Upper School Tour Brochure 2023-24

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Those who love challenge grow up to lead change.

Upper School WESTMINSTER

In the Upper School, we strive to build a community of connected learners who think critically and creatively and who lead with both confidence and compassion.

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.

OUR MISSION
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Dr. Chanley Small Head of Upper School

Tiffany Boozer Dean of Policy and Programs, US

Juliet Allan Dean of Academics, US

Kamille Harless Dean of Student Life, US

Brooks Batcheller Dean of Students, US

Steve Frappier Director of College Counseling

Wendy Jenkins Sheats Senior Director of Admissions

Matt Hixenbaugh Director of Upper School Admissions

Additional members of the Upper School Leadership Team include Grade Chairs, Equity and Inclusion Coordinators, College Counselors, Learning Strategists, and Counselors.

By the Numbers

325 faculty members

43% 129

average number of years in the teaching profession

of our faculty hold graduate degrees

1882 students

1355 families

49 82 13% 18 81%

of students receiving financial aid

244 new students

27 students of color

new Upper School students

Upper School faculty members cities in the greater Atlanta area different zip codes schoolwide

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Leadership
Visit westminster.net/admissions for more information.

Student Life

Upper School students are challenged to integrate an evolving sense of who they are and what they value with the needs, demands, and opportunities of the world around them. Our Upper School provides students opportunities to embrace and solve these challenges with the following support:

SOCIAL & EMOTIONAL

• Advisement programming

• Assembly programming

• Wellness and leadership program

• Guidance curriculum

• Counseling and Wellness Center with on-site team of counselors

• Parent education

• Equity and inclusion programming

• Affinity groups

PHYSICAL

• Health curriculum

• Physical education

• Nutritionally balanced meal choices

• Certified athletic trainers and staff

• Concussion awareness, guidelines, and support team

• On-site team of registered nurses and a pediatric nurse practitioner

Course Offerings

Arts

34 courses, including AP Studio Art, Art History, and Music Theory

Bible and Religion

Old and New Testament Bible and Social Ethics

Computer Science

5 courses, including 2 APs

English

7 courses, including AP Literature and AP

Language for all students

History

10 courses, including AP European and US History

Modern and Classical Languages

35 courses, including 5 APs and cultural study options

Mathematics

14 courses, including 3 APs and Multivariable Calculus

Physical and Life Sciences

17 courses, including 5 APs, Engineering, and Neuropsychology

Physical Education

Fitness for Life, Personal Fitness, and Sports Performance

Special Programs

Independent Study, Global Online Academy, Fellow Leadership Programs, and more

JANTERM offers students three weeks of interdisciplinary, collaborative, project-based study in an area of special interest to them. Students fully immerse themselves in their choice of more than 40 courses offered on and off campus. For a full list of courses, visit westminster.net/catalysts/janterm.

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Visit westminster.net/academics for more information.

Upper School Weekly Schedule

Our seven-day rotating schedule allows students to engage in intensive study, fieldwork, and other enhanced learning opportunities. Advisors meet with students twice a week. Faculty office hours provide ample time to connect with teachers to review challenging topics.

