Accreditation
Memberships
Since 1998, Westminster School has been a fully accredited member of the Virginia Association of Independent Schools (VAIS). The next visit will take place in the fall of 2029. Membership is open only to not-for-profit schools that meet the standards listed at the bottom of this article. Determination that the school meets the Standards for Membership is accomplished through ongoing self-review and reporting on the part of Westminster School and regular, rigorous examination by VAIS.
In Fall 2024, Westminster School underwent a 5-year interim review by VAIS. The school was asked to provide an overview of the school plus an in-depth report on the current status and strategic planning in several areas, including school programs, financial management, marketing and development, facilities, and technology. Reporting included the sharing of approximately 170 documents, including the master curriculum guide, emergency operations plan, sample publications, minutes from meetings of the Board of Trustees, and the school’s five-year and ten-year strategic plan, to name a few. After studying the school’s self-study report and all submitted documents, a Visiting Team comprising administrators from other VAIS member schools visited the Westminster School campus for three days in October 2024, conducting a thorough review of daily school activities plus interviews with trustees, administrators, teachers, parents, and students. The Visiting Committee then voted on each Standard for Membership and submitted a report on the entire process to the VAIS Committee on Membership.
Westminster School is pleased to affirm that the Committee on Membership voted unanimously to continue Westminster’s status as a fully accredited member of VAIS. The school is also proud of the many commendations shared by the Visiting Committee in its Executive Summary report, including the following excerpts.
“Westminster School stands out for its strong sense of identity. A clearly articulated, comprehensive mission statement and philosophy convey the ideals that inform all aspects of the curriculum, overall program, and community expectations… From the board, administration, and faculty to parents and students, all constituencies hold the School in high regard out of a deep respect for and belief in its mission. “
“The Visiting Team observed shared cultural values that have been proudly enhanced across generations… Westminster is a community with an astounding diversity of backgrounds, ethnic heritage, religious views, etc., and there is unity based “upon essential, human values” in addition to a high level of trust and accountability.”
“Westminster’s faculty, staff, and administration have an unwavering commitment to the school’s mission and philosophy. The administration’s accessibility, the faculty’s expertise, and the mutual respect and trust afforded each community member demonstrates this.”
“Westminster School’s campus is a testament to its classical mission, with architecture and decor that immerse students in an atmosphere rich in historical and philosophical influences… The thoughtfully curated spaces reflect Westminster’s mission to foster disciplined minds, strong character, and a love of learning, making the campus a true extension of the school’s educational philosophy. “
VAIS Standards for Membership
- The School’s mission guides its policies and practices and is evident in the climate, culture, and program of the School.
- The program fulfills the educational and developmental needs of the students, meets the requirements of learning and living in a diverse and globally-connected society, and reflects ongoing internal review.
- The School authentically communicates its mission and values, creating a community that understands and supports the mission while engaging in the life of the School.
- The faculty, administration, and staff support the mission of the School, are qualified for their positions, engage in ongoing evaluation and professional growth, and effectively implement the program.
- The Head of School serves as the chief executive, is the sole employee of and only direct report to the governing body, and is ultimately responsible for the operational and educational management of the school.
- The governing body of the School is independent and deliberative, with clearly defined roles and responsibilities, and works in partnership with the Head of School to ensure that fiduciary and strategic policies advance the school.
- The governing body and the Head of School jointly assure that the financial resources are sufficient to sustain the program and are efficiently managed.
- The School’s facilities and equipment are sufficient to meet the needs of the program and are maintained to provide an effective and safe learning environment.
- The School’s care for the health, safety, and welfare of the students is evident in its policies and practices.
- [IF APPLICABLE] The residential program is so conceived and staffed as to reflect the mission of the school and provide a healthy and safe environment.
- [IF APPLICABLE] The preschool and/or extended day program is conceived and staffed so as to reflect the mission of the School and provide a healthy, safe, and developmentally appropriate environment.
- The faculty, administration, and staff support the mission of the School, are qualified for their positions, engage in ongoing evaluation and professional growth, and effectively implement the program.
