on July 07, 2021

Dolan is terrible. Until he's gone the place will only get worse.
Submitted by parent on January 24, 2019

My child’s experience: Socially great. No bullying and everyone gets along. Academically: With the new headmaster, it has deteriorated severely. Public school could provide a better academic experience.
Submitted by parent on June 28, 2018

Our family personally deals that GWA is a great experience in all aspects.
Submitted by other on January 29, 2018

While no one place is perfect, GWA was the perfect fit for my family. GWA produced two young adults who were not only fully prepared for college, but who also found themselves ahead of their peers in the collegiate environment. And my children were both B students at GWA, but were top in their freshman classes. I am pleased with the experience we had and continue to stay in touch with the school. There are a lot of exciting programs being introduced under new leadership.
Submitted by parent on October 06, 2017

GWA is run by a select group of teachers, parents, and other staff. If you complain about anything your child becomes a target. And, you are gossiped about by those parents and teachers. The school reminds me of the adult version of mean girls. One counselor i have had experience with is horrible! Anywhere else she would be fired. Don't waste your money at this school if you're not one of the "chosen" ones.
Submitted by other on September 18, 2017

GWA lacks any effective leadership whatsoever. Certain administrators, teachers and parents control this school and intentionally make life beyond difficult for students who do not fit the GWA mold. The lengths to which these people will go to label those students has to be seen to be believed. I was repeatedly shocked at the behavior of adults associated with GWA. The school's mission statement may give lip service to the individuality of every child, but not in real life. Discipline is administered based on who the child is related to or if the child's parent is a teacher. If a parent stands up to the school or advocates for her child, the retaliation, gossip and rumors directed toward the child and her parents can be relentless. These are not idle experiences but are shared between current and former GWA parents/students. There is a reason neighboring private schools are experiencing growth in student enrollment. I would never recommend that anyone send their child here. The sad thing is that at one time, I actively supported this school and encouraged friends and co-workers to consider GWA for their children. There are far better options elsewhere which present school environments which nurture the students and are grounded in consistency, kindness and respect. The positive difference in my children's attitudes, self esteem and even behavior was readily apparent within 3 weeks after leaving GWA. No more feeling of being targeted by adults who should know better and their children who mistreat classmates without concern of correction.
Submitted by parent on July 10, 2017

My oldest son is going into the sixth grade at GWA and my youngest is going to be starting kindergarten. I have been extremely pleased with this school. My son is very sensitive and not very athletic, but the teachers, other parents and even his classmates have always been so understanding of his unique personality and he has made so much progress here over the years. He has become so much more independent with his schoolwork and he actually enjoys going to school. His friends are some of the sweetest, most polite and helpful kids I've ever met. I know there have been many changes in teachers and staff over the past couple of years, but I see so many good changes that are happening for the school as well. I think the administration is able to think outside the box and make changes that are constantly improving the well-being of the school and the students. I think being able to adapt in a way that helps our students and implement creative new ideas as soon as they are brought to the attention of teachers and administrators is the biggest benefit of a private school. We are not big donors to the school, but I am very involved. Every time we have had any kind of concern or issue arise, I have found the teachers and administrators eager to jump in and help resolve the situation. My son is smart, but not the smartest, he is motivated, but not the most motivated, and he is not athletic at all. He is the kind of kid that might fall through the cracks in a public school, but at George Walton, everyone knows him. The teachers encourage him, the administrators, parents and staff say hello to him when they see him and I feel like they are really are our extended family. I feel like they all truly care about him. I am a very overprotective mom, but at George Walton, I feel like I don't really have to worry. I love GWA!
Submitted by parent on July 10, 2017

I am a parent of 3 current students that cross all three school levels (lower, middle and high). My kids have all attended GWA since Kindergarten and we could not be more happy with our overall experience. The classes have always been of manageable size, the teachers have been delightful and interested in getting to know my children as individuals. I believe they are challenged daily. They are taught to put forth their best effort and work for their grades. They are learning that they must manage their time, both at school and at home especially during seasons that they play sports and have after school activities. GWA is not for a student who just wants to show up and be given a good grade. The character and work ethic that my children are learning are invaluable social skills that they will use for the rest of their lives! All of this for a reasonable tuition amount and from a school that offers outstanding programs (sports, the arts and academics) for all students in a very safe and caring environment.
Submitted by parent on May 09, 2017