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday A Day B Day C Day D Day E Day Prep Time 7:45-8:30 PLC 7:45-8:30 Faculty & Dept. Meetings 8:00-9:00 PLC 7:45-8:30 Prep Time 7:45-8:30 Period 1 8:30-9:35 Period 5 8:30-9:35 Period 6 8:30-9:35 Period 3 8:30-9:35 Period 2 9:00-10:05 Period 2 9:45-10:50 Period 6 9:45-10:50 Period 7 9:45-10:50 Period 4 9:45-10:50 Period 3 10:15-11:20 Period 3 and Lunch (11:00-1:05) 9th: 11:40-12:15 10th: 11:55-12:30 11th: 12:05-12:40 12th: 12:30-1:05 Period 7 and Lunch (11:00-1:05) 9th: 11:40-12:15 10th: 11:55-12:30 11th: 12:05-12:40 12th: 12:30-1:05 Period 1 and Lunch (11:00-1:05) 9th: 11:40-12:15 10th: 11:55-12:30 11th: 12:05-12:40 12th: 12:30-1:05 Period 5 and Lunch (11:05-1:00) 9th: 11:40-12:15 10th: 11:55-12:30 11th: 12:05-12:40 12th: 12:25-1:00 Period 4 and Lunch (11:30-1:35) 9th: 11:40-12:15 10th: 11:55-12:30 11th: 12:05-12:40 12th: 12:30-1:05 Assembly/ Affinity Groups 1:00-1:45 Office Hours 1:10-1:50 Advisement/ Class Meetings 1:10-1:50 (9) Wellness and Leadership (10/12) Leadership/Clubs 1:10-1:50 Period 6 1:45-2:45 Period 4 1:55-3:00 Period 1 1:55-3:00 Period 2 1:55-3:00 Office Hours 2:50-3:30 Office Hours 3:00-3:30 Office Hours 3:00-3:30 Office Hours 3:00-3:30 4
Period 5 1:45-2:50

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.

In the Upper School, numerous student affinity groups provide space for students to examine their complex identities and discuss important issues. Students work with faculty sponsors to organize educational programming such as divisionwide assemblies and cultural celebrations. Student Diversity Leaders collaborate with the Upper School Equity & Inclusion Coordinators to implement a series of Student Equity Seminars.

In addition to student programming, there is a focus on examining curriculum and providing ongoing professional development opportunities for all faculty members. Parents have opportunities to connect with affinity groups and the Common Ground Parent Committee.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

All Upper School Global experiences have an integrated, purposeful curriculum that allows students to explore their location from the perspective of a learner not a knower, from an engaged member of a community versus a visitor. Through intentional transformative experiences, students who participate in global programs return to Westminster as stronger leaders of conscience with larger hearts, sharper vision and clearer voices to shape their world.

GLOBAL PROGRAMS

• Antigua, Guatemala: Learn, Build, Connect

• Belize: Marine Biology

• Creating Community: Art & Public Spaces

• Czechia & Poland: Voices of Resilience

• Germany: Chorale Ensemble

• Israel: Holy Land Documentaries

• Maine Coast Semester at Chewonki

• Mar Del Plata, Argentina Exchange

• Nyeri, Kenya Exchange

• Oxbow School (arts semester in Napa, California)

• Rome, Italy: Roma Pictura

• School Year Abroad

• Spain: Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage

• Strasbourg, France Exchange

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College and Beyond

Working with our team of five college counselors to find the best fit, students go on to attend top colleges and universities across the country and the world. Over the past five years, our graduates have matriculated to a variety of schools including:

Class of

2023

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University of Georgia 83 Georgia Tech 62 University of Virginia 49 Auburn University 32 Texas Christian University 27 University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill 26 Washington & Lee University 22 Wake Forest University 21 Washington University in St. Louis 19 University of Notre Dame 19 Emory University 18 Georgetown University 18 University of Pennsylvania 18
Test (# of Takers) Section Middle 50% (Median) ACT (142) Composite 29 - 34 (32) Stanford University 18 University of Texas 18 Duke University 17 University of Michigan 17 Southern Methodist University 17 Dartmouth College 16 Vanderbilt University 16 University of Miami 15 Yale University 15 University of Chicago 14 Princeton University 13 New York University 13 Brown University 12 SAT (127) ERW 660-740 (720) Math 640-760 (710) Total 1310-1500 (1430) Visit westminster.net/catalysts/college-counseling for more information.

Leadership Opportunities

Christian Life Council

Discipline Council

Discovery Leaders

GERLS

Honor Council

Social Change

Leadership Council

Innovation Fellows

Affinity Groups

AWARE (Alliance for White Anti-Racist Education)

Café con Leche (Latinx/ Hispanic Students)

Cocoa Conversations (Black Girls)

The Distinguished Hue-Mans (Black Boys)

Jewish Student Group

Mooncakes (Asian American/Pacific Islander Students)

Student Clubs

Student Ambassadors

Student Government

Writing Fellows

Neuro-Diverse Affinity (Students with Learning Differences)

SAAG (South Asian Affinity Group)

UNITED (LGBTQIA+ Students)

Wildcats participate in a variety of clubs and activities. Below is just a small sample of clubs offered.

