OUR MISSION

Empowering learners, preparing hearts, and inspiring lives to faithfully serve as ambassadors for Jesus Christ.

Overview

Founded in 1961, Westminster is an independent, college-preparatory, coeducational Christian school serving students from preschool through grade 12. There are approximately 600 students enrolled in grades 9-12.

Westminster Christian School’s academic program challenges and empowers learners with a rigorous curriculum from a biblical worldview. It offers a nurturing environment where exceptionally qualified and gifted teachers model Christian living and thinking. Students enjoy an extensive selection of academic electives, athletic offerings and fine arts disciplines that allow them to discover their God-given talents, preparing them to excel in college and beyond. Student government and service opportunities, both locally and abroad, allow them to develop as leaders and to positively impact others for the glory of God.

As a Microsoft Showcase School, Westminster is part of a global community of institutions engaged in innovative teaching and learning. Every student has a Surface Pro and an Office 365 account, enabling them to work more efficiently and fostering a collaborative learning culture. The school also offers a variety of information technology certifications and a wide range of course offerings designed to enrich students’ learning experiences.

Signature Programs

Emerald Scholars

An Emerald Scholar will seek the most challenging and enriching academic coursework by completing a minimum of 12 AP/Pre-AP/Dual Enrollment courses. Students will benefit from participation in exclusive enrichment activities such as internships, independent research, service projects, and complete a signature program.

Ap Capstone

AP Seminar and AP Research courses seek to develop students’ critical thinking skills in research, analysis, evidence-based arguments, collaboration, writing and presenting. Students who pass both AP Seminar and AP Research, as well as four other AP exams, will graduate with the AP Capstone diploma from the College Board.

Engineering

The Engineering Program utilizes the nationally-recognized Project Lead The Way (PLTW) curriculum. Students learn about the engineering design process, robotics, programing, critical thinking and problemsolving through project-based lessons, while incorporating national standards in math, science and technology.

Science Research

The award-winning Science Research Program is intended for high school students who are highly self-motivated, curious, and scientifically minded. Its purpose is to provide an opportunity for students to engage in science as a process, become innovators, develop communication skills, work with scientific mentors, and participate in competitions.

Entrepreneurship

The Entrepreneurship program is designed to bridge real-world business trends with foundational principles and methods that are commensurate with the industry. This robust curriculum prepares students for college courses and the business world at large. Students demonstrate their personal growth and entrepreneurial mind through the design and development of their own business venture which is presented at Westminster’s Entrepreneurial Showcase.

Mass Media

The Mass Media program explores the methodologies of journalism, broadcasting, public relations and marketing research. Courses explore the importance and practice of responsible, professional and ethical communication in a digital age, while infusing the latest advancements in the industry.

Biomedical Science

The PLTW Biomedical Science program allows students to take an investigative approach to real and current medical issues. Working with the same tools used by professionals in hospitals and labs, students engage in compelling, hands-on activities and work together to find solutions to real-world problems. Our professional partners are an integral part of student success and provide mentorship throughout the program.

Advanced Placement

Westminster offers 28 Advanced Placement courses and four Pre-Advanced Placement courses in the high school curriculum. Due to the rigorous nature of the AP program and our Signature Programs, Westminster limits the number of AP courses a student may take each year. Exceptions will be granted to students who demonstrate a high level of aptitude in previous coursework and who receive department approval.

Courses Offered

• Art History

• 2D Art and Design

• 3D Art and Design

• Drawing

• Biology

• Biology Pre-AP

• Calculus AB

• Calculus BC

• Chemistry

• Chemistry Pre-AP

• Computer Science Principles

Dual Enrollment

• Computer Science A

• English 1 Pre-AP

• English 2 Pre-AP

• English Language

• English Literature

• Environmental Science

• European History

• Human Geography

• Macroeconomics

• Music Theory

• Psychology

• Pre-Calculus

• Physics C: Mechanics

• Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism

• Research

• Seminar

• Spanish Language

• Statistics

• US Government and Politics

• US History

• World History

Westminster has partnered with Florida International University and Miami Dade College to offer dual enrollment credit. This credit will count for both high school graduation and can also be applied to a college degree or certificate. An additional $100 registration fee applies.

Accreditation And Membership

Westminster is approved and accredited by Cognia, Christian Schools of Florida, Florida Council of Independent Schools, and Association of Christian Schools International, and has been awarded the Microsoft Showcase School title for six consecutive years.

Adding And Dropping A Course

The College Counseling Center (CCC) helps students plan their schedule. While every effort is made to provide students with their approved course selections, this is not always feasible due to scheduling limitations. If, for some reason, a schedule change is needed, students should meet with their counselor in the CCC before the school term starts. Students may not drop any courses during the first week of school. This gives the student ample time in the course to determine course misplacement and ensure that a schedule change is warranted. Students that change courses after the third week of school will carry over all grades earned in the dropped course(s) to the newly scheduled course(s). A grace period is given during weeks two and three where no grades are carried over to the new course for any approved schedule changes within that time period. Students may not add or drop a course within three weeks of the end of a quarter. These same policies apply to second semester courses.

Report Cards And Transcripts

Report cards are posted online on myWCS approximately one week after the completion of each semester. Transcripts are posted online on myWCS and are updated three times per year; end of first semester, end of second semester, and end of summer. Only letter grades for each class will appear on the report card and transcript. The student’s weighted cumulative GPA will appear on the transcript.

Retaking A Course

Students that need to repeat a course must schedule an appointment with their counselor to discuss credit replacement options.

• A course may be retaken within one calendar year if pre-approved by the principal and the student earned a “D+” or lower as the final course grade.

• A grade of “C” or higher must be earned in the retaken course.

• The original grade will be calculated into the GPA until the new grade for the retaken course is submitted to the registrar.

• The original grade will always remain on the official transcript, even after the course has been retaken, however, it will not be calculated in the GPA.

• A maximum of three course/segment replacements can be retaken for academic forgiveness regardless if taking a semester or annual course.

Students will not be allowed to continue as a student at Westminster if more than three courses need to be retaken.

Academic Probation

Students must maintain a 2.0 cumulative unweighted GPA or higher to stay in good academic status. Any student who falls below a 2.33 cumulative unweighted GPA after a semester, will be placed on academic probation. The student has the next semester to ensure their cumulative unweighted GPA is above 2.0 or will not be allowed to continue as a student at Westminster.