Westminster Middle School Tour Brochure Admissions Year 2024-25
Learning to love challenge.
“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
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
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
Danielle Cogbill & Rachel House
Learning Strategists
Wendy Sheats Senior Director of Admissions
Hartley Jeffries Associate Director of Middle School Admissions
By the Numbers
323 faculty members
95
19 81%
new MS students from 42 different feeder schools
1883 students
average number of years in the teaching profession
241 new students from 45 distinct zip codes
44% students of color
1365 families
116 Middle School faculty members cities in the greater Atlanta area different zip codes schoolwide of our faculty hold graduate degrees
$6 million + in aid awarded annually
52 88
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.
Grade 6
English
Literature, Composition, and Grammar/Usage
History & Electives World Cultures
Grade 7
Literature, Composition, Grammar/Usage, and Research (single-gender)
US History
Math Foundations of Pre-Algebra
Science Climate’s Link to Life
Bible & Religious Studies Bible Values (one week)
Languages
Physical Education
Fine Arts
French*, Latin, Spanish*, or Chinese (Mandarin)
Girls 6/Boys 6 (single-gender)
Band
Chorus
Drama
Musical Theatre and Choral Performance
Orchestra
Visual Arts
Pre-Algebra* Advanced Concepts 7
Human Biology (semester)
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
Grade 8
Literature, Composition, Grammar/Usage, and Research (single-gender)
Journalism, Coding, Creative Writing, Future City, Architectural Design, Econ for Entrepreneurs, EngageATL, Meet the Wild, International Relations, Leadership 101, Atlanta Adventures, Sports Analytics
Algebra 1* Advanced Concepts 8
Energy, Machines, and Motion Properties of Matter
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
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 in global travel and exchange 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:
• Colorado
• Canada
• China
• France
EXCHANGE PROGRAMS INCLUDE:
• Argentina
• France
• India
• Spain
• Italy
• Spain
• Kenya
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 for students to check in with teachers, make up missed work, ask additional questions, or tackle homework.
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.
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)
Boom Shaka Latkes (Jewish)
Café con Leche (Hispanic/Latino)
FAM-Future As Men (Black boys)
Healing Hearts (Grief)
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
Chess
Coding
Dance
Movie club
Painting Club
Ping pong
Service Cats
Stock Market
Ultimate Frisbee
WCAT
Weightlifting
Woodcats
Academic Teams
Academic Quiz Team
Debate
Mathcounts
Model UN
Robotics
Science Bowl
Other Opportunities
Admissions Ambassadors
Agape Tutoring
Bible Studies
Book Clubs (Grade Level)
DirtCatz (urban farming club)
Metamorphosis Literary Magazine
Prayer Group
The Arts
PERFORMING ARTS
Band
Chorus
Dance
Fall Play
VISUAL ARTS
Jazz Band
Orchestra
Theatre Arts
Winter Musical
Exploration of Materials and Expression
Introduction to Design Principles
Problem Solving through Creativity
ORATORICAL AND COMMUNICATION ARTS
Debate
Metamorphosis Literary Magazine
WCAT Broadcasting Station
Wildcat Press X-Press
Online Newspaper
Athletics
71% of Middle School students participate in athletics
83% of coaches are full-time members of faculty/staff
29 Middle School teams; 74 total teams
14 different Middle School sports; 18 different Upper School sports
27 graduates of Westminster’s Class of 2024 signed with college athletic programs
2024 GADA Director’s Cup winner; Westminster has earned that title 23 times since 2000 and for 14 consecutive years (not awarded in 2020)
323 state championships
7 state championships in 2023-24
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
Swimming & Diving*
Tennis
Track & Field*
Volleyball
Wrestling*
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Westminster
At Westminster, our commitment to DEI is woven into the fabric of our community. We embrace students, families, faculty, and staff from all walks of life, creating a vibrant and supportive environment where everyone is welcome. Rooted in Christian values, we believe in learning from one another, guided by love and service. We honor the unique qualities and backgrounds of each member of our school, fostering cultural understanding as a cornerstone of effective leadership. Through engaging dialogues, inclusive programs, and equity-focused professional development, we celebrate and nurture the richness of our diverse community.
STUDENT INITIATIVES
• Affinity Groups: Safe spaces for connection and support.
• Assemblies: Speakers and performers on important cultural topics and celebrations.
• No Place for Hate: A community-wide pledge to create a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment.
• Student Council and Exchange Programs: Leadership and cultural exchange opportunities.
• Featured Artist and Author Visits: Enriching perspectives through diverse voices.
PARENT ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES
• Community Cultural Celebrations: Family events celebrating our diverse backgrounds.
• Affinity Groups and Diversity Representatives: Engaging parents in our inclusive community.
• PAWS Common Ground Parent Committee: Strengthening connections among parents.
FACULTY ENRICHMENT
• Affinity Groups and Learning Cohorts: Faculty support, networking, and professional development.
• Arts and Culture Excursions: Community building for faculty through cultural enrichment.
• New Teacher Workshops and Professional Development: Targeted support for new teachers.
• Dedicated Equity & Inclusion Team: Leading and supporting inclusion efforts for the division.
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.
