FAQs
Westminster offers a superior elementary education based on high curriculum and achievement standards. The rich curriculum, focused academics, and traditional environment of respect, courtesy, responsibility, and warmth provide a significant alternative to the public school system. Kindergarten-2nd grade students get a strong start with a phonics-based reading program, a math program that stresses reasoning and a solid grounding in math facts, hands-on science, an introduction to history and geography, French, music, art, PE, library, and Junior Great Books. The core curriculum for grades 3-8 is enhanced by the addition of STEAM classes, as well as Classical Studies, which trace the history, culture, art, and literature of Western Civilization. Upper school students add Latin, Algebra, and Geometry. An outstanding feature of Westminster is its Drama Program in which all students participate each year. The repeated experience of preparation and public performance helps students develop self-confidence, poise, and self-expression.
Students enjoy the after-school Athletic Program; the many field trips and special assemblies; the aesthetic environment; the celebrations of curriculum, such as Egyptian Day, Science Week, and Sports Day; the drama presentations; the talent shows; the many clubs, enrichment programs and camps that are offered; and, most of all, the sense of close community and caring possible in a small school.
Both morning and afternoon extended care are available. The regular school day is from 8:05 a.m. – 3:10 p.m. (Regular drop-off begins at 7:45 a.m.) Extended care begins at 7:00 a.m. and ends at 6:00 p.m. (with a grace period until 6:15 p.m. for late pick-up). Children may enroll in the full-time extended care or may use the drop-in service on an as-needed basis.
Westminster School provides several options for transportation. We are proud to own our own buses and to employ a team of dedicated bus drivers, many who have served the school for a decade or more. Door-to-door bus service is offered to many neighborhoods in Northern Virginia. In addition, Westminster School offers seven cluster stops where parents may meet the bus at a central location in the morning and/or afternoon. These cluster stops, which are offered at a discounted rate, include: Burke/Fairfax Station, Fairfax, Kingstowne, Lorton, McLean, Mosaic, and Oakton. Finally, the school also helps to facilitate carpool for our families, who reside across the metropolitan area. For more information, please visit our Transportation and Extended Care page.
Admission to kindergarten is based on birth date, order of application, and developmental readiness testing. For grades 1-7, admission is based on order of application, the results of a qualifying exam, a writing sample, teacher evaluation, and an interview with parents and child. Westminster School does not admit new students to the 8th grade. For more information on our admission process, please visit our How to Apply page.
Yes, Westminster School has rolling admissions. When we have space in a particular grade, we accept students throughout the school year. If you are interested in applying for a midyear transfer, please contact us directly to discuss your individual situation.
Most grades usually have some openings for new applicants. The number of openings varies from year-to-year and grade-to-grade. Registration is limited to 18 students (with 16 students and an aide in kindergarten) per class (two classes per grade). Annual cost of tuition ranges from $26,729 – $31,879. Various payment plans are offered with discounts awarded for paying in fewer installments. Financial aid is available; awards are based on need. More information about financial aid is available on the admissions page of our web site, https://www.
Westminster School was established in 1962. It is a fully accredited member of the Virginia Association of Independent Schools (VAIS), the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) and is a member of the Association of Independent Schools of Greater Washington (AISGW).
After 30 years of service to Westminster School, Nancy Schuler was named Head of School in 2021. She is the third Head of School since Westminster’s founding in 1962. Prior to becoming Head of School, Mrs. Schuler served as a history teacher, team leader, department chair, summer-camp director, and admissions director.
Mrs. Schuler holds a BS in Elementary Education with a concentration in Business Administration and a MEd in Independent School Leadership.
Westminster’s long-range plans include the addition of a regulation size athletic field and a new wing for the Upper School.
