2015-2016 Viewbook

Westminster Christian Academy

WE

are... believe...

Mission Statement The mission of Westminster Christian Academy is to assist parents in educating their children by imparting God’s truth to transform society for present and future generations.

Our vision Westminster Christian Academy is a leading Christian school, successfully implementing a curriculum that is shaped and governed by God’s Word. Students are guided in the paths of wisdom and knowledge, resulting in their godly self-discipline and orientation toward service. Acquiring confidence in God’s calling, and determination to boldly walk the path of righteousness, students are equipped to impact our world for Christ.

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Submission to God as our final Authority, believing the Bible to be His inspired Word Unconditional love/uncompromising truth Honesty and integrity Partnership with the Christian home and church Faithful stewardship of God’s resources Excellence in all things for the glory of God Humility in service

Accreditation Westminster Christian Academy is accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International grades 1-12 and state approved by the Louisiana Department of Education grades 1-12 on the Opelousas Campus. The accreditation program of ACSI is designed to assist member schools in achieving a standard of excellence and to encourage them in a continuous process of assessment and ongoing development. To desire excellence is to take seriously our commitment to Christ, Whose name is excellent (Psalm 8:1). The process of achieving and maintaining accredited status is a means of proclaiming our commitment to doing things well. The major benefit to a school that goes through the accreditation process is the documentation of an intensive appraisal of each component of its ministry. Accreditation is a process of recognizing educational institutions for their standards, performance, integrity and quality.

We Are Westminster!

We Believe. you belong.

We are...Christ-centered “Being Christ-centered was woven into the foundation of Westminster Christian Academy and that remains the focus of our cuttingedge educational system today.

Westminster was built upon Biblical truth, using the Scriptures as the grid by which to measure knowledge and true education. WCA employs an excellent academic curriculum, wrapped in the person of Jesus Christ, to prepare students to go into a world that is going in a very different direction.

If we can equip students with Biblical truth, they will have a strong foundation upon which to stand when the crisis of the culture hits them. They will have the means by which to measure what is true and what is a lie and to discern the difference between the truth of God’s Word and the vain philosophies of men that change with the winds of cultural opinion. God’s truth never changes. He is the ONLY constant.

He is ‘the same yesterday, today, and forever;’ therefore, God’s truth is the only solid foundation upon which we can build our lives.”

Merida Brooks, Superintendent

We Believe...Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life; and no one can come to the father except through him john 14:6 NLT

Westminster Christian Academy is a Biblicallyintegrated school. The goal is for students to see the connections between Biblical truth and all academic disciplines and relational matters. As they develop their Biblical and critical thinking skills, they will be better equipped in the midst of our pop culture to see how God’s Word practically relates to all of life – home, community, church, business, law and government.

Ultimately, this can lead students to a better understanding of the nature and character of God and to see the fingerprints of the Master Designer in all of His creation. God is the “God of all knowledge,” and He is the Creator, and Author of every subject we teach.

We are...challenging “Westminster Christian Academy strives to prepare students for the world and challenges that lie ahead of them. In the rigorous Westminster classrooms you will see technology through the use of SmartBoards and, in the upper school, iPads as well. Teachers are encouraged to think outside the box and to incorporate tools from the technologies available to develop learning environments that foster critical thinking, creativity, communication, and collaboration.

As a result of coming to Westminster, students will be better prepared to face challenges in and out of the college classroom and in their life situations. At WCA students are not just taught the academic subjects; they are being prepared to be the best they can be in every area of life. And, THAT is what a school should be about – that is a true education.”

Vinnie Bullara, Current athletic director and former WCA High School Science and Chemistry Teacher

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47 graduating seniors 3 Distinguished Scholars (GPA 4.0) 3 scored a 30 or higher on the ACT 5 earned ACSI Distinguished Student Award 2 Received an Opelousas-St. Landry Chamber of Commerce Scholarship 42% earned Academic Achievement Award (GPA 3.33-3.99) 28% are National Honor Society Members 82% were accepted into a 4-year institution 24.1 was the average ACT score 38% graduated with WCA Honors or Advanced Honors 64% qualified for TOPS (Tuition Opportunity Program for Students) when enrolling in Louisiana colleges and universities

Honors and Advanced Honors Tracks

Oh, the Places You’ll Go A small sampling of the universities and private colleges our students have been accepted to and/or attend post-graduation: • Baylor University • Boston College • Harvard University • Louisiana College • Louisiana State University • Loyola University • McNeese State University • Notre Dame • Princeton University • Samford University • Stanford University • University of Louisiana – Lafayette • Wheaton College

Scan the tag for a complete listing of colleges and universities our grads have been accepted to or attended. Or visit www.wcala.org/colleges

Students with a high GPA and demonstrated commitment to academic study can apply to enter the WCA Honors and Advanced Honors Tracks. Students accepted into these selective academic tracks have the opportunity to take honors and advanced honors courses in biology, English, math and even earn college credit through Advanced Placement classes in English and chemistry and dual enrollment in history courses.

