Celebrating 25 Years of Excellence: The Journey of George Washington Academy

This special year marks our 25-year anniversary: A time for recalling our beginnings, and our history, and a time to celebrate our achievements.

 

In the vibrant setting of Casablanca's educational landscape, George Washington Academy (GWA) stands as an emblem of excellence, commitment, and community. GWA embarked on its educational journey in 1998, aspiring to establish a school that not only provided a well-rounded education but also prioritized values and respect for diverse beliefs.

From its humble beginnings, George Washington Academy has evolved into an institution known for its dedication to excellence, trilingual instruction, and character development. Central to GWA's ethos is its vision statement, which inspires students to become multilingual, lifelong learners committed to integrity and cultural diversity. The school endeavors to educate the whole person, equipping minds and building character to empower students to serve Morocco and the global community with wisdom and compassion. 

In September 2005, GWA relocated to its current sprawling campus just outside Casablanca's city limits. The campus boasts state-of-the-art facilities designed to nurture academic and holistic development. With an expansive library—the largest in Morocco—computer labs, and teacher housing, GWA provides an enriching environment conducive to learning and growth.

 Paula Davey, the first employee of George Washington Academy witnessed the creation of the school and its early beginnings, states “ I was fortunate to be the first employee of the school  and was part of its inception. You cannot work at GWA and feel that it is not part of you, because you just invest so much in the school and into the student lives. We just feel that we are a family and it becomes part of you and you gladly give it a part of yourself.

​

In her testament, Paula emphasizes on the community bonds that were growing year after year at GWA, and the sense of belonging that the GWA staff wholeheartedly have for the school.

The GWA multicultural environment fosters a strong cultural exchange between staff, students, and parents.With the presence of more than 30 nationalities, GWA enriches every aspect of school life, from classroom discussions to extracurricular activities. Every day is an opportunity to celebrate differences, embrace cultural richness, and foster tolerance and mutual respect.

Over the past decade, the journey of George Washington Academy (GWA) in obtaining accreditations marks a significant evolution and commitment to academic global standards. In 2009,  accreditation by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA) laid the foundation for GWA's continuous improvement and adherence to rigorous educational standards.Furthermore, it is noteworthy that GWA is included in the 2013 Bilateral Agreement between the Kingdom of Morocco and the United States of America. GWA's education model is rooted in 21st Century Pedagogy, Best Practices, and a commitment to English, French, and Arabic Multilingualism.

Building upon this milestone, GWA's accreditation journey culminated in another landmark achievement in 2019 with the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme accreditation which further solidified GWA's reputation as a globally minded institution devoted to fostering critical thinking, intercultural understanding, and holistic development in students.

With more than 500 alumni pursuing their higher education in prestigious universities worldwide and achieving remarkable success stories, GWA demonstrates its fulfillment of its vision statement. By nurturing students academically, socially, and emotionally, GWA equips them with the skills, knowledge, and values necessary to excel in higher education and beyond. The achievements of GWA alumni across the globe affirm the effectiveness of GWA's educational approach in preparing students for the challenges and opportunities of the future.

 Yacine Benkiran, GWA Alumnus, reflects on his experience at school :  I attended GWA from K5 to Grade 12 and had the chance to grow up amongst peers of widely diverse cultural, racial, and religious backgrounds. This taught me the importance of respecting differences, being open-minded, and understanding divergent opinions. Today, in hindsight, I am extremely thankful for this early experience, as it has allowed me over the years to better synergize during research collaborations and scientific debates. I can proudly say that in its first 25 years, GWA has forged a community of thinkers and explorers. I am excited to see what the next 25 years will bring.

Being nominated as one of the 10 excellent schools in Africa in 2021 by the Knowledge Review Magazine is a remarkable achievement that speaks volumes about GWA's commitment to educational excellence, innovation, and impact.

This recognition affirms GWA's position as a leader in education not only within its local community but also on a broader regional and continental scale. It highlights the commitment of GWA's faculty, staff, students, and stakeholders in consistently striving for excellence in all aspects of educational practice. 

As GWA looks ahead to the next 25 years, it remains steadfast in its mission to uphold the values of excellence, integrity, and inclusivity, as well as fostering a nurturing environment where students can thrive and succeed.