Introducing New Scholarships to Inspire Curiosity and Exploration at Annie Wright Schools

Annie Wright Schools is excited to announce new scholarships for current and incoming Grade 9 Day students and Grade 9-11 boarding applicants. These awards honor learners who are dedicated to personal excellence - some academic, some in other endeavors.

At Annie Wright, we celebrate what makes students distinctive. Rather than looking only for “well-rounded” applicants, we value strong interests and bold ideas—creative artists, inventive problem-solvers, engaged global citizens, and compassionate leaders ready to make an impact. We recognize that each student adds a unique thread to the fabric of the community.

With that in mind, we are excited to announce four new scholarship programs: the Arches Society, the Paddock Scholarship, the Jenkins Scholarship, and the Bates International Scholarship. 

At the heart of these scholarships is the Arches Society, a selective program that recognizes excellence in four areas: Arts, STEM, Community Engagement, and Global Action.

“Through the introduction of the Arches Society, AWS makes clear its intentions: we seek students who are actively engaged in intellectual and real-world pursuits specific to Global Action, STEM, Community Engagement, and the Arts,” said Jake Guadnola, Head of Annie Wright Schools. “Through scholarship dollars, exploration grants, leadership development, and area-specific college counseling, we support our students of distinction through a profoundly impactful and uniquely tailored Upper School experience.”

Members of Distinction of the Arches Society receive a $1,000 renewable merit award and a $1,500 Exploration Grant to pursue a summer project or experience of their choosing—an investment in their curiosity, creativity, and initiative. Society members also have exclusive access to the Arches Leadership Seminar, which includes monthly sessions led by the Head of Schools that culminate in a week-long summer program between Grades 9 and 10.  And finally, Arches Society members receive targeted college counseling support in Grades 9 and 10 to help them best prepare for the steps they want to take after leaving AWS.

Beyond the Arches Society, Annie Wright offers three distinctive merit-based scholarships designed to support exceptional students entering Grade 9 Day and applying for Grade 9-11 Boarding.

“I could not be more excited to announce the launch of the Paddock, Jenkins, and Bates merit-based scholarships for day and boarding students,” Guadnola said. “These scholarships recognize talent and achievement, maturity and creativity. Annie Wright Schools is centered on the pursuit of excellence, and our scholarship winners embody this pursuit. Best of all, every student applicant is automatically considered for the appropriate scholarship.”

The Paddock Scholarships provide significant awards for incoming Grade 9 day students. Each year, up to four awards are granted—two for Upper School for Girls and two for Upper School for Boys—covering half of tuition after any need-based financial aid is applied. 

For domestic boarding applicants in Grades 9–11, the Jenkins Scholarships offer merit-based awards ranging from $5,000 to $25,000. International boarding applicants in Grades 9-11 are automatically considered for the Bates International Scholarships, with awards ranging from $5,000 to $30,000. These scholarships reflect Annie Wright’s commitment to welcoming global perspectives and fostering a diverse, vibrant community.

The number and size of the Jenkins and Bates scholarships vary based on the strength of the applicant pool, ensuring recognition for students who demonstrate outstanding talent and promise. Recipients may also receive additional need-based financial aid.

All scholarships are renewable each year, provided students maintain strong academic performance and actively contribute to the school community. Together, these scholarships reflect Annie Wright’s belief that excellence, engagement, and leadership are interconnected, and that we are committed to investing in students who are ready to grow, lead, and make a lasting impact on campus and beyond.