Westminster Upper School Tour Brochure Admissions Year 2024-25
Those who love challenge grow up to lead change.
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.
—
Dr. Chanley Small, Head of Upper 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
Dr. Chanley Small ‘87 Head of Upper School
Tiffany Boozer ‘85 Dean of Policy and Programs, US
Juliet Allan Dean of Academics, US
Kamille Harless ‘95 Dean of Student Life, US
Brooks Batcheller Dean of Students, US
Steve Frappier Director of College Counseling
Wendy Sheats Senior Director of Admissions
Matt Hixenbaugh Director of Upper School Admissions
By the Numbers
323 faculty members
Additional members of the Upper School Leadership Team include Grade Chairs, Equity and Inclusion Coordinators, College Counselors, Learning Strategists, and Counselors. new Upper School students 26 students of color
241 new students 44% 141
52 88 $6 million + 19 81% Upper School faculty members cities in the greater Atlanta area different zip codes schoolwide in aid awarded annually of our faculty hold graduate degrees average number of years in the teaching profession 1883 students 1365 families
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 4 APs
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, Fellows 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 more information, visit westminster.net/catalysts/janterm.
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.
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 5 1:45-2:50
Period 6 1:45-2:45
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Westminster
At Westminster, our Upper School is a vibrant tapestry of diverse students, families, faculty, and staff. Our community thrives on learning from one another with a spirit of love and service, grounded in our Christian values. We celebrate the unique qualities and backgrounds of each member, understanding that cultural competency is key to effective leadership. We actively nurture this understanding through engaging affinity dialogues, inclusive programs, and equity-focused professional development.
In our Upper School, students have access to various affinity groups where they explore their identities and discuss important issues. These groups, guided by faculty sponsors, organize meaningful events such as schoolwide assemblies and cultural celebrations. Our student diversity leaders work closely with faculty and staff to advocate for the needs of underrepresented groups and foster a more inclusive and welcoming school environment for all students.
Our commitment extends beyond student programming to include continuous curriculum evaluation and professional development for our faculty. Parents are also invited to connect through affinity groups and the Common Ground Parent Committee, fostering a strong, unified community.
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
• Argentina: Literature of El Sur
• Belize: Marine Biology Institute
• Czech Republic & Poland: Voices of Resilience
• England: Monks & Monarchs
• France: Chorale Ensemble
• Greece: Apostles to Altars
• Guatemala: Learn, Build, Connect
• Iceland: summer course on sustainability
• Nyeri, Kenya Exchange
• School Year Abroad: France, Italy, Spain
• Spain: Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage
• Strasbourg, France Exchange
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:
Neuro-Diverse Affinity (Students with Learning Differences)
SAAG (South Asian Affinity Group)
UNITED (LGBTQIA+ Students)
Co-Curricular Activities
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
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
Athletics
80% of Upper School students participate in athletics
83% of coaches are full-time members of faculty/staff
45 Upper School teams; 74 total teams
18 different 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
Basketball Cheer
Cross Country*
Football*
Football Cheer
*non-cut sports
Golf
Gymnastics
Lacrosse
Rowing
Soccer
Softball
Squash
Swimming & Diving*
Tennis
Track & Field*
Volleyball
Wrestling*
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 seek out 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
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.
