Learning to love challenge.
Middle School WESTMINSTER
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.
“The Westminster Middle School community lies at the intersection where passion and joy meet. With both in mind, we design programming that challenges the mind and supports students as they are with the promise of who they will become.”
— Leslie Ann Little, Head of Middle School
OUR MISSION
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Leslie Ann Little Head of Middle School
Vielka Reina Assistant Head of Middle School for Academics
Walter DuPriest & James Jessup Deans of Students
Tina McCormick Director of Student Life & Chaplain
Susan McMillan & David Gale
Sixth Grade Chairs
Shazeen Porbandarwala & Robert Cochran
Seventh Grade Chairs
Catherine Zidow & Patrick Egan
Eighth Grade Chairs
Saundria Zomalt & Tray Malloy Counselors
By the Numbers
325 faculty members
of our faculty hold graduate degrees
Danielle Cogbill & Rachel House Learning Strategists
Wendy Jenkins Sheats Senior Director of Admissions
Hartley Jeffries Associate Director of Middle School Admissions
80
new MS students from 41 different feeder schools
13% of students receiving financial aid
18 81% 113 Middle School faculty members cities in the greater Atlanta area
244 new students from 48 distinct zip codes
43% students of color
average number of years in the teaching profession 1882 students
1355 families
49 82
different zip codes schoolwide
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Leadership
Visit westminster.net/admissions for more information.
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.
English
Literature, Composition, and Grammar/Usage
History & Electives World Cultures
Math Math 6
Science Climate’s Link to Life
Bible & Religious Studies Bible Values (one week)
Languages
Physical Education
French*, Latin, Spanish*, or Chinese (Mandarin)
Girls 6/Boys 6 (single-gender)
Band
Chorus
Drama
Fine Arts
Musical Theatre and Choral Performance
Orchestra
Visual Arts
Literature, Composition, Grammar/Usage, and Research (single-gender)
Literature, Composition, Grammar/Usage, and Research (single-gender)
US History
Journalism, Coding, Creative Writing, Future City, Architectural Design, Econ for Entrepreneurs, EngageATL, DIY Design, Meet the Wild, International Relations, Leadership 101
Pre-Algebra*
Advanced Concepts 7
Human Biology (semester)
Algebra 1* Advanced Concepts 8
Energy, Machines, and Motion
Properties of Matter
Exploring the Bible & World Religions (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
* Regular and Accelerated Math and Language courses offered for experienced students
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Grade 6
Grade 7
Grade 8
Learning Beyond the Classroom
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. •
SITES OF GLOBAL PROGRAMS INCLUDE:
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•
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Colorado
Canada
China
France • Italy
Spain
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Middle School Weekly Class Schedule
The Middle School schedule features seven courses, rotating six periods a day, with four periods on Wednesdays. 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.
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 1 7 Group Homeroom 8:50-9:05 3 2 8:15-9:05 9:10-10:00 2 1 6 4 3 9:10-10:00 10:00-10:20 Recess RECESS RECESS RECESS RECESS 10:25-11:15 3 2 Community Time 5 4 10:25-11:10 11:20-12:45 Lunch & 4 Lunch & 3 Lunch & 7 Lunch & 6 Lunch & 5 11:15-12:30 12:50-1:20 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 5 4 1 7 6 1:10-1:55 2:20-3:10 6 5 2 1 7 2:00-2:45 Dismissal Early Dismissal 2:45 3:15-6:00 Supervised Study Hall (optional) Supervised Study Hall (optional) Supervised Study Hall (optional) Supervised Study Hall (optional) Supervised Study Hall (optional) 2:50-6:00
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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 EngageATL 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 after-school tutoring at Agape Youth Center are designed to give interested students more opportunities to lead as difference-makers in our school community, in Atlanta, and beyond.
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Leadership Opportunities
Athletic Advisory Council
Big Brothers
Big Sisters
Chapel Council
Class Representatives
Community Council
Global Ambassadors
Green Council
Honor Council
Prayer Group Leaders
Affinity Groups
APA (Asian/Pacific American)
Banana Splits (Divorce)
Café con Leche (Hispanic/Latino)
FAM-Future As Men (Black boys)
Healing Hearts (Grief)
JAG (Jewish Affinity Group)
Service Council
STEAM Council
Visual Arts Council
Melanin Magic (Black girls)
Mixed ME (Multi-racial/Multi-ethnic)
Prism (LGBTQ+)
Samosas (South/Central Asian)
SEED (Students Exploring Equity through Dialogue)
Student Clubs
Wildcats participate in a variety of clubs and activities. Below is just a small sample of clubs offered.
4 Square Active Minds
Baking
Chess
Coding
Dance
Jianzi (Traditional Chinese sport)
Movie club
Ping pong
Service Cats
Stock Market
Ultimate Frisbee
WCAT
Woodcats
7
8
Chorus
Orchestra Theatre
of
and Expression
to
AND
Debate Literary Magazine WCAT Broadcasting Station Wildcat Press X-Press Online Newspaper The Arts Academic Quiz Team Debate Mathcounts Model UN Robotics Science Bowl Bible Studies Book Clubs (Grade Level) DirtCatz (Urban farming club) Literary Magazine Prayer Group Service Tuesdays
PERFORMING ARTS Band
Dance
Arts VISUAL ARTS Exploration
Materials
Introduction
Design Principles Problem Solving through Creativity ORATORICAL
COMMUNICATION ARTS
Academic Teams Other Opportunities
Athletics
72% of Middle School students participate in athletics
38% of faculty members are also coaches
28 Middle School teams; 73 total teams
13 different sports
26 graduates of Westminster’s Class of 2023 signed with college athletic programs
2023 GADA Director’s Cup winner; Westminster has earned that title 22 times since 2000 and for 13 consecutive years (not awarded in 2020)
316 state championships
6 state championships in 2022-23
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 & Diving*
Tennis
Track & Field*
Volleyball
Wrestling
9 Visit westminster.net/athletics for more info.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
At Westminster, you will find many forms of diversity among our students, families, faculty, and staff. Most importantly, you will find a community grounded in learning from one another, in love and in service. Our commitment to Christian values leads us to welcome all in an inclusive, supportive community. 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
• A dedicated team of faculty members to lead inclusion programs
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Empowering Every Student’s Journey
At Westminster, we’re dedicated to providing an enriching, accessible education. With over 50 years of legacy, our Financial Assistance program embodies our commitment to every bright, motivated student’s success. Annually, we allocate over $6 million in aid, ensuring access to those who qualify.
Operating independently from admissions, our financial aid team offers grants to all students who qualify for admission and whose parents qualify for tuition assistance based on family financial need. Our financial aid team is available to answer questions and works hard to ensure transparency in our process.
Join our inclusive community, where each student’s potential is celebrated. Discover possibilities at Westminster, where we shape brighter futures.
Please keep these important admissions dates in mind:
October 1 | Online application opens
January 12 | Application deadline
January 12 | Financial Assistance Application deadline
January 26 | Supplemental application materials due March 30 | Decisions announced online
To start the application process for the 2024-25 school year, visit: westminster.net/apply.
Follow Westminster:
Love. Challenge. Lead. Change. WESTMINSTER WESTMINSTER.NET | 404-609-6202 1424 WEST PACES FERRY ROAD NW | ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30327
