Below are questions often asked about Westminster Academy. Should you have other questions or need clarification on one or more of the following, please give us a call at (901)380-9192
.
Is Westminster Academy accredited?
Westminster Academy is accredited by and is a charter member of The
Association of Classical & Christian Schools (ACCS). Westminster Academy is also a member of the
Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI).
Do all of your teachers profess Christ?
Yes, all of our teachers profess Christ. Each has given his or her personal testimony of faith to the Board of Directors and adheres to our historic Protestant
statement of faith.
What is the class size?
In kindergarten through 5th grade, each grade has two sections with a maximum limit of 16 students in each. In the 6th through 12th Grades, classes are limited to 18.
Is there an entrance exam?
The
admission process for all grades involves individual evaluation during required on-campus visits. The evaluation includes age-appropriate assessment of math, written, processing and oral abilities.
How are your teachers trained to teach classically?
We require extensive in-house training that takes place throughout the year. There are six levels to our training program, and all faculty must participate. In addition, the school is committed to bringing in the most highly regarded Classical educators available to work with our faculty during in-service days. Finally, we require summer training on an ongoing basis through numerous conferences emphasizing Classical Christian pedagogy.
Can my child enter the school in any grade?
Because of our unique educational philosophy and curriculum, entering in the higher grades and, in particular, after the 7th Grade may require additional summer preparation before attending.
What extra curricular activities are offered?
In addition to sports, Westminster Academy offers a wide range of opportunities including yearbook, literary magazine, Knowledge Bowl, Youth Legislature, Mock Trial, Drama and Chess Club. Westminster Academy's extra curricular offerings directly support its mission and vision.
Does Westminster Academy offer sports?
Westminster Academy's
athletic program includes golf, girl’s and boy’s varsity basketball, girl’s and boy’s junior varsity basketball, cross-country, boy’s varsity soccer, girl’s varsity and junior varsity volleyball, and elementary basketball and soccer.
Is there a music program?
Yes, there are required classes for the Kindergarten through 6th Grades introducing students to reading music, theory, composition, history and instruments. In addition, Music Appreciation is offered in the Upper School, and there are “select” choir options for students in the 4th through 12th Grades. Our Select Choir has been recognized nationally.
Is there a preschool or after-school program?
Westminster Academy does not offer any preschool programs. Westminster Academy does offer an afternoon (noon-3:00p.m.)
Extended-Day Enrichment Program for parents of Kindergarten and 1st Grade students for whom this would be helpful.
Why does Westminster Academy offer only half-day programs in Kindergarten and 1st Grades?
The founders of the school believed that every opportunity should be taken for children to remain under the care of their parents for as long as possible. This approach encourages that. The full academic program is included within the half day program. An
extended day option is available for parents for who this would be helpful.
Does Westminster Academy anticipate remaining at its current location?
The Board of Directors has determined that the school will be limited to two sections in each grade. With this directive, the school will never be larger than 444 students. Accordingly, finding a facility that can adequately house a school of this size is one of the Board’s top strategic priorities.
Is there assistance for students needing academic support?
Currently, Westminster Academy's expectation is that those students admitted to the school will be able to succeed. At this time, there are no formal "resource" programs. Tutoring for students is easily arranged if needed.
What curriculum do you use?
It is critical to recognize that Westminster Academy is committed to a specific method of teaching children and not a prescribed curriculum. Our teachers make use of varied and excellent resources, using them as opportunities to train students to think classically. Curriculum is not seen as a predetermined path teachers must follow; it is seen as the means of cultivating habits of the mind by the way it is used. Choices of texts, guides and literature are based on standards set by our curriculum committee.