Charles W. Woodward High School Selects New Mascot

The Rockville school chose the wolf as its mascot following a community vote involving over 900 participants.

Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Secondary Education

Charles W. Woodward High School in Rockville has officially adopted the wolf as its new school mascot following a community-wide voting process. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Charles W. Woodward High School has officially selected the wolf as its new mascot after a community voting process featuring six finalists. The school also confirmed that gold will serve as the official highlight color for the institution.

Why it matters

The choice of the wolf mascot reflects the school's focus on teamwork and diversity, as wolves are noted for functioning as a pack. This selection marks a new chapter for the campus as it prepares for its upcoming reopening in Rockville.

The selection process included more than 900 votes cast from the community across six different mascot options. The school is located at 11211 Old Georgetown Road.

The players

Charles W. Woodward High School

A Rockville educational institution that is currently being rebuilt and is scheduled to open for students in the fall of 2027.

Robert Sinclair Jr.

He was appointed as the principal of the school in June 2026 to lead the institution through its redevelopment and reopening process.

Walter Johnson High School

A neighboring institution that adopted the wildcats mascot following the closure of the original Woodward High School in the 1980s.

The details

The school conducted an online survey starting in late August to gather suggestions before presenting the final options to the public. The previous mascot, the wildcats, was adopted by Walter Johnson High School during the 1980s.

The wildcats mascot was adopted by Walter Johnson High School in the 1980s.
Charles W. Woodward High School closed its doors in 1987.
The original school building was demolished in 2021.
Robert Sinclair Jr. was appointed principal in June 2026.
The school is scheduled to open in fall 2027.

Culture Shift

The school's rebranding efforts follow the 1987 closure of Charles W. Woodward High School and its recent total demolition. This move signifies a complete departure from the institution's former legacy as it establishes a new identity for the upcoming 2027 opening.

The school is currently serving as a temporary site for Northwood High School students until the official reopening in 2027. Families and community members should anticipate the introduction of new regional programs in the arts, STEM, and a middle college initiative upon opening.

The takeaway

The selection of the wolf mascot emphasizes the importance of community collaboration in rebuilding a school identity. Residents can look forward to the new facility's focus on specialized academic programs when it officially opens in 2027.