Winston Dowdell Academy is an alternative high school program of the Coweta County School System. The program provides a structured learning environment for students in grades 9 -12 who have had problems in the traditional high school setting. Students are provided a supportive environment in which they can improve academic, behavioral and social performance using a blended model of learning, combining face-to-face instruction with an online digital learning option using the Edgenuity platform. This alternative model is aimed at helping students graduate with a high school diploma and is not designed to be a GED preparation program. The majority of students have been placed at WDA through a disciplinary process of the school system. To remain in the program, students must adhere to strict behavior, academic and attendance guidelines. Transitioning students successfully back to their base school is the goal.

The school is housed in the former Fairmount Elementary School in Newnan, Georgia and has 15 classrooms, a media center, cafeteria, and office suite. The small size of the facility and the maximum student base of 100 students, works to create a safe atmosphere with plenty of teacher support. Faculty and staff at WDA are comprised of certified English, mathematics, science, history, business education and special education teachers, media specialist, nurse, police officer, counselor, and principal. Classified staff includes paraprofessionals, secretary, custodian, and cafeteria personnel.