Westminster Lower School Tour Brochure Admissions Year 2024-25
Where love and learning first meet.
“In our Lower School, children are valued as unique individuals with limitless potential, and they are challenged to grow as empathetic community members who care about the world around them.”
— Lauren DuPriest, Head of Lower School
FROM OUR FOUNDING
From our founding in 1951 to the present day, Westminster has aspired to provide an exceptional student experience focused on the pursuit of academic and personal excellence. We strive to be an inclusive community, upholding the dignity of all people as the essential expression of our character as a Christian school.
Leadership
Lauren DuPriest Head of Lower School
Stacy Chalmers Director of Student Life
Laura Kopp Chaplain
Whitney Woodward Director of Teaching and Learning, Pre-First through Second Grade
Lee Steeleropp Director of Teaching and Learning, Third through Fifth Grade
Camille May Counselor, Lower School
Wendy Sheats Senior Director of Admissions
Nicole Victor Director of Lower School Admissions
Additional members of the Lower School Leadership team include the Psychologist/Learning Strategist, the Civic Engagement Coordinator, and the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coordinators.
By the Numbers
323 faculty members
88
241 Lower School faculty members cities in the greater Atlanta area different zip codes schoolwide of our faculty hold graduate degrees average number of years in the teaching profession
$6 million + in aid awarded annually
new students from 45 distinct zip codes
1883 students
52 88 19 81%
1365 families 44% students of color
Beyond the Classroom
Lower School students have the opportunity to engage in service opportunities through classroom experiences, leadership opportunities, and schoolwide philanthropic initiatives. Families can participate in service alongside students during Family Service Saturdays, which are offered by the Glenn Institute in collaboration with PAWS. Grade levels, classrooms, and student groups have the opportunity to request funding from the Glenn Institute to undertake service initiatives related to classroom curriculum. Through events like second grade “small mall” or third grade’s Lovestock, students work hand in hand with nonprofit partners while learning about math, poetry, or other subjects. Fifth grade students take a yearlong leadership and civic engagement course called CATapult where they learn to be philanthropists through active service. Lower School-specific service events include:
• Reader-to-Reader Book Collection
• Angel Tree
• Lower School Day of Service
• Shower for the Shelters
Class Schedule
The Lower School uses a five-day rotation in which class periods range from 30 minutes to 180 minutes. Core subjects meet daily and specials meet between one and two times per five-day rotation.
Student Life
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) tackles five major components— self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making—through a variety of experiences such as:
Bible Values Class
Four Community Values: 4 B’s
Morning Meeting
CATapult Leadership (fifth)
Community Assemblies
Responsive Classroom
Challenging, Innovative Outdoor
Play Spaces
Daily Recess
Student Support
At Westminster, the student support team strives to provide a holistic approach to educating and supporting students. We are committed to understanding student learning profiles and collaborating with teachers and families to promote positive educational outcomes. The Lower School Academic Resource Center’s learning strategists, academic support teachers, and school counselor work collaboratively to serve students through leveraging strategies rooted in neuroscience and evidence-based practices.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Westminster
At Westminster, we cherish the diversity of our community. From our students to their families, and our dedicated faculty and staff, we create a welcoming and supportive environment where everyone feels at home. Guided by Christian values, we focus on learning from each other through love and service. We celebrate the unique qualities and backgrounds of every member of our school, and we believe that understanding and appreciating these differences is key to becoming great leaders. Our engaging programs and activities are designed to nurture this understanding and celebrate the vibrant diversity of our community.
STUDENT INITIATIVES
• Connect & Respect: Inclusive curriculum to benefit the whole community.
• Affinity Groups: Safe spaces for positive identity development, connection, and support.
• Assemblies: Speakers and performers on important cultural topics and celebrations.
• Featured Artist and Author Visits: Enriching perspectives through diverse voices.
PARENT OPPORTUNITIES
• Community Cultural Celebrations: Family events celebrating our diverse backgrounds.
• Family Affinity Groups: Engaging parents and families in our inclusive community.
• PAWS Common Ground Parent Committee: Strengthening connections among parents.
FACULTY PROGRAMMING
• Affinity Groups and Learning Cohorts: Faculty support, networking, and professional development.
• Lunch & Learns: Regular and relevant ongoing education.
• New Teacher Workshops and Professional Development: Targeted support for new teachers.
• Dedicated Equity & Inclusion Team: Leading and supporting inclusion efforts for the division.
Extracurricular Enrichment
The Lower School offers a number of voluntary opportunities outside of the school day including:
Chorus (Grades 3–5)
Girls on the Run (Grades 3–5) Intramurals
ASK!
After School Kids! (ASK!) is our fee-based after-school enrichment program, available daily from dismissal time until 6:00 p.m. (pre-first–fifth).
Visual Arts
The Lower School art room is a place of discovery where students develop fundamental skills and creative confidence. Supported by four full-time art teachers, students work collaboratively and independently to observe and interpret their world.
Highlights:
• Large-scale paintings support research on endangered African animals
• Kehinde Wiley-inspired self-portraits explore digital artmaking and representation in art
• Hand-built ceramics demonstrate form and function
Performing Arts
MUSIC
Guided by two music specialists, our students discover the lifelong joy of singing, moving, performing, creating, and listening.
Highlights:
• Vocalization and instrumentation
• Utilization of iMac music technology to create and analyze music
• Exploration of the cultural contexts of music
• Development of performance skills in orchestra
THEATER
Students learn to use their imaginations, take risks, work together, listen with intention, solve problems, and communicate effectively through our interdisciplinary program.
Highlights:
• Westward Expansion immersion experience
• Ancient Civilizations Parade and Living Museum
• Civil Rights/Arts integrated presentations
• Lovestock
Community Engagement
We believe students develop as whole persons through engaging with their communities. Lower School students and families actively partner with a variety of organizations including The William Breman Jewish Home, Central Presbyterian Church Night Shelter, Trees Atlanta, Children’s Literature for Children, Atlanta Youth Academy, and Shower for the Shelters.
In all grades, the academic curriculum is infused with opportunities for students to grow as active citizens. CATapult is a yearlong leadership development course for fifth graders, sponsored by The Glenn Institute. Students partner with a community organization of their choosing, engaging in meaningful ways through sustained partnership and on-site visits.
Physical Education
Within a context of lifelong wellness, our six physical education faculty members lead a fun, developmentally appropriate program to help students cultivate skills and confidence.
• Use of Love Hall Gym, Field House, Turner Gym/Natatorium, and tennis courts
Financial Assistance
At Westminster, we’re dedicated to providing an enriching, accessible education. For more than 50 years, our Financial Assistance program has empowered our commitment to every bright, motivated student’s success. Annually, we allocate more than $6 million in aid, ensuring access to those who qualify.
Operating independently from admissions, our financial assistance team offers grants to all students who qualify for admission and whose parents qualify for tuition assistance based on family financial need. Our financial assistance team is available to answer questions and works hard to ensure transparency in our process.
For additional information, visit: westminster.net/admissions/tuition-and-financial-assistance
Please keep these important admissions dates in mind:
October 1 | Online application opens January 15 | Application deadline
January 15 | Financial Assistance Application deadline
January 30 | Supplemental application materials due April 5 | Decisions announced online
To start the application process for the 2025-26 school year, visit: westminster.net/apply.
