3819 Gallows Road
Annandale, Virginia 22003

Phone: 703.256.3620

About The School

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Admissions

Our Educational Approach

Educational Curriculum

Summer Program

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General

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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."

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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Westminster School
3819 Gallows Road
Annandale, VA 22003

Phone: (703) 256-3620

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