Imagine 2020 | Celebrating Success

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WESTMINSTER SCHOO L S OF AUG US TA

Imagine 2020 Celebrating Success

2009-2013

We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done.

-Psalms 78:4

Imagine 2020: Celebrating Success

Dear Friends of Westminster, This booklet serves as a celebratory epilogue for Imagine 2020, the strategic plan that guided our work from 2009 through 2013 and kept us focused on a bold vision for Westminster’s future. Little did we realize when we started the planning process that economists would later refer to some of this time period as the Great Recession. But God is much greater than a recession or strategic plan.

Introducing Imagine 2020 to the Westminster community, my preface letter stated, “It’s my prayer that in the end, we will declare the words from Psalm 78, ‘we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done.’” In the following pages, you will see that the Lord has done great things at and through Westminster. Unlike most schools across the nation during these last few years, we experienced enrollment growth, program expansion and strong giving participation and support.

There are so many people who deserve thanks for their roles in driving this plan forward and all that has been accomplished. I want to especially thank the board of trustees who care deeply for our school, hold its mission in trust, and advance its vision to serve students today and for years to come. I also want to thank my leadership team, the faculty and staff, current and alumni parents, alumni, and students for all of their hard work, volunteerism and prayer in seeing Imagine 2020 through to completion.

Many of our goals would not have been achieved without the financial sacrifices from many. Thank you to everyone who gave so generously to support the Bridge Campaign, Westminster Fund, endowed scholarships and Georgia Goal Scholarship program. Through you, we were able to accomplish much.

In the end, all that has been accomplished has been for one purpose - to glorify God by providing an excellent education that equips students to live extraordinary lives for Jesus Christ. So for now, let’s celebrate God’s great work at Westminster, and in due time, we will further advance the vision for 2020 and beyond which the Lord is calling us toward.

Warm regards,

Steve O’Neil Headmaster

STUDENTS

1 We will provide opportunities for students to broaden and deepen their education and develop their faith, and we will provide academic support to help each student meet or exceed Westminster’s standards.

 Grew enrollment by 17 percent.  Added many new courses in the Middle and Upper Schools, including five new Advanced Placement (AP) courses.  Created a distinct Middle School program and experience, providing continued academic challenges and new student leadership opportunities.  Created Winterim, a two-day opportunity for Upper School students to serve others in the Augusta community.  Added four new fine arts courses: AP studio art, AP music theory, creative writing/literary magazine, and public speaking.  Established a Fine Arts Academy and expanded Sports Academy to provide additional opportunities for after-school student enrichment.  Created the Friends of Fine Arts parent organization to promote and support fine arts programs at Westminster.  Began a football program.

 Launched a unique Summer Program experience, serving over 200 students from the Augusta community.  Expanded Academic Support services to better serve Westminster students in reaching their academic potential.

Imagine 2020: Celebrating Success

GOAL:

FACULTY & STAFF

2

Imagine 2020: Celebrating Success

GOAL:

We will recruit and develop the very best faculty and staff and challenge and equip them to advance Christian education locally and worldwide.

 Developed a “Portrait of a Graduate” to both evaluate our educational program and guide its development.  Developed “Characteristics of Professional Excellence” to enhance our professional development and teacher growth programs.  Received full membership in the Council on Educational Standards and Accountability, a national association serving America’s best Christian college-preparatory schools.  Added an academic dean position to oversee curriculum, professional development and academic support (pre-kindergarten -12).  Added a director of student life position to oversee spiritual formation, leadership and service (pre-kindergarten -12).  Added a fine arts coordinator position to oversee the fine arts program (pre-kindergarten -12).

 Trained all faculty in the professional development program All Kinds of Minds, which aims at helping faculty adjust their teaching methods according to how individual students learn best.

COMMUNITY

3

 Grew the international student program to 16 students.  Increased the racial and ethnic diversity of the student body.  Launched new branding and an interactive website.  Created a consistent marketing plan focusing on the value of a Westminster education.  Deepened the relationship with our sponsoring church, First Presbyterian Church of Augusta.  Successfully completed 40th anniversary celebrations.

Imagine 2020: Celebrating Success

GOAL:

We will be known throughout the region for the embodiment of our core values and our pursuit of excellence in all things.

Facilities & Property

4

Imagine 2020: Celebrating Success

GOAL:

We will develop and implement a campus master plan to ensure that we have the necessary land and facilities to fulfill our mission, to realize our vision, and to achieve our goals.

 Added Building 100 to create new space for Middle School and the fine arts.  Began development of an updated community/ athletic center as part of the first phase of the Bridge Campaign.  Added new ground level and cottage classrooms to support growth at the Lower School.  Extended the existing soccer field to create a regulation football field.  Added air conditioning in the Middle/Upper School gym.

 Repurposed space to create an athletic building with a larger weight room and locker room.  Added a cross-country course.  Acquired almost four acres of land adjacent to campus to support athletics and Lower School programs.  Updated technology throughout the campus to enhance student learning and teach students the skills necessary for the 21st century.

FINANCE

5

 Developed a comprehensive financial plan to strengthen Westminster’s financial position while ensuring its affordability for present and future students.  Raised nearly $4 million for both the Bridge Campaign and Westminster Fund.  Established an endowed scholarship from the estate of Mr. Bland Goodwin in honor of John W.P. and Christina Hope Oliver.  Raised $562,000 to support the Georgia GOAL Scholarship Program to expand access to students through need-based financial aid.

Imagine 2020: Celebrating Success

GOAL:

We will strengthen Westminster’s financial position while ensuring its affordability for present and future students.

3067 Wheeler Road Augusta, Georgia 30909 wsa.net

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