3819 Gallows Road
Annandale, Virginia 22003

Phone: 703.256.3620

About The School

More Information

Our Educational Approach

Parents Give Westminster School in Virginia Top Grades!

Essays about Private Schools in Virginia

Welcome to Westminster School: Providing an Education in Excellence in Virginia

Westminster School is currently accepting applications for all grades

Please contact Mrs. Nancy Schuler, Admissions Director at 703-256-3620 or admissions@westminsterschool.com regarding availability in a particular grade.

Where a Classical Education Nurtures the Humanity of Every Child

One of the most important decisions parents make today is determining the best educational path for their children. The primary school years are the formative ones in a child's character and acquisition of knowledge, skills, and attitudes. Being in the right or wrong environment from ages 5 to 14 will have life-long repercussions. The quality of education a child receives will play an enormous part in his or her future success, personal fulfillment, and value as a contributing member of society.

Kindergarten Is Just The Beginning . . . »

"When I first walked in as a kindergartner it only took a few days to realize that this is more than a school, this is something truly special. Westminster has taught us all to dare and aim our highest in anything we try to accomplish... Here we are given the confidence, strength, and power to succeed in any difficult endeavor we put our minds to". Graduate of the Class of 2006.

Academic Excellence »

Since 1962, parents throughout Northern Virginia have turned to a private school that meets and exceeds their hopes for their child's education. Westminster School, a non-denominational and independent school teaching grades K through 8, offers a central location of proven and progressive education for families of K-8 students residing in Annandale, Alexandria, Burke, Reston, Chantilly, Centreville, Arlington, Fairfax, Springfield, West Springfield, Franconia, Oakton and Jefferson, as well as Washington, DC and Southern Maryland.

With the lowest tuition among comparable Northern Virginia Independent Schools, Westminster School offers a superior elementary and middle school education. Year after year, Westminster students' standardized test performance is significantly higher than that of students across the country who take the rigorous ERBs. Because of the challenge of the ERBs, few public schools use it; most participants are private schools and high-achieving suburban public schools. Westminster graduates are regularly accepted into competitive area high schools, including Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, National Cathedral School, St. Stephen/St. Agnes, Gonzaga, Georgetown Visitation, Madeira, Flint Hill, Bishop Ireton, and others.

Get more information on Westminster School Student Achievements

Nurturing Environment »

These statistics, however, are only a reflection of the guiding philosophy and exceptional quality of the Westminster program. The underlying goal of Westminster's classical program is to develop the humanity of each child to his highest potential. This means first, that all children are treated with respect and are required and shown how to treat other children and adults respectfully. Kindness, courtesy, integrity, personal responsibility, consideration for others, perseverance, and enthusiasm for learning are values which are actively nurtured. These traditional values are also given expression in the physical environment, which is safe, orderly, beautiful, and lovingly maintained.

» Get more information about the Westminster School Community

Intellectual Challenge and Cultural Depth »

In order to engage and sharpen the intellect of each child, the carefully designed curriculum is well-rounded, structured for depth, and delivered by teachers who specialize in their subjects. Critical thinking and problem-solving skills are developed across the curriculum, especially through reality-based mathematics, hands-on and laboratory science, explorations of high-quality literature, and probing class discussions in all disciplines. An emphasis on classic works of literature and the development of articulate speaking and writing are staples of the language arts program. The students, who represent many races, religions, and ethnic cultures, all gain insight into human evolution and possibility through the six-year survey of Western civilization and classical studies that spans 3rd through 8th grades. Much more than an acquisition of dusty facts, the children study in depth the daily lives, customs, structure of society and government, religious beliefs and mythology, innovations, major achievements, art, and literary masterworks of the peoples of Ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome; Europe and England in the middle ages and Renaissance; and those who founded and contributed to the United States of America. Reinforcing their classical learning, Latin is taught to 7th and 8th grade students, in addition to French, which is taught from Kindergarten through 8th grade.

» Get more information about the Westminster School Curriculum

Educational Curriculum

Westminster School offers K through 8 students a classical education based on intensive studies of the traditional fields of language arts, advanced reading and writing, mathematics, earth and life science, history, geography, art, drama, music, and instruction in French and Latin. In addition to academic studies, Westminster offers physical education and sports programs for all of its students, and an enrichment program for 8th graders that prepares them well for the new challenges they'll face in high school, college and beyond.

Kindergarten Overview

Academic Achievements

Recent results from the Educational Records Bureau (ERB) show Westminster School students achieving competitive scores compared to the national medians for both independent schools and high-achieving suburban public schools who use the ERB/CTP 4 test.

Accomplishments

Westminster students participate in a number of activities and contests each year which provide a profile of their achievements in comparison with those of other students in the region and across the nation.

Physical Education & Athletics

The core philosophy of Westminster School rests on a belief that the highest levels of individual achievement and fulfillment may best be attained through a balance of mind, body, and spirit, and that the development of each is of the utmost importance. At Westminster, therefore, the Physical Education Program enjoys parity with all other academic and art programs.

Our Educational Approach

A school is a place where the best hopes of humankind may be made manifest, a place to teach what we value. All of those who comprise Westminster School—its administrators, teachers, custodians, bus drivers, and the parents of its students—are united in a common endeavor to impart shared values: a disciplined and informed mind, a strong character, civility, confidence in creativity, and joy in the possibilities of life.

