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A gift to The Piney Woods School’s livestock program became an opportunity for learning beyond campus when our learners participated in the Goat Show at the Mississippi State Fair on Friday, October 9, 2026. The show goats donated by State Representative Lance Varner, owner of Varner Farms in Florence, Mississippi, and his wife are now part of our competitive livestock program. Their contribution connects learning on our farm with opportunities to gain experience in the show

What do our learners bring back from an experience beyond campus? For Isabella Lopez and Ineza Aurea, a recent agricultural summit offered new knowledge, fresh questions, and ideas for contributing to the Piney Woods community. Members of our Junior MANRRS chapter attended the Agriculture Sow Success Outreach Summit at Jackson State University on September 23–24, 2026. Over two days, they joined agricultural professionals, organizations, local farmers, and other students to e

The Piney Woods School is expanding opportunities for career exploration through a school-led Career Fair designed to help learners make informed decisions about their futures. Scheduled for Wednesday, October 28, 2026, from 9:00–11:45 a.m., this initiative will connect students with professionals, education providers, and career resources across a range of industries. The fair reflects Piney Woods’ commitment to preparing learners for life beyond high school. By introducing

From the Piney Woods archives: A look back at our school’s longstanding connection to military service. The Piney Woods School’s commitment to service reaches far beyond campus. Across generations, members of our alumni community have answered the call to serve in the armed forces, protect their communities, and contribute through public service. Their work reflects a responsibility to others that has long been central to the Piney Woods experience. This September, we recogni

The 2026–27 school year is well underway at The Piney Woods School, and as we approach the completion of our first month, our campus is already filled with learning, connection, new experiences, and opportunities for growth. From the classroom to campus life and beyond, the opening weeks of the school year reflect Piney Woods’ commitment to educating and developing the whole learner. Building a Strong Academic Foundation A strong school year begins with understanding where ea

For Piney Woods 11th- and 12th-grade learners, preparing for life beyond high school means having opportunities to explore their options, ask meaningful questions, and begin making informed decisions about what comes next. Recently, our juniors and seniors attended the Jackson Independent Schools College Fair, where they connected directly with representatives from colleges, universities, military academies, academic programs, and college-access organizations. The fair expose

The Piney Woods School Class of 2027 began its senior year with a special virtual kickoff hosted by Alumni Affairs, launching a yearlong experience designed to help students prepare for continuing their Piney Woods journey beyond graduation. Led by Kimberly Toney ’01, Senior Development Officer for Alumni Affairs, the August session introduced seniors to the role of Alumni Affairs and encouraged them to begin thinking about how they will remain connected to Piney Woods in the

The Piney Woods School extends its heartfelt gratitude to every alumnus, class, and supporter who participated in the Alumni Challenge. Together, our alumni raised $4,680, demonstrating the generosity, enthusiasm, and enduring connection that continue to define the Piney Woods family. This initiative was about more than fundraising—it created an opportunity for alumni across generations to reconnect, represent their classes, and invest in the future of the school. We are prou

The Piney Woods School recently welcomed two exceptional show goats to its livestock program, generously donated by State Representative Lance Varner, owner of Varner Farms in Florence, Mississippi, and his wife. These are not typical project animals. One goat was produced through embryo transfer and the other through artificial insemination, giving Piney Woods learners access to some of the high-quality genetics found within the competitive show goat industry. Their arrival

This summer, The Piney Woods School welcomed boards, organizations, camps, and families to experience a campus where history, agriculture, education, and community come together. Our rich legacy, historic buildings, expansive grounds, and working farm, Piney Woods offers visitors more than a meeting place. It provides an environment where groups can gather, learn, connect, and experience the school’s mission firsthand. Among this summer’s guests were participants in the Kappa

Summer has brought vibrant growth across the Piney Woods farm. Rows of sunflowers and colorful blooms have transformed the landscape, while blackberries, tomatoes, and watermelons have provided a plentiful seasonal harvest. The farm is more than a place where crops grow—it is an extension of the Piney Woods learning experience. Throughout the school year, learners have opportunities to connect classroom instruction with the land, developing practical skills while gaining a de

When Makayla Warner arrived at The Piney Woods School from The Bronx, New York, she brought with her a desire to learn, grow, and embrace new opportunities. Over the years, she found more than an education—she found her voice. As a member of the Class of 2026, Makayla made her mark on the Piney Woods community through academic commitment, artistic expression, and servant leadership. As a proud member of the Cotton Blossom Singers, she represented the school through one of its

The Piney Woods School proudly celebrated the Class of 2026 as graduates crossed the commencement stage, marking the culmination of years of perseverance, growth, and achievement. Surrounded by family, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends, Commencement was more than a ceremony—it was a celebration of purpose, resilience, and the enduring legacy of Piney Woods. Throughout their time on campus, the members of the Class of 2026 embraced opportunities to learn, lead, and serve. Th

Another unforgettable summer has come to a close at The Piney Woods School, where campers spent their days discovering new interests, building meaningful relationships, and gaining experiences that will inspire them for years to come. Designed to spark curiosity and cultivate confidence, this year's Summer Camp immersed participants in hands-on learning that extended far beyond the traditional classroom. From engaging STEM activities and college visits to time on the farm, ca

There are people whose generosity is measured not only by what they give, but by the lives they inspire. Bob Woodson was one of those people. For years, Bob Woodson stood alongside The Piney Woods School as a trusted friend, advocate, and one of our most dedicated supporters. His belief in the power of education, personal responsibility, and opportunity aligned deeply with the mission that has guided Piney Woods for more than a century. Whether walking our campus, meeting wit

The Class of 2026 has reached another meaningful milestone in their Piney Woods journey. This week, our seniors received a special surprise as their senior banners arrived on campus. In a moment filled with smiles, laughter, and excitement, students unboxed their banners and saw their names, faces, and accomplishments reflected back to them — a visible reminder of how far they have come and all they have overcome. Soon, these banners will be displayed along Highway 49, celebr

The Piney Woods School is proud to announce the Class of 2026 Valedictorian, Takira Ganée Adams, and Salutatorian, Soana Amata Sindayigaya Agasaro. These two learners have distinguished themselves through academic excellence, leadership, service, perseverance, and a deep commitment to growth. As Piney Woods prepares to celebrate the Graduating Class of 2026, Takira and Soana stand as powerful examples of what is possible when learners are supported, challenged, and encouraged

As The Piney Woods School prepares to celebrate the Graduating Class of 2026, we are calling on our alumni family to come back, reconnect, and represent. Commencement is one of the most meaningful moments in the life of Piney Woods. It is a celebration of our learners, our legacy, and the generations of alumni who continue to carry the Piney Woods story forward. This year, we invite alumni from every class year to return to campus, stand in support of our seniors, and show th

The Piney Woods School Farm is preparing for a season of growth, harvest, and continued hands-on learning. This past week, our farm team used the water wheel transplanter to plant 1,200 watermelon plants, continuing to expand the school’s growing operation and create meaningful learning opportunities connected to agriculture, stewardship, and the land. The attached photos and video show the preparation taking place across campus — rows of freshly worked soil, newly planted wa

The Piney Woods School recently welcomed representatives and guests from EdChoice to campus for a meaningful visit centered on educational opportunity, student empowerment, and the Piney Woods model of learning. EdChoice is a nonprofit organization that advocates for educational freedom and school choice programs across the United States. The organization works to help families access educational options that best fit their children’s academic, social, and personal needs. The