Middle School Tour Brochure 2023-24

Learning to love challenge.

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

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

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

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:

•

•

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.

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)

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

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

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

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.

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