Admissions

Westminster School is for girls and boys of average to above average ability who are eager to learn, have a positive attitude and a good work ethic. Families who value self-discipline, responsibility, respect, tolerance for differences and hard work will be pleased to know that these values are reinforced daily at Westminster School. Our mission statement outlines our beliefs which are implemented with each and every student throughout each day he or she is in school. We invite you to visit our school to learn more about the "Westminster Way."

School Facility

Westminster School is located at 3819 Gallows Road, in Annandale, Virginia. The school is housed in a single-story, modern building in a pleasant residential neighborhood. Ample athletic fields and outdoor play areas are well maintained. The main school building comprises 23 academic classrooms of at least 500 square feet; library and computer center, theater, art studio, music classroom, rehearsal room, instrument storage facility, gymnasium, and administrative offices.

School Community

The atmosphere of Westminster School is one of warmth and refinement, where social exchanges are conducted with respect and courtesy. There is dedication on the part of everyone involved with the school to the highest standards of conduct and academic achievement. An example of excellence is set for the students at every level: in the work ethic and character of staff members; the careful maintenance of school facilities; the professional dress code observed by the staff; the attention to detail in every presentation, from bulletin boards to play programs; and in the gracious hospitality evident at all gatherings. Proper and professional decorum is maintained in all relationships within the school. This is apparent not only during the school day, but at all Westminster events as well.

After-School Care Program

An on-site, after-school care program is offered to families with children in grades K-8. The hours of program operation are 3:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, on every full day of school. There is no after-school care on half-days, holidays, or when school is canceled or dismissed early due to inclement weather or emergency response.

Summer Program

For enrolled students only, Westminster School offers a variety of academic and enrichment programs during the summer. A brochure is published in early spring which includes course content descriptions, dates and times, fees, and registration forms.

Bus Service

Westminster offers door-to-door bus service to many areas in Northern Virginia for a four payment fee schedule based on distance (zones) and level of participation (i.e., morning and/or afternoon service). Many families share carpools, which the school facilitates upon request.

Jane L. Goll Center for Arts and Athletics

In September, 2003, Westminster School proudly welcomed its returning students and staff to a greatly expanded and beautifully renovated school building. The completion of the Jane L. Goll Center for Arts and Athletics, named for the beloved school founder, reflected years of planning, labor, and generosity on the part of school administrators, trustees, parents, students, and friends.

Development

Westminster School provides a superior elementary program (K-8) for the lowest tuition among comparable area schools. Donations, however, help Westminster achieve goals beyond the scope of its basic program. Through Annual Giving, supporters can enhance the Westminster experience for current and future students.

Music & Orchestra

In the words of William Shakespeare, “music hath charms to soothe a savage breast, to soften rock, or bend a knotted oak.” In writing about the power of music, the poet implied its unique character among the arts and, indeed, among the achievements of humankind. Music is arguably the purest articulation of the human spirit ever achieved and, as such, it is not only a treasure to be cherished and shared by all people but an unsurpassed medium of communication as well. For these reasons, Westminster School believes that an education in music is essential to the development and well-being of each child.

Drama

The Drama Program is a vital component in the personal development of each Westminster student. Students in grades K-6 participate in a dramatic production every year under the direction of their homeroom teachers. Each child has a speaking part and is guided to develop acting skills and an understanding of ensemble work, as well as poise and self-confidence. Extensive use of costumes, props, and stage sets encourage the development of imagination and creativity. Under the direction of the Headmaster, students in the 7th grade produce a Shakespeare play, and in the 8th grade, a musical. Upper school students also assume increasing technical responsibilities for their productions.

Mission Statement and Philosophy

Westminster School is dedicated to providing a superior elementary and middle-school education whose fundamental goals for each child are a disciplined and well-informed mind, strength of character, dedication to learning, generosity of spirit, and joy in the possibilities of life. The Westminster program is founded on a traditional curriculum, rigorous academic standards, and an atmosphere that promotes respect, integrity, kindness, and a sense of excellence. Westminster's academic program provides thorough training in basic subjects within a broad humanities curriculum. The Classical tradition, great books, and exposure to the arts are emphasized and integrated throughout an accelerated, thoroughly rounded program.

Meet the Headmaster

Ellis Glover has been the Headmaster of Westminster School since 1992. Educated in the classics and humanities, he served for 16 years as Assistant Director of Westminster School, imbibing its mission and philosophy from the school’s founder and director, Jane Goll.

Alumni Resources

The Alumni Office is dedicated to serving alumni and all members and friends of the Westminster School community. Since the school’s founding in 1962, Westminster alumni have gone on to attend major universities, after completing their secondary studies at some of the finest high schools in the greater Washington metropolitan area. Beyond the challenges of the classroom, Westminster graduates have pursued successful careers and their collective accomplishments uphold the “Westminster Way” as a growing tradition.

Parent Resources

Contact Us

If you would like to be contacted by our Director of Admissions, please complete this short form.

Westminster School
3819 Gallows Road
Annandale, VA 22003

Phone: (703) 256-3620

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