The emphasis on good citizenship, character and philanthropy that Westminster strives to instill in your students is beneficial to all of us since these are our future leaders . . . Thank you for encouraging your students to help those less fortunate. . .

Five years ago, Mr. Glover said the following simple, but powerful sentence, to us and similar prospective parents at that year’s open house: “Westminster school prepares your children for life”. Time and time again, we have seen his powerful words being operationalized in our child's Westminster School life. It is very hard to list the numerous ways we have silently observed the operationalization of his powerful words, but we have listed some of them: the CBRB books and the life lessons that the kids dig out from them; the sound writing skills that build a firm foundation and prepare them, not just for high school, but most importantly for college and life work beyond that ; the curriculum, which makes them think concepts of applicability of math and science, but goes beyond that and enriches their life and quickens their insight and foresight about life and governance through history; the art curricula, which opens up their internal as well as external eyes to the amazing art world and provides them with a compass of how to navigate through it; the values of being courteous, respect for others irrespective of their socio-economic background , and hard work that weaves through and touches their daily life; the focus on encouraging and guiding students to think for themselves in each class, to dig and find kernels of knowledge in each facet of each subject which paves the way to produce leaders, and not just followers; the yearly plays that they do which grooms them for something much higher , the attainment with ease and grace the art of public speaking; above everything else, the great teachers, especially the 3^rd and 4^th grade teachers, who care deeply for the progress of  our child   as a full human being and not only in their subject area. It has been priceless for us to discover in the past five years, in our child's life, how Mr. Glover’s words of five years ago, were not an empty promise, but rather he knew and meant what he was saying.   

Westminster Parent

Westminster School had such a great impact on me.  I could write pages and pages about how my experience at Westminster has shaped me into the person I am today, but above all I value the outstanding education I received, the great study habits I learned, the proper etiquette in important formal situation, and the excellent writing skills I acquired. 

You really helped bring me out of my shell and give me self-confidence in the 7^th and 8^th grade plays, and I am very grateful for that because I am no longer afraid to speak in front of large groups, like I did this summer at Virginia Girls State.  You have also sparked my interest in the liberal arts, and I feel that if I had attended any other school I would not have developed such a passion.  Westminster school did not just prepare me for success in high school; the lessons I learned there will serve me well for the rest of my life. 

Alumnus, Class of 2009

My son was accepted at each of the three schools to which we had applied for Kindergarten. We chose Westminster over the others not only because of all the advertised claims such as a classical education and a nurturing environment (which are true), but because the feel of the place is genuine. Walk down the halls during the day and the students make direct eye contact and greet visitors appropriately. Teachers are skilled and passionate and devoted to the success of every child. The Administration is very direct and clear in terms of academic and behavioral expectations for the students, and an atmosphere of clarity, passion, skill, and nurture is where I most want my children to be. My son graduated from Westminster last month, and is off to a wonderful high school which selected him from a large pool in part because of his Westminster background. My daughter is a current student and is thriving. I highly recommend this school to any parent looking for quality, attention to detail, and the highest academic and personal standards.

Submitted by a parent

Westminster School was a life changer for my daughter. Now, a successful, self-supporting recent college grad, she still sings the praises of the school, its staff, and headmaster. Not only did it provide her with a top-notch, well-rounded education, it equipped her with the life skills necessary to succeed in today's challenging world. To this day, she still maintains a close friendship with several of her Westminster classmates. The personal attention to each student's needs by staff and teachers is extraordinary. The Westminster experience provides students with a strong educational foundation, self-confidence and the discipline necessary for exceptional achievement in their high school and subsequent college years.

Submitted by a parent

Of the all the education I have received up through my master's degree, the classical education I received at Westminster has left the deepest, longest-lasting impression on me. Though I am an engineer by profession, I think that learning subjects such as Latin, literature, and history so early on has been critical to making me a well-rounded person and significantly contributed to my becoming a thinking, contributing member of society.

Submitted by an alumnus

I attended Westminster School for eight years and I can say it gave me the most wonderful education that I could have had. The administration gave me confidence and were always there to provide academic and emotional support. I have some of my best memories from there and am still friends with many people that were in my class. I was extremely well prepared for a very competitive private high school and a college that is ranked in the top 20 in the nation. I have a BA, MA and a JD and have used my Westminster training throughout my career. In addition to academics, Westminster nurtured athletic and artistic talents. I am so grateful that my parents sent me there and I cannot imagine sending my children anywhere else.

Submitted by an alumnus

Westminster School gives you exactly what they promise: a traditional education at a bargain price. The extras are impressive also: small class size, great facilities, motivated students and truly impressive diversity. The curriculum is challenging but teachers are universally ready to give personal attention to students. It is a school with a mission to provide a unique educational experience. The administration is serious about the curriculum, which is well thought out and established. Our son thrived in the atmosphere. We all have great memories of the plays and other events in which everyone participates. Great School!

Submitted by a parent

After carefully looking at elementary schools in the entire metropolitan area, our three children attended Westminster, and received an excellent***** education! The Head of Westminster has a clear mission to maintain high standards. The teachers are rigorous, kind and caring. When our three children entered in 2nd grade and K, there was an outpouring of welcome and warmth from the students, parents, faculty and administration. Westminster is the very BEST!

