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WESTMINSTER S C HOOL S OF AU GUS TA
Equipping Students for
EXTRAORDINARY LIVES Westminster Schools of Augusta seeks to glorify God by providing an excellent education that equips students to live extraordinary lives for Jesus Christ. Our educational program is grounded in a biblically-based Christian worldview and distinguished by high academic challenge, character development and cocurricular opportunities. This is Westminster: laying a solid foundation for a lifetime of excellence.
2015-2016 Profile A d mi s s i ons Office 3 0 67 W heeler Road A ug u s t a , Georgia 3 0 9 09 7 0 6-731-5 2 6 0 ws a. ne t S t eve O ’ Neil H e a dm as ter J a n e Br own D i r ec t o r o f F in an ce & O pe r at i on s Cr ai g J ohnson Ac a de m i c Dean & In te r im U p p e r Sc h ool Prin cipa l Br i an Ca s e M i d d l e Sc hool Prin cip a l Sue Ames L ow e r Sc hool Prin cipa l A i m e e Lynch D i r ec t o r o f Admission s Ca rr i e Br igh am D i r ec t o r o f Developmen t A nd re w Bryan At hl e t i c Director
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CORE VALUES
JESUS CHRIST
We endeavor to place Jesus Christ at the center of everything we do.
MADE IN GOD’S IMAGE
We believe that every person is created in God’s image.
CHRIST-LIKE CHARACTER
We develop students of integrity and honor who embrace and emulate Christ-like character.
EXCELLENCE
We strive toward excellence in academics, arts, athletics and all areas of school life for God’s glory.
EDUCATION FOR INFLUENCE
We positively influence our school, local community and the world.
AT A GLANCE LOWER SCHOOL
BEGINS
ENDS
Pre-K and TK
8 a.m.
Noon
Jr. KinderCubs (Pre-K/TK afternoon enrichment class)
Noon
2 p.m.
Kindergarten
8 a.m.
2 p.m.
Grades 1-5
8 a.m.
2:50 p.m.
MIDDLE SCHOOL
BEGINS
ENDS
Grades 6-8
7:55 a.m.
3:05 p.m.
UPPER SCHOOL
BEGINS
ENDS
Grades 9-12
7:50 a.m.
3:15 p.m.
ACCR E DITATION S A I S / S AC S acc red it ation
N U M BE R OF ALU M N I
942
M E MBE R S HIPS
C AM P US SI ZE
34 ac re s
NA I S , Col le ge B oard , E RB, I SM, NAC AC , S AC AC , G I S A , CESA
E N RO L L MENT (2013-14)
605
• L owe r S cho ol ( Pre - K – 5 )
225
• Midd le S cho ol (6 – 8 )
163
• Upp e r S cho ol ( 9 – 1 2 )
217
AVER AGE CL ASS SI ZE S TUDE NT/TE ACH ER R ATIO
1 8 stude nt s
1 1 :1
T U I T I ON ( 2 015 -16 ) Pre -K & TK Ki nde rg arte n Grade s 1 – 5 Grade s 6 – 8 Grade s 9 – 12 Th e ab ove fig ures do not
$6,100 $9,300 $12,300 $13,800 $13,900 include t h e $600 e nro llme nt fee .
F I NA N C I A L A I D Tot al need-ba s ed f i n anc ial aid Ave ra ge f i n anc ial aid awarded Stude nt s rece iv i ng f i n anc ial aid
$781,000 $5,500 27%
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2014-15 HIGHLIGHTS
ACADEMICS • One student earned a perfect score on the 2015 National Greek Exam. • Four students placed above the 95th percentile in the nation on the 2015 National Spanish Exam. • 23 students placed in the 95th percentile in the nation on the 2015 National Latin Exam. • 39 students were named AP Scholars, representing 39 percent of the juniors and seniors. From those 39 students, there were 19 AP Scholars, 10 AP Scholars with Honor and 10 AP Scholars with Distinction. • One of our two Science Bowl teams placed second in their division at the region tournament. • Upper School students placed first in three categories at the regional National History Day Competition at Augusta University. • Two Middle School students earned state recognition in the 2015 Duke Talent Identification Program.
