Learning to love challenge.
Middle School WESTMINSTER
— Danette Morton, Head of Middle School
OUR MISSION
WESTMINSTER IS A CHRISTIAN, INDEPENDENT DAY SCHOOL FOR BOYS AND GIRLS WHICH SEEKS TO DEVELOP THE WHOLE PERSON FOR COLLEGE AND FOR LIFE THROUGH EXCELLENT EDUCATION.
“In the Middle School, our passion is cultivating a nurturing, challenging, dynamic program for young adolescents. We blend challenge with joy, ever mindful that learning shapes becoming.”
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By the Numbers new MS students from 36 different feeder schools 2 219 new students from 42 distinct zip codes 40% students of color 84 47 82 17 80% 93 Middle 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 1880 students Leadership Keith Evans President Jim Justice Dean of Academics and Curriculum Marjorie Mitchell Director of Enrollment Management Danette Morton Head of Middle School Anne Sophie Hankla Director of Operations, MS Leslie Ann Little Assistant Head for Academic Programs, MS Vielka Reina & Walter DuPriest Deans of Students, MS Tina McCormick Director of Student Life and Chaplain, MS Claire Strowd Director of Admissions Wendy Jenkins Sheats Associate Director, MS Admissions 1363 families Additional members of the Middle School Leadership Team include the Counselors, Learning Strategists, Equity and Inclusion Coordinators, and our six Grade Chairs. Visit westminster.net/admissions for more information. 300+ faculty members 13% of students receiving financial aid
Curriculum
Teachers, working in Professional Learning Community (PLC) teams, collaboratively plan lessons that inspire students to work hard, think critically, and stretch their perceived limits. Through a wide variety of strategies, including project-based learning, STEAM initiatives, service learning, and high-tech applications, students experience how the iterative learning process rewards persistence and teamwork.
History
Math
Science
Bible
Languages French*, Latin, Spanish*,
(Mandarin)
Physical
Band Chorus
Fine
Theatre
US History
Writing Camp, Journalism, Coding, Creative Writing, Future City, Architectural Design, Econ for Entrepreneurs, EngageATL, Democracy in Action, DIY Design, Work Smarter, Meet the Wild
Pre-Algebra* Advanced Concepts 7
Human Biology (semester)
Algebra 1* Advanced Concepts 8
Energy, Machines, and Motion Properties of Matter
Exploring the Bible (semester)
French*, Latin, Spanish*, or Chinese (Mandarin)
Girls 7/Boys 7 (single-gender)
Band Chorus Dance Drama Drama in Performance Orchestra Visual Arts
French*, Latin, Spanish*, or Chinese (Mandarin)
Girls 8/Boys 8 (single-gender)
Band Chorus (Concert Choir) Dance Drama Orchestra Theatre Arts/Film Studies Visual Arts
*
Grade 6
Grade 7
Grade 8
English Literature, Composition, and Grammar/Usage
Literature, Composition, Grammar/Usage, and Research (single-gender)
Literature, Composition, Grammar/Usage, and Research (single-gender)
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Regular and Accelerated Math and Language courses offered for experienced students
& Electives World Cultures
Math 6
Climate’s Link to Life
& Religious Studies Bible Values (one week)
or Chinese
Education Girls 6/Boys 6 (single-gender)
Arts
Drama Musical
and Choral Performance Orchestra Visual Arts
Learning Beyond theClassroom
The Middle School years are a dynamic time of growth across every dimension. It is our hope that through genuine experiences outside the traditional classroom, students will learn how to create the conditions for civil community, solve their own problems, and engage in moral decision making, the cornerstones of good character.
Through active engagement and learning in global programs, Wildcats are challenged to examine their assumptions about themselves and others and to develop both a spirit of cooperation and the cross-cultural skills needed to find innovative solutions to persistent problems facing our global community.
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• Colorado • Canada • China • Ecuador • France • India • Italy • Spain SITES OF GLOBAL PROGRAMS INCLUDE:
Middle School Weekly Class Schedule
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
7:30-7:55 Carpool Carpool
Late Start Day Carpool 8:30-8:50 Carpool Carpool
7:55-8:10 (HR opens 7:45) Homeroom Homeroom Homeroom Homeroom
8:15-9:05
10:00-10:20
10:25-11:15
11:20-12:45
12:50-1:20
Group Homeroom 8:50-9:05
2 8:15-9:05 9:10-10:00
9:10-10:00
Recess RECESS RECESS RECESS RECESS
Community Time
Lunch &
Lunch &
Lunch &
Lunch &
4 10:25-11:10
Lunch &
11:15-12:30
Office Hours/ Study Hall Office Hours/ Study Hall Office Hours/ Study Hall Office Hours/ Study Hall Community Time 12:35-1:05
1:25-2:15
3:15-6:00
Supervised Study Hall (optional)
Dismissal
Supervised Study Hall (optional)
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6 1:10-1:55 2:20-3:10
2
Supervised Study Hall (optional)
Supervised Study Hall (optional)
7 2:00-2:45
Early Dismissal 2:45
Supervised Study Hall (optional) 2:50-6:00
The Middle School schedule features seven courses, rotating, six periods a day. Each course meets four days per week. Wednesdays are late start days that begin at 8:50 a.m., allowing teachers to meet as a whole faculty each week. Office Hours provide time in the middle of the day (Monday-Thursday) for students to check in with teachers, make up missed work, ask additional questions, or start/finish homework.
