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At The Piney Woods School, agriculture is more than a class—it is a living laboratory where students learn to care for the earth, feed communities, solve problems, and strengthen the skills that will shape their futures. This fall, Agriculture Science and Math students have launched a new initiative on the Leadership Farm focused on improving the school’s organic composting systems as part of the Farming to Foundation  program. Working side-by-side with faculty and farm team

Over the past few weeks, Piney Woods scholars had the opportunity to engage in hands-on learning experiences that expanded their understanding of agriculture, technology, environmental science, and emerging career pathways. Partnering with Capital United Way and the world-renowned Tuskegee University, our students participated in a series of interactive activities designed to blend academic learning with real-world career exposure. Learning Beyond the Classroom In November, s

The Piney Woods School is proud to welcome alumnus Rahim Lockhart (Class of 97)  back home as our new Learning Leader in Government and African American Studies.  A third-generation legacy student, Lockhart follows in the footsteps of his grandmother, Ruby McAfee , who graduated from Piney Woods in 1927. His return marks not only a professional milestone, but a powerful full-circle moment rooted in history, heritage, and commitment to The Piney Woods mission. Lockhart brings

The Piney Woods School recently hosted its 2025 Founders Weekend Celebration — a powerful gathering honoring 116 years of legacy, leadership, and love. Held on the school’s historic campus, the weekend brought together alumni, students, staff, and friends of Piney Woods to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and reimagine the future of this nationally treasured institution. During the Founders Celebration program, the school recognized several distinguished honorees a

In the midst of a busy semester, Piney Woods learners took time to pause, breathe, and reconnect during a campus-wide Wellness Workshop designed to nurture the mind, body, and spirit. The day began with light stretching and mindful reflection, allowing students to center themselves and embrace the power of stillness. Guided by staff, learners explored techniques for stress relief, self-awareness, and journaling—tools to help them manage the demands of academic life while main

The Piney Woods School is honored to have Dr. Julius W. Garvey as a distinguished honoree speaker for this year’s Founders Weekend. Born on August 16, 1933, in Kingston, Jamaica, Dr. Garvey is the youngest son of Pan-Africanist leader Marcus Garvey and activist Amy Jacques Garvey. A graduate of McGill University, he pursued a career in medicine, specializing in thoracic and vascular surgery. Dr. Garvey has held significant medical positions, including Chief of Thoracic and Va

The Piney Woods School is proud to announce Brandon Lewis (Class of 1996) as a distinguished honoree speaker for this year’s Founders Weekend. Brandon’s journey at Piney Woods began in January 1994, where his talent, humor, and charisma quickly made him a beloved member of our school community. Known for his masterful impressions of staff members, Brandon’s creativity and personality left an indelible mark on all who knew him. After graduating from Piney Woods, Brandon contin

This November, The Piney Woods School will proudly honor The Schooler Family Foundation of Coshocton, Ohio, during a special ceremony at its 116th Founder’s Weekend. For more than a century, the Schooler name has been intertwined with the story of Piney Woods — a legacy rooted in friendship, generosity, and an unwavering belief in the power of education to transform lives. The Schooler family’s connection to Piney Woods dates back to the early 20th century when Seward Dean Sc

A proud alumna of The Piney Woods School, Oleta Garrett Fitzgerald has dedicated her life to advancing justice, equality, and opportunity. Her extraordinary career stands as a testament to the enduring values instilled at Piney Woods — the education of the head, heart, and hands. As Director of the Children's Defense Fund’s Southern Regional Office, Ms. Fitzgerald has led with conviction and compassion, focusing on early childhood education, children’s access to healthcare, a

For more than three decades, Lee A. Unger  has embodied the true spirit of servant leadership — a life dedicated not only to fiscal excellence but also to the transformation of lives through mentorship, integrity, and compassion. His journey stands as a powerful testament to The Piney Woods School’s mission to educate the whole child — head, heart, and hands . Mr. Unger’s career with The Piney Woods School began humbly as a Staff Accountant, yet his commitment, vision, and le

This November, The Piney Woods School proudly celebrates Founders’ Weekend 2025 , honoring individuals and families whose enduring commitment, leadership, and generosity have shaped the legacy of our institution. Guided by this year’s theme, “A Legacy of Braving Uncharted Territory,”  we recognize those whose courage, vision, and dedication continue to inspire generations of learners. Schooler Family Foundation: A Century of Commitment The Schooler family of Coshocton, Ohio,

This week, we celebrated Food Service Appreciation Day 2025  at The Piney Woods School, honoring the incredible team that fuels our...

This summer, Soana Agasaro took an inspiring step in her journey of learning and leadership by attending the St. Albans School of Public...

Our learners recently had the exciting opportunity to attend the Mississippi Book Festival, an annual celebration of literature, ideas,...

As The Piney Woods School enters its 116th year of faith, leadership, and legacy, we reflect with gratitude on the vision of our founders...

Through James’ Lens: Experience the Heart and Hands of Piney Woods Farm Curious about raising chickens or expanding your knowledge of...

The Piney Woods School is proud to announce the appointment of two distinguished leaders, John Lyon and James L. Cummins, Jr., to our...

Above, we’ve included a photo of Takira graduating from the HS² program—a proud moment highlighting her hard work, growth, and...

The new jenny born on our farm, named Nellie. The Piney Woods School carries a rich history, rooted in generosity, resilience, and a...

As we usher in the 2025–26 academic year, The Piney Woods School is energized by a spirit of renewal, readiness, and collective purpose. ...