Lyman Ward Military Academy

LWMA is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and the Alabama Independent School Association (AISA). The Academy holds membership in the Alabama Association of Independent Schools (AAIS), the Association of Military Schools and Colleges in the United States (AMSCUS), and the Southern Association of Independent Schools (SAIS). Lyman Ward graduates have been accepted to colleges and universities throughout the world, as well as to all branches of the United States Military.

The teaching faculty has earned degrees from several notable colleges and universities; 50 percent of the full-time faculty holds advanced degrees in their field; they average 15 years of teaching experience. Each faculty member serves as a mentor for a small group of cadets, and provides tutorial assistance after school at least twice a week. Faculty members also serve as athletic coaches and activity sponsors as part of their responsibilities.

LWMA offers a college preparatory diploma. Twenty-four (24) Carnegie Units are required for graduation.

• English Literature and Composition (9, 10, 11, 12) 4 units
• Mathematics (must include Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II) 4 units
• Social Studies (must include World History, U. S. History I & II, U. S. Government & Economics) 4 units
• Science (must include Physical Science, Biology, and Chemistry) 4 units
• Foreign Language 2 units of the same foreign language
• Health .5 unit
• Physical Education 1 unit
• Computer Science .5 unit
• Fine Arts 1 unit
• Leadership Education Training (LET) (U. S. Army Junior ROTC Leadership Course, scheduled once each year for all cadets in grades 9 - 12) 1 unit
• Electives 2 units

Typically, 90 percent of seniors enter a college or university upon graduation; 10 percent enter military service. All seniors are qualified to enter an institution of higher education upon graduation. LWMA graduates have been accepted to 49 different colleges and universities over the past ten years.

Senior School cadets (grades 9 - 12) follow a college semester schedule, with four 90-minute class periods. Junior School cadets (grades 6 - 8) have seven, 45-minute class periods. The academic year is divided into Fall and Spring semesters. The Academy has a 10-point grading scale.

Special Studies, a 30-minute tutorial period, is offered twice a week by individual teachers for students who need remediation or extra help. A mandatory two-hour supervised study hall is conducted Sunday through Thursday nights in the dormitories. Tutorial assistance is available during each evening study period.

The Academy provides its own assessment testing for each cadet in reading and mathematics at the beginning and end of each school year. Cadets also take the ACT, SAT, PSAT, PLAN, ASVAB, and Stanford Achievement Tests, as appropriate to their grade level.

LWMA offers Advanced Placement (AP) classes in several academic disciplines, and seniors who are eligible may take courses for college credit through the Dual Enrollment Program at Central Alabama Community College (CACC) in Alexander City, AL.

Grade Placement

A student will be classified as

• a 10th grader if he has completed a minimum of 6 credits
• an 11th grader if he has completed a minimum of 12 credits
• a 12th grader if he has completed a minimum of 18 credits

Grading Scale^*

^* Students who successfully complete an Advanced Placement (AP) course receive an additional 10 points to their semester average for that specific course.

Message from the Dean

Welcome to the Academic Department of Lyman Ward. Our institution of learning has deep roots and a proud heritage. It was founded in 1898 by Dr. Lyman Ward, a minister and innovative educator who possessed a compelling vision to provide the best possible educational opportunities for young men and women who otherwise might not have them. Though the school has changed and grown in many ways throughout the years, its primary purpose has remained steadfast.

It is important for you to know that Lyman Ward is not simply buildings and programs, bricks and mortar. It is a community of teachers and staff who are dedicated to providing our cadets with the knowledge and life skills they will need to develop to their fullest potential. We want our cadets to be equipped to face an increasingly competitive world, ready to take their places and make immediate contributions to society, whether in college, the military, or other endeavors. The success of our program is evidenced in the successful lives and careers of thousands of our alumni throughout the nation and abroad.

Perhaps the most important advantage of a small boarding school is the opportunities we have to work with each cadet as an individual. Each cadet is different in many ways, and it is essential that we recognize those differences so that we can help him learn and grow into the unique person God created him to be.

At Lyman Ward, education is experienced in an environment that remains true to its religious heritage, stressing the worth of each individual and accepting a variety of religious expressions. Our teaching faculty and support staff view our jobs as a sacred trust, where every cadet matters, every day.

Please feel free to call on us if we can help you in any way.

Major Jeff Damron