We Believe...in working with enthusiasm, as though working for the Lord rather than for people. Ephesians 6:7 nlt

Class of 2014 Fast Facts

We are...hardworking “2 Timothy 2:15 says, ‘Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed.’ Although we understand this verse speaks to our adherence to sound doctrine through proper study of God’s Word and its application to our lives, there is a broader principle that can be taken from it — that is the principle of hard work and the fruit produced from it. We seek excellence in every sport at WCA, and we understand that excellence cannot be attained without hard work, sacrifice, dedication, attention to detail, and doing these things with integrity. When our athletes take the field or court, they need not be ashamed, nervous, or frightful.

Why? Because they have put in the hard work, and have been held accountable by coaches who model strong work ethic and who do so with integrity.

Some may say, “It’s just a game,” or, “Winning is not important as long as everyone has fun.” The WCA Athletic Department could not disagree more. It is our mission - and, indeed, our duty - to instill life altering values in the young men and women that participate in WCA Athletics. While football, basketball, or any other sport may be “just a game”, the lessons learned through them - in the striving to be excellent in them - are priceless. Do we want our young men to become husbands, fathers, employees, and employers who work hard on their marriages, who sacrifice for their wives and children, who are excellent employees and bosses? Absolutely! Do we want our young women to become virtuous wives and mothers, excellent employees and bosses? Absolutely! Do we want our athletes to become WINNERS in life? We most certainly do! These lessons aren’t always learned in the classroom, and that is why we stress excellence and winning with integrity in the WCA Athletic Department. ” Vinnie bullara, Athletic Director

We Believe...in working hard to present ourselves to god and receive his approval. a good worker is one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the words of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15 nlt

Westminster Christian Academy requires hard work in the classroom and in our enrichment and co-curricular activities.

• Students of all ages on all campuses can participate in soccer.

• Elementary sports (depending on the campus) include football, basketball, volleyball, soccer, pep squad and baseball.

• Upper school sports (grades 7-12) include football, volleyball, basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, golf, track and field, cross-country, cheerleading, tennis and swimming.

• Upper school students (grades 7-12) have access to drum line, mission teams, Student Council, National Honor Society, Crusaders 4 Life and the Rangers program – an outdoor, wilderness and adventure program encouraging perseverance, team building and leadership skills.

• Fine arts electives include chorus, drama and art.

• Music lessons are made available on our campuses in piano, guitar and drums.

We are...nurturing “The Biblical definition of nurture is ‘to educate, train and hold accountable.’

We use this ‘nurture principle’ to teach and train the children from the very first day. We take them from where they are, as individuals, into the classroom setting where they learn the difference between wise and foolish choices and the importance of respect and obedience to their earthly authorities, ultimately leading them to obedience to their heavenly Father. Our main desire is to help our students develop their personal relationship with our Lord, Jesus Christ.

As we celebrate their wise choices, our students THRIVE! Loving our students to the standard and teaching them to accept responsibility for their choices equips them to be lights in a lost world. We use this ‘nurture principle’ to accomplish the mission of WCA – one child at a time.”

Sherry Rhoney, Lafayette Campus Preschool Director

One of the reasons I love Westminster is because my teachers want me to succeed.

They care for my future and are loving and caring and love God.

Jordyn Thibodeaux, class of 2016

We Believe...in teaching our children holy scriptures from childhood. they give them the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in christ jesus. 2 Timothy 3:15 nlt

Westminster’s faculty is the hallmark of its distinctive academic program. Teachers are hired based on a Biblical world and life view, a love for children, knowledge and passion for their subject matter, as well as their excellent personal character and qualifications.

We are...caring “When you choose to become a part of WCA, you become a part of the Westminster family. We celebrate the joys together, and we are also there in the tough times – we walk life together.

One thing that is important for our students to see is the care and concern we have for one another. We attempt to plant seeds of compassion in our students so that, even though they are young, they may consider and encourage one another.

As we expand their view of the world outside of themselves to include our community and the world, we are showing them the opportunities that surround them to be the “hands and feet” of Jesus.

When students love Christ and desire to share the message of the Gospel with others, age is not a factor. We want our students to love others and to speak the Gospel message through their actions, as well as their words.”

Becky Boudreaux, Lafayette Campus Principal

Feed the Need

Chiapas, Mexico

Gifts for Haiti mission Students at Westminster Christian Academy are encouraged to show the truth by their actions on campus, locally, nationally and internationally through service projects, mission teams, class projects, trips and more.

We Believe...if someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion how can god’s love be in that person? let us not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. 1 John 3:17-18 nlt

Liberia

We are...equipping “At Westminster, we as teachers strive to make our subject areas relevant and captivating to equip our students for the path God has planned for their future. Through academic rigor and a Christcentered approach to learning, students are enabled to not only succeed, but excel at the next level of education.