1 7
3
2 1 6 4 3
3 2
5
4
3
7
6
5
5 4
7
6 5
1
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Community Engagement
Westminster’s Glenn Institute facilitates opportunities for students to authentically engage with the Atlanta community. Students learn about Atlanta’s successes and recognize opportunities to address real needs as they develop critical competencies for civic leadership.
In Middle School, students engage with the community in numerous ways during the school day, as well as after school. Problem-based approaches in academic classrooms help students explore and identify effective, sustainable solutions in response to community and societal needs. Our ServeATL class is a place for eighth graders to learn about pressing issues in Atlanta, hear from civic leaders who are addressing those challenges, and discover ways they can be involved.
Activities like Service Council and Serving on the 7’s are designed to give interested students more opportunities to lead as difference-makers in our school community, in Atlanta, and beyond.
MIDDLE SCHOOL COMMUNITY PARTNERS INCLUDE: 6 Visit westminster.net/catalysts/glenn-institute for more info. • Agape Youth & Family Center • Atlanta Community Food Bank • Atlanta Habitat for Humanity • MUST Ministries
Student Clubs Academic Quiz Team Alfred Hitchcock Club Chess Club Dance Club Debate Dirtcatz Garden Club Girls Who Code Grade-Level Book Clubs GSA (Gay Straight Alliance) Jianzi (Traditional Chinese Sport) Jump Rope Club Latin Club MATHCOUNTS Monday Morning Prayer Group Ping Pong Club Robotics Serving on the 7’s Thursday Morning Bible Study WCAT Web Design Club Woodcats You Be the Chemist 7 Admissions Ambassadors Chapel Council Class Representatives Community Council Global Ambassadors Honor Council Prayer Group Leaders Service Council STEAM Council Leadership Opportunities APA (Asian/Pacific American) BSA (Black Student Affinity) Café con Leche (Hispanic/Latino) EAAG (East Asian Affinity Group) Hindu Affinity Group Jewish Affinity Group Mixed ME (multi-racial/multi-ethnic) Muslim Affinity Group Prism (LGBTQ) Samosas (South/Central Asian) SEED (Students Exploring Equity Through Dialogue) Affinity Groups Wildcats participate in a variety of clubs and activities. Below is just a small sample of clubs offered.
8 PERFORMING ARTS Band Chorus Dance Orchestra Theatre Arts VISUAL ARTS Exploration of Materials and Expression Introduction to Design Principles Problem Solving through Creativity ORATORICAL AND COMMUNICATION ARTS Debate WCAT Broadcasting Station Wildcat Press X-Press Online Newspaper The Arts
Athletics
72% of Middle School students participate in athletics
38% of faculty members are also coaches
28 Middle School teams; 74 total teams
16 different sports
31 graduates of Westminster’s Class of 2022 signed with college athletic programs
2022 GADA Director’s Cup winner; Westminster has earned that title 20 times since 2000 (not awarded in 2020)
310 state championships
10 state championships in 2021-22
2021-22 MaxPreps Cup winner for #1 high school athletics program in the nation
SPORTS OFFERED
Baseball Basketball Cross Country* Football* Golf
*non-cut sports
Gymnastics Lacrosse Soccer Softball Squash
Swimming* Tennis Track & Field* Volleyball Wrestling*
9 Visit westminster.net/athletics for more info.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
We honor the unique traits and backgrounds of each member of our School and recognize cultural competency as an essential skill for meaningful and effective leadership. We foster this competency and celebrate our diverse community by consistently engaging in affinity dialogue, inclusion programs, and equity-based professional development experiences.
STUDENT INITIATIVES
• Affinity groups and clubs
• Assemblies featuring outside speakers on diversity, equity, and inclusion topics
• Student council and exchange programs
• Featured artist and author visits
PARENT OPPORTUNITIES
• Community cultural celebrations
• Affinity groups and diversity representatives in parent groups
• Common Ground Parent Committee: Connecting Parents and Creating Community
FACULTY PROGRAMMING
• Affinity and support groups
Lunch and Learn educational series
Arts and culture excursions
New teacher workshops and professional development
• Visits and assessments by nationally recognized consultants
• Annual minority teacher recruitment career fair
• A dedicated team of faculty members to lead inclusion programs
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Please keep these important admissions dates in mind:
October 1 | Online application opens January 15 | Application deadline
January 15 | Financial Aid deadline
January 30 | Supplementary materials due April 1 | Decisions announced online
To start the application process for the 2023-24 school year, visit: westminster.net/apply.
Follow Westminster:
Love. Challenge. Lead. Change.
WESTMINSTER.NET | 404-609-6202
1424 WEST PACES FERRY ROAD, NW | ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30327
Notes
WESTMINSTER
