Lawrence Woodmere Academy

Lawrence Woodmere Academy, also known as "LWA," and "Woodmere Academy," is an independent school located in Woodmere, New York, United States. It is accredited by the New York State Association of Independent Schools and the New York State Board of Regents.

History

The history of Lawrence Woodmere Academy began more than a century ago with the founding of Lawrence Country Day School in 1891 and Woodmere Academy in 1912. The 1990 merger of these two respected schools resulted in the strongest source for independent secondary education on the south shore of Long Island. The blended alumni community continues to give back to the school that enthusiastically carries on their vibrant legacies and traditions.

The founders of Woodmere Academy adopted a motto of Disce Servire, "Learn to Serve." When Woodmere Academy and Lawrence Country Day School merged, this motto was expanded to Veritas, Integritas, Servitium, "Truth, Integrity, Service," reflecting the values of all students and preserving the strong traditions. Students internalize the values of this motto through leadership programs, community service, participation on teams, and the opportunity to question and discuss the world around them.

A strong sense of belonging is the cornerstone of the Lawrence Woodmere Academy experience. The students come from all parts of Long Island, Brooklyn, and Queens, as well as countries abroad. A microcosm of the world at its best, the students see themselves as a family, appreciating one another's individual qualities. This collaborative spirit extends to the parents, whom are valued as partners in their children's education, and to the trustees, whose dedicated governance and work behind the scenes strengthens this school. Only 20 miles from Midtown Manhattan, LWA's beautiful seven-acre campus in Woodmere holds a world of opportunities for all who attend.

Mission

Lawrence Woodmere Academy is a premier college preparatory school for students, families and educators who embrace quality education with shared priorities, passions and commitment in an environment that values wisdom and nurtures personal, community and global responsibility.

LWA is dedicated to the following ideas that define the school's identity and mission:

• A College Preparatory Education Since 1912
• Teachers Who Change Lives
• Small Classes With Big Opportunities
• A Tradition of Global Diversity
• A Strong Sense of Community

Notable alumni

• Stuart Beck (1946-2016), lawyer and diplomat for Palau who helped negotiate the Compact of Free Association, which established Palau as an independent nation in free association with the United States in 1994.^[1]
• Matthew Blank, class of 1968, CEO of Showtime Networks
• Karen Burstein (born 1942), politician and former judge who was the unsuccessful Democratic nominee for New York State Attorney General in 1994.^[2]
• David Aaron Kessler, class of 1969, former Food and Drug Administration Commissioner and best-selling author
• Victor LaValle (born 1972, class of 1991), author
• Richard LeFrak (born 1945, class of 1963), real-estate developer
• Neil David Levin (1954-2001, class of 1972), Executive Director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, killed during the September 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center.^[3]
• Robin Wagner, class of 1975, Olympic figure-skating coach. Lawrence Woodmere Academy commencement speaker in 2012.
• Bob Wolff (born 1920, class of 1938), sports radio broadcaster

References

External links

• Lawrence Woodmere Academy