Curriculum Highlights: History & Classical Studies

A cornerstone of the Westminster program is its History/Classical Studies curriculum, a six-year, chronological survey of Western civilization. In 3rd through 8th grades, in-depth examination is made of the great civilizations of the West in terms of historical events and personages, daily life, and contributions in social structure and government, science and mathematics, art and…

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Curriculum Highlights: Mathematics

The Mathematics Program provides a thorough understanding of basic mathematics; encourages the perception of mathematics as useful and important in everyday life; promotes the independent use of mathematical reasoning to solve problems; increases enjoyment of mathematics; and establishes a solid foundation for higher level studies. The design of the Mathematics Program is based on the…

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Curriculum Highlights: Language Arts

Fundamental to the entire program of Westminster School is a belief in the life-transforming power of great books. The Language Arts Program is designed to introduce children to that experience and to enhance their response to the greatest degree possible.  The strongly phonics-based program in grades K-2 promotes the love of reading and ensures reading mastery…

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Curriculum Highlights: Languages

French French is taught to all students in grades K-8. As the language of one of the great civilizations of the Western world, and as the second greatest contributor to the English language (after Latin), the study of French is an important component of a classical education. Students in grades K-2 are introduced to French…

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Curriculum Highlights: Geography

In grades K-6, Geography is taught within the Science Program (for a full quarter in grades 3 – 6). In 7th and 8th grades, geography is taught as a separate class for one quarter of the academic year. In the early grades (K-2nd), the focus is on basic and increasingly sophisticated map skills. In 2nd…

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Curriculum Highlights: Science

At Westminster School, science instruction begins in kindergarten and progresses through the 8th grade.  In addition to textbook study, a “hands-on,” activity-based approach encourages students to observe, experiment, analyze, research available information, and utilize skills from other fields of study in order to discover for themselves important scientific concepts. Westminster’s science program provides students with…

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Curriculum Highlights: Arts

Art is a vehicle of the human spirit, and learning to appreciate and participate in art is essential preparation for a vital, well balanced life. Furthermore, the arts help develop “right-brain” function and encourage “outside-the-box” thinking that is rarely a focus in standard academic classes. For these reasons, the arts are a central component of…

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Curriculum: Physical Education & Athletics

Students in all grades enjoy 30-40 minutes of physical education daily. In an age-appropriate, skills-building program, students are trained in physical fitness and conditioning, movement/dance, manipulative skills, and game skills. Beginning in 5th grade, student teams participate in league competition in soccer, cross-country, basketball, softball, and track and field.   Inner Quest Twice a year,…

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Curriculum Highlights: Technology

Internet Use: Projects that include a written report, an oral presentation, and a creative component are required several times each year for students in grades 3 through 8. Since internet sites may be of benefit to students as they prepare assigned projects and research topics of special interest to them, Westminster students are introduced to the…

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Curriculum Highlights: Enrichment

Students in 8th grade are closely overseen by the Headmaster who, in addition to supervising an 8th grade homeroom, chaperoning field trips, and directing their drama production, also teaches an 8th grade Enrichment Class. Usual topics include personal presentation, etiquette and social graces; extemporaneous speaking; interview tips and mock interviews (in preparation for high-school applications);…

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