Submitted by a parent

Two of my children graduated from Westminster and we have never regretted sending them to this school. Yes, the academics are challenging and there is homework every night but the students rise to the challenge. My children learned self respect and self discipline. To this day, they can still finish the column in "Jeopardy" on Greek and Roman Gods! Their knowledge of French and Latin carried through to high school and college. They were very prepared for high school. The arts, athletic and theater programs are second to none. It's an excellent investment with lifelong outcomes.

Submitted by a parent

I am an alumnus who went to WS for 5 years. Thought I'd jot down some memories...

• Clean hallways;
• teachers smiling from doorways between classes;
• helping to edit the yearbook;
• wearing a toga and trying baklava for the first time on Greek Day;
• grass stains after capture-the-flag;
• frog dissection (yep, I did this!);
• feeling mature and proud in my "blazer and tie" for assemblies;
• introduction to Jane Austen (Pride & Prejudice!);
• standing ovation for opening night of my 8th grade play;
• feeling amazed to be learning two foreign languages and actually *getting* them;
• extra help with algebra after school;
• crazy Halloween parades;
•  being moved to tears reading "Romeo and Juliet" out loud with my 7th grade...
• & note to parents: I placed well, well above my peers in high school French thanks to Westminster. Was conversing en francais with juniors and seniors, while other kids in my year were in French 101!

Submitted by an alumnus

Two years ago, I was fortunate enough to discover Westminster School through my work with an area non-profit. It was love at first sight! No, the school is not for everyone. The curriculum is rigorous and the expectations are high. The children are challenged. They are expected to behave as young ladies and gentlemen. They are given the foundation needed to succeed in life. I often tell my boys, "If it is easy, why bother?" There is so much one can learn from struggle and even (GASP) failure. I can say that the teachers and administration care deeply for the children and want them to succeed. They have the best interests of our children at heart . I wouldn't send my boys anywhere else. I wish I could take advantage of the preschool, but logistics prevent it. It's a 70 mile round-trip commute to school and it's worth every mile!

Submitted by a parent

Westminster School is a very special place where each student is cherished and guided. The teachers are dedicated to developing the whole student by providing rigorous academic instruction, nurturing the spirit of the child through great attention to the arts, and shaping the character of the individual through consistent and fairly administered standards. My daughter is about to finish her first year here, and when I was searching for a kindergarten, it was important to me that my daughter attend school in a diverse setting with children of varying cultures. Westminster certainly provides that. Most importantly, I wanted more for my child than just a superior education, although Westminster definitely delivers that. I wanted a place where the teachers were going to recognize the precious individuality of my child, celebrating her strengths and achievements, lovingly helping her when she made mistakes, always challenging her to be her best self. Westminster is that place, and I am so grateful that I found this school where her mind, heart, and soul can be fulfilled.

Submitted by a parent

Witnessing a group of enchanting Kindergartners gradually become earnest young students, and finally junior high adolescents involved in sports, drama, music, art and volunteering, brings joy and satisfaction, and belief in the Westminster program. As a teacher in this community, who has enjoyed several such cycles, and as the parent of Westminster graduates, I feel incredibly fortunate to have played a role in a school that continually grows and improves in its mission.

In a culture which embraces mediocrity for the sake of comfort, Westminster does ruffle some feathers in its quest for excellence through effort, its insistence on good manners and respect, and its expectation of accountability and responsibility. However, very often the students who struggled the most, who required the most guidance and mentoring, are the dearest, the most loving, the most appreciative when they return, as alumni, to visit us. What an uplifting experience!

Submitted by a teacher

I have been fortunate enough to have been a teacher at Westminster School for nearly ten years. Westminster School not only dedicates itself to shaping the minds of children, it also nurtures families and staff. The daily atmosphere at Westminster School is loving, caring, and respectful. Teachers are responsible for working with administrators and parents centered around one objective, each and every child. No detail about the social, emotional, and/or academic progress of a child is overlooked. Westminster teachers, administrators, and parents are a team. Over the years, I have witnessed a team that stands by each other through ups and downs, to ensure that EVERY child becomes a contributing member of society. The program at Westminster has been refined and perfected for nearly 50 years! We are a true family.

Submitted by a teacher

I have worked at Westminster for 18 years. During this time I have had the pleasure to watch children develop from young children to young adults ready to conquer the world with confidence, excellent study skills and academic preparation and poise. Westminster has challenging standards and there must be a commitment from the students and parents to make it to graduation, but the rewards are worth the effort. Graduates leave the school well prepared for the world beyond the halls of Westminster. I take pride in knowing that these children are cared for by teachers who have made this school a part of their lives. The majority of the teaching staff has been at the school for a least five years and a third of the staff has served the school for a decade or longer providing continuity in the program. The administration is supportive to both teachers and families.

Submitted by a teacher

Westminster School is simply the best school of its kind in our area. I wanted to send my children to a place that was about more than academics. Yes, the curriculum is advanced - but, more importantly, my children learned good values. They learned to be polite, respectful, have self-discipline, work hard - even in the face of adversity. Westminster nurtures the whole child - and finds a way to bring out each child's individual gifts. This school is like no other. I am so grateful for all that the teachers and administrators have done for my children - the school simply helped them to become better people.

Submitted by a parent