Serena Williams is back in Wimbledon, What to know about her high school years

When Serena Williams left professional tennis in 2022, few expected to see her return to Centre Court at Wimbledon four years later.

Yet here she is – the oldest player in this year's women's singles draw – returning to the court where she celebrated championships, experienced losses and built one of the greatest careers the sport has ever seen.

While Williams’ opening-round match against Maya Joint on Tuesday, June 30, at 11:30 a.m. ET is yet another match that will go down in tennis history, it represents her long-standing career that shaped her into the person she is today.

To understand her full journey, here's a look at where Williams went to high school and how her rise to stardom began.

Did Serena Williams attend a traditional school?

Williams attended traditional elementary school in Compton, California, before her family moved to Florida in 1991 so she and her sister, Venus, could train with renowned coach Rick Macci. After two years of balancing school and attending the Rick Macci Tennis Academy, their father, Richard Williams, decided to homeschool both daughters as they prepared to begin their professional careers.

Before beginning high school, however, Williams enrolled at Driftwood Academy, a specialized private school that allowed her to continue education and her professional career.

Where did Serena Williams attend high school?

Williams attended Driftwood Academy in Lake Park, Florida, from 1995 to 1999. The private school was designed to accommodate student-athletes, giving Williams the flexibility to manage both her coursework and training schedule. While Williams attended Driftwood, she was already playing professional tournaments and making a name for herself on the national stage. After four years of balancing her professional career with high school, she graduated in 1999.

While Driftwood Academy still exists today, it has been restructured into a homeschooling and private tutoring facility.

How old was Serena Williams when she won her first Grand Slam?

Williams was just 17 years old when she captured her first Grand Slam singles title at the 1999 U.S. Open, becoming one of the youngest Grand Slam champions in Open Era tennis. Her victory took place just a few weeks after her high school graduation.

How old was Serena Williams when she won her first Wimbledon?

Williams won her first Wimbledon singles title in 2002 at age 20, defeating her sister, Venus, in straight sets in the championship match. The victory came less than three years after her first Grand Slam title and marked yet another milestone in her career. The following year, Williams won the Australian Open to complete her first Career Grand Slam at age 21.

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