Westminster School

I only have great things to say about Westminster School. Two of my children attended and now my grandchildren are attending Westminster School. The School not only provides an excellent education but also teaches life skills that stay with the children long after they have graduated.

We are a new family at Westminster School. After years of troubles with public schools including the pandemic, our family decided to homeschool for two years. One day, my child came to me and asked me to return to school. He asked for private school only because he knew at 11 that he needed small class sizes, a little more attention, and help with study skills and work habits. I got to work and started researching schools. I found Westminster School immediately. We looked at other schools, but there was something about Westminster. My child is a different learner, and he needs structured classes that are nurturing. Seems like an impossible find, right? It's not! Westminster School provides those things that kids need to learn, and more. My son has caring teachers who are knowledgeable and thoughtful. History, a subject he never liked, is now one of his favorite subjects because of the teacher. Before, I would dread hearing from my son's teachers, but not now. I receive calls thanking me for choosing Westminster School. What has helped my child is that Westminster School incorporates the 8 Executive Function Skills in its curriculum. It's part of a student's day to day. Thought organization, note-taking, writing, and emotional maturity are all part of a student's day. Westminster School is the best choice for my son and my family.

I am the mother of 4 daughters who went to Westminster School in the early years when Jane Goll, the founder, was the Director of the school. It as the best decision my husband and I made in our lifetime. My daughters ,all in their early sixties, are living a great life both in their professional and and personal lives, The education they received at Westminster prepared them for High School. University and also carried on in the way they raised their ten children Each teacher majored in and loved the classes they taught and no aspect of the students lives were neglected, from the social graces, the sports competitions and learning to be kind to your fellow man.. knowledge of Latin and French. learning to read music by playing the recorder and of course learning the multiplication tables. Enough said as I could write a book about this GREAT SCHOOL,

My son graduated from Westminster School several years ago. He recalls fondly his years spent there. Certainly, some subjects were more challenging than others, but we agree that the learning foundation he received at Westminster School has contributed to his success in high school and college. The academic program pairs very well with the arts, music and languages classes offered at the school. The athletic program is also very good. My son learned to play chess at Westminster School. The field trips to area museums, theaters and historical landmarks were educational and fun. The administrators and teachers are dedicated to the success of the students. We are very pleased with the education and strong sense of community he received at Westminster School.

This is a review from a parent whose children attended Westminster and we are seeing the benefits of the Westminster curriculum and development of the complete student. I have 2 alumni and we attribute much of their success to the very strong foundation created at Westminster. I highly recommend this school to any and all prospective family considering a classical education with a focus on the arts and the complete development of the student.

Westminster School is an amazing program that molds and shapes children into young people of quality and excellence. It does not happen overnight nor does it happen without some challenge or difficulty. The academics are creative and presented in a purposeful manner. This program is rigorous. It requires commitment from not only the child but the parents as well. With the hard work comes wonderful gifts; plays, concerts, Bingo nights, and a sense of community, you can never find anywhere else. At the end of the road, you have a Westminster graduate, full of promise and ready to tackle and experience the world around them. My child is already so poised, fearless, articulate and so impressive however still has time to grow before graduation comes. I am so glad I choose this school and you will too!

I do not really fit into the category of administrator, but I am neither a parent nor alumnus. I became acquainted with Westminster about three years ago when I agreed to help on their Board. I am truly an independent member of the Board and community and have grown to respect and cherish the school. The commitment to classical education and educating the entire person, including to high social and moral standards, resonates with me. The teachers and staff are top-notch, and I can say without a doubt - I find them to be hardworking and dedicated.

I had two children obtain a Westminster education. I was not only pleased with their education but also their learning habits. Their learning habits was instrumental in their subsequent success in High School and College. I am actively engaged as a volunteer with Westminster and continue to be impressed with how the school programs continue to grow. In addition to the core STEM courses, the children have classes in Latin, French, Art, and music. There is an excellent athletic program. Each class puts on a play each year and it is amazing to see how the children's poise and self confidence grow through the years.

We tried public school and soon realized that there has to be a better solution. After visiting several private schools the choice for us was easy. Westminster had an excellent teacher to student ratio, a rigorous curriculum with an emphasis on the arts. We also really liked the use of class plays to develop public speaking and confidence. Westminster has exceeded our expectations on every level. Our children are thriving and are being well prepared for high school and college. Some additional benefits we found at Westminster is they teach and use cursive writing have door to door bus service and actually hold the children responsible for organization and timely assignments. Lesson's that will be used in every facet of academic achievement and professional work. We could not be more pleased with Westminster and have not regretted our decision.

To offer a contrast to the negative review of May 12, 2014, I would suggest that any stress on the children comes not from Westminster's programs, policies, or faculty, but rather from parents who cannot allow their children to be anything less than perfect. What I have found at Westminster is that the faculty and staff encourage each child to put forth his/her very best efforts which may, or may not, result in perfect, or near perfect, scores. What I have witnessed is that this is a school which places a high value on the process of learning, not necessariliy the result. If you are the type of parent who allows your child/ren to fall and to then learn from the experience, who can accept that perfection is a goal, not a reality, and who can self reflect to ascertain who is really bearing and/or breeding the stress, this is the perfect school for you and your child. My family and I have never been so impressed by a school or its faculty and staff before; Westminster is a very hard act to follow.

As a current mother and parent of a Westminster School student, I would like to firmly say to all parents thinking about sending their daughter to this school to PLEASE RECONSIDER! Westminster severely lacks a proper educational environment. The extreme stress placed on students by the faculty is vastly detrimental to the mental well being of adolescents. There is no school counselor, the headmaster also fills this position and his focus is on discipline while completely neglecting the mental and emotional health of the student body. Many current students parents have confided in me, as their 3rd/4th graders, about the horrifying lack of sleep they suffer, the emotional anguish they experience trying to achieve perfect grades, and the physical illnesses they suffer from overworking themselves due to the high expectations of their teachers. (A book to board to notebook process) Surely, while no school is perfect, there must be a better way to give a young woman an education without leaving her mentally scarred throughout her early years.

After a traumatic introduction to Kindergarten in another private school we began a frantic search for another school for our son. After visiting Westminster, my first reaction was, "Wow!" We moved in mid-year K and our son just started 3rd grade, and my "Wow" has never diminished. The best decision we could have ever made. He is thriving in a caring, professional, progressive educational experience. Small classes, specialized teachers, and a culture that fosters excellence and respect.

This school upholds high standards of conduct and academic excellence. It was never my intention to look for an easy school. I admire that it encourages the students to expect much more of themselves. Some times are challenging, however I know my son will graduate an assertive and well rounded student ready for his high school years. I personally think this is a testament to the school and its commitment to a better education for our children.