The worldview imparted to them at Westminster, centered on the truth of Scripture, will serve as the foundation of learning for the rest of their lives.�

David Riley, Middle School History Teacher

Our elementary school curriculum includes: • Bible • Penmanship • Art • Spelling • Language • Phonics/reading • Math • Science • Music • Physical Education

Our middle school curriculum includes: • Bible • Math • Algebra ½ and 1 • Computer literacy • American history • World history • Louisiana history • Life and Earth science • Grammar, composition, literature • Art, music and other enrichment courses • Foreign language opportunities • Physical education

Foundations & Frameworks

When a student fails to think while he is reading, he is not truly reading. Foundations & Frameworks is an instructional reading program at WCA that uses a collection of best instructional practices for equipping students to fully understand ideas conveyed in text. It is proving to increase the comprehension skills of our students in all subjects while employing the four C’s -- critical thinking, communication, creativity and collaboration.

Our high school curriculum includes: • Bible • English Students and parents can access recorded classes • Latin, French or Spanish via podcast through our • Mathematics e-learning site.

• Science • History Students and parents can access grades, calendars, events, sched• Computer ules and more via PowerSchool • Physical education/health online and through a mobile app.

• Electives or fine arts

We Believe...all Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip His people to do every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NLT

Our pre-school curriculum includes: • Wisdom-based principles • Bible lessons and applications • Scripture memory • Phonetic reading program • Fundamental math concepts • Language development • Art/drama/music • Games, discovery, play • Physical fitness

admissions process The admissions process generally begins with an application, but we encourage all of our prospective families to schedule a personal tour of either of our campuses.

For a tour of the Opelousas Campus, please contact the Admissions Department at 337.948.4623. To schedule a tour of the Lafayette Campus, call 337.988-6489.

Scan the tag to begin your online application.

Or visit www.wcala.org/ admissions.

The application process begins by submitting an online application along with a non-refundable $150.00 application fee and required documentation.

A complete application consists of: • Application submitted online • $150 non-refundable application fee (cash, check, money order, or online payment). This fee covers K3-K5 screening or 1st-12th grade testing.

• Copy of birth certificate • Copy of Social Security Card • Copy of most recent report card (1-6th grade) or transcript (7th-12th) • Copy of most recent immunization records The application is to be submitted online. Payment and all documentation may be submitted to WCA by mail or personal delivery.

Opelousas Campus Attention: Admissions 186 Westminster Drive Opelousas, LA 70570

Lafayette Campus Attention: Admissions 111 Goshen Lane Lafayette, LA 70508

Once we receive your complete application for admission (an application will not be processed unless accompanied by payment and documentation), we will schedule an entrance testing date for students applying for enrollment in grades 1-12 or a screening date for students applying for enrollment in grades K3-K5. After screening or testing, arrangements will be made for an interview with the appropriate division director or principal.

Campus/ Grade

Tuition

Book Fee

Technology Building/ Fee Maintenance Fee

LAFAYETTE K3, K4, K5 1st-6th

$4,800 $5,390

$100 $200

$100 $100

$100 $100

$5,100 $5,790

OPELOUSAS K3, K4, K5 1st-6th 7th-8th 9th-12th

$4,555 $5,390 $5,430 $5,930

$100 $200 $250 $250

$100 $100 $100 $200

$100 $100 $100 $100

$4,855 $5,790 $5,880 $6,480

OTHER FEES

Application Fee: $150 Student Activity Fee: $100 per family Yearbook Fee (optional): $50 Bus Fees: See www.wcala.org/transportation New Student Registration Fee: $250 Tuition Deposit: $300 per family

Total Tuition & Fees

Westminster Christian Academy offers a Tuition Assistance Program in order to assist families with students in grades K512 who otherwise would not be able to attend our school. You can learn more about Tuition Assistance and apply online at www.wcala.org/admissions.

Application for Tuition Assistance will be processed only after the appropriate application(s) and application fee(s) have been submitted to WCA.

PAYMENT PLAN Fees

Annual Plan: no charge (100% due July 1) 60/40 Plan: $50 per student (60% due July 1, 40% due December 1) Monthly: $110 per student ($10 per month x 11 months - draft June-May with no draft in January) have you tried our tuition calculator?

Scan here!

Westminster Christian Academy admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students of the organization. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship programs, and other organization-administered programs.

We Believe...IN DESTROYING arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and TAKING every thought captive to obey Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5 nlt

Tuition and fees for the 2015-2016 school year

Opelousas Campus

Lafayette Campus

We Are Westminster!

WeBelieve. YouBelong.

www.wcala.org Opelousas Campus – grades K3-12 – 186 Westminster Drive, opelousas, LA 70570 – 337.948.8607 Lafayette Campus – grades K3-6 – 111 Goshen Lane, Lafayette, LA 70508 – 337.988.6489