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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

At The Piney Woods School, service is more than an activity. It is part of how learners grow, lead, and discover the impact they can have on the world around them. For Piney Woods learner Soana, her experience with United Way became a meaningful part of that journey. What began as an opportunity she first joined during her junior year soon became a powerful lesson in community, compassion, and the many ways young people can serve. “When I initially joined United Way during my

The Piney Woods School extends our deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to the family, loved ones, colleagues, and extended community of Robert L. Woodson, Sr., Founder and President of the Woodson Center.

The Piney Woods School is expanding hands-on learning opportunities with the addition of a new tractor to support the care and management of its more than 200-acre campus farm. At Piney Woods, the land is more than a backdrop — it is a classroom, a training ground, and a place where learners discover the value of hard work, responsibility, stewardship, and innovation. This new equipment strengthens the school’s ability to manage daily farm operations while expanding real-worl

The Piney Woods School extends heartfelt gratitude to alumnus Brandon Lewis and his wife, a filmmaker and director, for their generous donation of a movie-grade camera and video equipment to our Creative Arts Department. Brandon, who recently returned to campus as a featured speaker during the 2025 Founder’s Weekend Alumni Brunch, continues to embody the spirit of Piney Woods — one rooted in legacy, service, excellence, and a deep commitment to opening doors for the next gene

The Piney Woods School recently welcomed two special guests to campus through its Circle of Faith division: Pastor Colfer and Pastor Cooper of Tyler, Texas. The visit was coordinated by our very own Rev. Wright, whose continued leadership helps strengthen the spiritual life and character-building experiences available to Piney Woods scholars. During their time on campus, Pastor Colfer and Pastor Cooper spent meaningful time with our young men, offering words of encouragement,

Piney Woods scholars recently represented The Piney Woods School with excellence at the National MANRRS Conference, an experience that placed them among students and emerging leaders from across the country in agriculture, natural resources, and related sciences. As part of the conference, several Piney Woods learners participated in the impromptu speaking competition, an opportunity that challenged them to think quickly, communicate clearly, and speak with confidence before

On May 1, The The Piney Woods School opened its campus to prospective learners and families from across the country for its annual Spring Preview Day — an immersive experience designed to introduce students to the school’s distinctive approach to academic excellence, leadership development, and hands-on learning. The event welcomed 13 families and nearly 40 participants representing communities from Chicago, Nashville, Texas, Brookhaven, and Jackson, Mississippi. Throughout t