When Maggie Smith talks about her time at Royce, she does it with the kind of ease and honesty that makes you lean in. Now a 17‑year‑old senior, Maggie has been part of the Royce community since 2019 — more than half a decade of growth, friendships, and unexpected discoveries.
“I first came here when COVID started,” she recalls. “I remember doing virtual learning for a bit.” Like so many students navigating that strange moment in time, Maggie wasn’t sure what school would look like next. But when she transitioned into high school, she made a choice that surprised even her family.
“Instead of going to Savannah Arts like my sisters, I decided to stay here,” she says. “I really enjoyed the teachers and how they were understandable.”
For Maggie, that connection mattered. At her previous schools, she remembers teachers being kind, but not especially memorable. “They were sweet, but I only remember one or two of them,” she explains. “Here, it’s different.”
What stood out most was the environment — calm, welcoming, and free from the social pressures that can overwhelm so many students. “I preferred my time here because there was no bullying, no drama going on most of the time. It was nice.”
Maggie also found herself drawn to the academic opportunities that felt fresh and engaging. “I liked the history classes, like Heroes and Villains — and all that jazz,” she says with a smile. “I liked how enthusiastic the teachers were about their jobs.”
That enthusiasm, she says, made learning feel alive. It made school feel like a place she wanted to be.
As Maggie prepares for graduation, her story reflects what so many students discover at Royce: a place where they can feel safe, seen, and supported — and where teachers show up every day with genuine passion for helping students thrive.
Maggie Smith
Royce Senior, Class of 2026
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