Woodward High School Selects New Wolf Mascot
The Rockville school will feature the wolf and gold colors when the new campus opens to students in the fall of 2027.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Secondary Education
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Charles W. Woodward High School in Rockville has officially selected the wolf as its new mascot, choosing the emblem after a community-wide survey. The school, which is currently undergoing a complete rebuild, will also feature gold as its official highlight color.
Why it matters
Choosing a mascot and colors establishes the foundational identity for students and families as they prepare for the school's highly anticipated reopening in 2027. This decision marks a significant milestone in the institution's path to serving the local community after its decades-long closure.
The school gathered feedback from over 900 community members to select the wolf mascot from six finalists. This selection follows the school's original 1987 closure and subsequent 2021 demolition, with the new facility at 11211 Old Georgetown Road set to welcome students in fall 2027.
The players
Charles W. Woodward High School
A Rockville educational institution currently being rebuilt to house arts, STEM, and middle college programs.
Robert Sinclair Jr.
The principal appointed in June 2026 to lead the school through its transition and reopening.
Walter Johnson High School
A neighboring institution that adopted the wildcats mascot following Woodward's 1987 closure.
The details
The decision process began in late August with an online survey that solicited mascot suggestions from the public. Organizers ultimately selected the wolf because the animal reflects the school's values of teamwork and diversity. The school's previous mascot, the wildcat, was adopted by Walter Johnson High School in the 1980s following Woodward's initial closure.
Timeline
1987: Charles W. Woodward High School closed.
2021: The original school building was demolished.
June 2026: Robert Sinclair Jr. was appointed as principal.
Fall 2027: The school is scheduled to open.
The Home Front
The selection of a new mascot follows the 2021 demolition of the original school, representing a major step in the ongoing redevelopment of the campus. This progress aligns with local planning efforts to expand educational capacity in Rockville by 2027.
Families in the area should monitor upcoming announcements regarding the enrollment process and specific programming for the school's opening in 2027. Residents can also keep an eye on local district communications for opportunities to participate in future school spirit initiatives.
The takeaway
The selection of the wolf and gold colors officially sets the tone for the new school community. Families preparing for the fall 2027 opening can begin tracking school news through official district updates to stay informed on curriculum and enrollment timelines.
Further reading
For more updates on district developments, visit the Secondary Education section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Bethesda Magazine.
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