There a few positive things about this school. A safe environment and some good programs. There are certainly some outstanding teachers. I would love to give the school 5 stars. But, many (not all) of the elementary teachers and the elementary school administration are just awful. These elementary teachers appear tired, burned out and uninspired. There is such a "cookie cutter" mentality here. The school gives lip service to the individuality of every child, but not in practice. There is zero forgiving spirit and no concept of each day being a new day. Some teachers and administrators actively engage in making life at school difficult for the non favored students for the purpose of making them leave. Rumors, false accusations and mean spirited behavior by teachers, teachers' kids, and the cookie cutter students are not addressed regardless of how miserable the targeted child or children become. A child is a bully if he defends himself against the favored kids and a victim if he/she is a favored kid who someone has stood up to. Their parents are, sadly, even worse. The elementary school administration has a "circle the wagons" mentality when these issues are brought to their attention. The school administration is not yet able or unwilling to firmly address it. If they did, a whole lot of parents who have silently endured the GWA experience would truly cheer. These experiences are commonly shared and discussed by more than a few GWA parents. The physical education program for elementary students is non existent. Equally uninspired PE teachers make the kids walk or run the track (in their school uniforms!) nearly every class. These endless laps around the track constitute 90% of the elementary PE program. Once in band, students are expected to stay after school and find older students to help them or to pay for private lessons. If a kid is interested in learning music, but not having a school "career" in band, the band "teachers" lose interest in the student. So, despite some positive aspects to this school, the elementary program is substandard and not a good value for the private school tuition that you pay to go here. The academic opportunities are really first rate, but I fear that the horribly cliquish and narrow minded teachers/administration and environment will continue to cause parents and prospective parents to look elsewhere.
Submitted by parent on December 16, 2016

We have nothing but positive things to say about GWA. Several family members have graduated from this college prep school, dating back to my graduation in 1982. My son recently graduated, and is finding himself far more prepared than his fellow college students. Oh, and for some of the snarky comments on this board, I will plainly state our family is not one of the wealthier ones involved at GWA. And that is certainly one of the positives of the school--all families are involved! And it shows when you speak to the children, from pre K to graduating classes.
Submitted by other on August 26, 2015

I was constantly picked on . My older brother went and graduated from GWA as well as I did. Teachers always compared me to him. I have learning disabilities and am nothing like my brother. A teacher told me i wouldn't make it in the real world . GWA is great if you look like you could model in a magazine etc and have money to spend . I would not recommend this school to anyone because of the environment and the favoritism that was and is played here. I will not be sending my child here and put her through the miserable time I had attending this school .
Submitted by parent on March 03, 2015

My child was attending a pub. school in Gwinnett and was making all A's. However, she was not earning these grades. Also, her public school had over 2,000 students with 34 students in each class. The pub. school band had 2 classes with over 100 students each. The over crowding, disruptive students, and limited opportunities is why we left. George Walton provided much needed academic rigor. Band class has approx. 30 students and 2 top notch/dedicated teachers working with the kids. There are lots of opportunities for the kids to be part of the school and interact with others. At the public school it was if they were herding cattle. Middle schoolers have class trips, lots of labs/projects, partipate in swim team, and lots of band performances(including parades and football games). Social environment- No mean girls (observation from middle school daughter) Cons-If you have to change schools in the future, it will be difficult. Your kid will want to stay forever.
Submitted by parent on October 16, 2014

My first child started GWA 18 years ago and I have a current High School Junior. Educating my children at George Walton is the greatest decision I have ever made for them. They have grown into responsible young adults and the rigor of the school, although sometimes challenging, has well prepared them for college. I feel like this is the best investment I could have ever made for my childrens future. I highly recommend GWA and have found the faculty to be among the best in the state.
Submitted by other on September 16, 2014

I am a graduate of George Walton Academy, and years later, I am still so thankful to have had the opportunity to attend this school. It has its faults like every school, but it is truly a place where students are challenged academically and where teachers and staff care about students and want to see them be successful in life. My life is better for having been there, and as I look around at others who graduated with me, I see where their education has taken them and know they would say the same. Also, the band program is incredible! I have never heard a better high school band. They have amazing directors who teach hard work and commitment, and they produce skilled musicians. They are definitely the best in the state and probably beyond that.
Submitted by parent on August 14, 2014

Having now had two children graduate from GWA, I can say that I cannot think of a better place to have raised my children. They have been challenged academically at each level of their education. They have been challenged to do their best and be a team player for the teams they have been a part of. And they have been encouraged to be good leaders and role models for the other students that surround them. My children have come away with the knowledge and the confidence that will take them anywhere they choose to go in their lives, and the encouragement of their teachers to go out and make good choices. One child graduating from college and one child beginning, both say they feel they were very well prepared for the challenges of college and life thereafter. Both have very strong friendships they made while attending GWA, and have a great rapport with the teachers. I am extremely happy with the educational choice I made for them years ago, and with the safe, secure environment in which they grew up.
Submitted by parent on August 09, 2014

GWA is everything I want for my children. With strong academics and a wide variety of athletic and extracurricular opportunities, they are being challenged to succeed and develop the skills necessary to be successful in college and beyond. The Class of 2014 graduated 89. These graduates received more than $5 million in scholarship offers. I am very impressed with the caliber of alumni and how they perform in college and in the work force. GWA is the best option around for a true college preparatory education and well-rounded school experience..
Submitted by parent on August 08, 2014

George Walton cater entirely to the highest bidder. If your family donates a building, the child can do drugs, disrupt classes, and have no consequences. The teachers are an elderly version of Mean Girls. The best teachers are let go and the ones who stay are only there based upon popularity. The damage that will be done to your child's self esteem is extreme in such a hateful environment.