Academic Quiz Team

Active Minds

Admissions Ambassadors

Agape/Drew Charter Outreach

Anatomy and Physiology Club

Biology Olympiad

Bird Conservation Club

Book Cats

Books for a Purpose

Bookworms

Bridge Club

Chemistry Club

Chess Club

Circle of Women

Community Service Club

CryptoClub

Dance Debate

Dr. Vigil’s Knights

ECO Club

E-Sports

Evolutions

Females in Finance

French Honor Society

German Club

Girls Who Code

Hip Hop

Appreciation

Investment Club

Junior Classical League

Living Loss

Mahjong Club

Math Team

MD Junior

Mock Trial

MODA

Mountain Biking Club

Mu Alpha Theta

Music Service Club

NOSH

Philosophy Club

Play Unified

Science Bowl

Science Olympiad

SPECTRUM

Sports Analytics

START

Studio W

Tennis Service Club

That’s All She Wrote

The Westminster Dirtcats

Ultimate Frisbee

UNICEF Club

Veritas

WCAT

Westminster HOSA

Westminster

Dexterous Hands

Serve

Wired Cats

Young Conservatives

Young Democrats

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The Arts

CHORAL MUSIC

Chorus (9)

Chorale (10-12)

Ensemble

A Cappella groups

Solo Vocal Performance

COMMUNICATION

ARTS/PUBLICATIONS

Bi-Line Student

Newspaper (Print & Online)

Embryo Literary, Visual, and Musical Magazine

Evolutions Creative

Writing Magazine

Lynx Yearbook

Veritas Online Science

Magazine

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC

Chamber Orchestra

Symphony Orchestra

Solo and Chamber Music

Jazz Ensemble

Spirit Ensembles

Symphonic Band

Wind Ensemble

MEDIA ARTS

Filmmaking

Music Production

Podcasting

StudioW

WCAT

MUSIC THEORY AND COMPOSITION

AP Music Theory Composition

Arranging

ORATORICAL ARTS

Public Speaking

Mock Trial

Model United Nations Debate

THEATRE ARTS

Acting Directing

Stage Management Design

Technical Crew

Westminster Players

VISUAL ARTS

AP Studio Art

Ceramics

Drawing and Painting

Graphic Design

Open Studio

Photography/Digital

Portfolio

Sculpture

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Athletics

82% of Upper School students participate in athletics

38% of faculty members are coaches

45 Upper School teams; 73 total teams

18 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

Cheerleading

Cross Country*

Football*

Golf

*non-cut sports

Gymnastics

Lacrosse

Rowing

Soccer

Softball

Squash

Swimming & Diving*

Tennis

Track & Field*

Volleyball

Wrestling*

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Visit westminster.net/athletics for more information.

Civic 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.

Every single Upper School student is encouraged to explore what it means to be engaged in civic life through opportunities such as building homes with Habitat for Humanity, tutoring students at local schools, and launching their own sustainable social impact initiatives. Immersive programming such as Philanthropy 101 and Civic Engagement Fellows helps Upper School students grow into active citizens who care about their communities and desire philanthropic connections.

UPPER SCHOOL COMMUNITY PARTNERS INCLUDE:

• Agape Youth & Family Center

• American Red Cross

• Atlanta Community Food Bank

• Atlanta Habitat for Humanity

• Campbell-Stone Retirement Home

• Drew Charter School

• Garden Hills Elementary

• Global Village Project

• Latin American Association

• Odyssey Atlanta

• Plaza Fiesta

• Scott Elementary School

• Soccer in the Streets

• Truly Living Well

• UNICEF

• William Bremen Jewish Home

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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

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