Oprah Winfrey to Transition Leadership Academy for Girls to New Scholarship Programme
Oprah Winfrey Ends an Era at Her Johannesburg Girls School
After nearly two decades of transforming the lives of academically gifted young women, Oprah Winfrey has announced that the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls (OWLAG) will conclude its residential operations at the end of the 2027 academic year.
The announcement marks the beginning of a new phase in Oprah’s educational mission. Rather than operating a single boarding school, she will launch an expanded scholarship programme designed to help more young women across South Africa access quality education.
Why Is Oprah Closing the School?
The decision is not because the academy has failed. Instead, Oprah says the move will allow her foundation to support significantly more students than a single campus can accommodate.
According to representatives for Oprah Winfrey, the scholarship programme is expected to double the number of girls who benefit from her education initiative by providing opportunities at leading schools across South Africa.
Oprah said:
“The dream was never simply to build a school. It was to invest in the limitless potential of young women.”
What Happens to Current Students?
Families currently enrolled at the academy will continue receiving support.
The transition plan includes:
- The academy will graduate its remaining classes through 2027.
- Students who have not yet completed their education will be placed at other top-performing schools.
- Oprah Winfrey will cover their tuition until graduation.
- The academy’s campus will continue operating as a school under the Gauteng Department of Education, in line with the original partnership agreement.
A Legacy of Educational Excellence
The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls opened in 2007 following discussions between Oprah Winfrey and Nelson Mandela, with the goal of providing world-class education to academically talented girls from disadvantaged communities.
Since then, the academy has produced hundreds of graduates, many of whom have gone on to attend universities in South Africa and abroad, building successful careers and supporting their families and communities.
Expanding Opportunities Across South Africa
The new scholarship model reflects Oprah’s vision of reaching talented young women beyond a single campus.
Instead of limiting opportunities to students admitted to one residential academy, the programme will invest in girls from communities across South Africa by helping them attend high-quality schools closer to home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Oprah Winfrey’s girls’ school closing?
Yes. The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls will conclude its residential operations at the end of the 2027 academic year, but the campus will continue as a school under the Gauteng Department of Education.
Why is Oprah closing the academy?
Oprah is transitioning from operating one boarding school to funding an expanded scholarship programme that will provide educational opportunities to more girls across South Africa.
Will current students be affected?
No. Current students will complete their education, and those who need to transfer will have their tuition fully funded through graduation.
What will happen to the school campus?
The campus will be transferred to the Gauteng Department of Education, which will continue operating it as a school.
When did the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy open?
The academy welcomed its first students in 2007 after being established to provide educational opportunities for academically gifted girls from disadvantaged backgrounds.