ATHLETICS
• 1st place at state for varsity boys swimming in three individual categories • 1st place at region in boys track in three individual categories • 1st place at region in girls track in two individual categories
• 1st place at state for varsity boys soccer • 1st place at state for varsity girls cross-country (first time in school history) • 1st place at state for varsity girls tennis doubles • 2nd place at state for varsity girls soccer • 1st place at region in boys varsity tennis singles
FINE ARTS • 1st place at state in one act play competition, with 2 students winning Best Performer awards • Tied for 2nd place at state in literary competition • 6 students participated in All-State Chorus • 24 students sang at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina • Second year in a row to have a student’s artwork selected to be in the Southern Teachers Agency calendar.
PROFILE FOR CLASS OF 2015 SAT 2015
Combined Average
Critical Reading
Math
Writing
Upper School
1782
Middle 50% 591
Middle 50% 610
Middle 50% 581
AP c o u r s e s (1 8 to ta l) are av aila b le to ju n io r s a nd se niors w ith fa c ulty a pprova l for those w ho e xhibit pa r t i c u l a r s t r e ng th in a su b jec t. Ad d itio n ally, sophomore s ma y ta ke AP World History. All stude nts enr ol l ed in A P c o u r s e s a t We stmin ste r are req u ire d to ta ke the AP e xa ms in M a y.
2015 AP TESTS
# AP Tests Administered
% Scoring 3, 4 or 5
% Scoring 4 or 5
Upper School
168
80
50
2015 ACT AVERAGE COMPOSITE | 25.4
2015 SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED | $1.68 Million
NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARS | 1 National Merit Commended Scholar
PRESCHOOL AT WESTMINSTER
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Seeking to develop a supportive and nurturing learning community, Westminster’s prekindergarten programs are guided by three ideals:
• Providing a welcoming and inviting learning environment, where each student is known, valued and loved • Offering fun school days that include child-friendly schedules and many opportunities to practice new skills • Cultivating a culture where Christian character is encouraged and celebrated In order to address the developmental needs of our youngest students, Westminster offers prekindergarten (Pre-K) and transitional kindergarten (TK). The Pre-K curriculum is geared toward younger fouryear-olds who turn four by September 1. The TK curriculum is geared toward older four-year-olds and younger five-year-olds and moves at an accelerated pace from the traditional Pre-K class. The goal of both programs is to send well-prepared students to kindergarten. Both Pre-K and TK programs meet Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to noon.
Language Arts
To begin the journey to becoming wonderful readers and writers, Westminster students are surrounded daily by a language-rich environment. The Pre-K and TK learners explore language through phonics activities and word study experiences. Oral language development and listening skills are strengthened through many varied large and small group activities.
Mathematics
Beginning skills in mathematics are fostered through many activities involving manipulatives and problemsolving. Students are encouraged to explore, practice and experiment with shapes, patterns and numbers to expand their internal understanding of mathematics and its processes.
Science & Social Studies
Different science and social studies units are investigated by Pre-K and TK students throughout the school year. Many of these units coordinate with language lessons and provide opportunities to better understand our community, country and world.
Bible & Chapel
The Pre-K and TK classes participate in daily Bible studies and weekly chapel programs. Students learn about God and His truths at their own developmental level through Bible stories, songs, finger plays and chapel speakers. Teachers and teacher assistants look for daily opportunities to make Biblical lessons come alive during the school day.
Cocurricular
Physical education, library, art and music are all part of the weekly schedule for Pre-K and TK students. Art and music have coordinated curricula on a five-year cycle, running from the Medieval era through the 20th century.
JUNIOR KINDERCUBS
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Junior KinderCubs is an afternoon enrichment program for pre-k and TK students. The Junior KinderCubs curriculum consists of age-appropriate themes and activities which change every month. The program is designed for pre-k and TK students who are ready for a longer school day, meets from noon until 2 p.m. and includes lunch and a brief rest time.
Our Junior KinderCubs program engages children’s bodies and minds as we use the great outdoors to expand the daily pre-kindergarten curriculum. In an outdoor classroom setting, the students will learn about counting, the alphabet, sound and sight, bubbles and air, animals and insects and countless other topics. This program is designed to provide each child with hands-on learning that will deepen their early educational experiences. Space is limited, so sign up your child for this excellent enrichment program today!
Contact the Admissions Department with questions or to sign up today! 706-731-5260, ext. 2250 admissions@wsa.net
KINDERGARTEN AT WESTMINSTER
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Westminster’s kindergarten program provides a caring and nurturing environment, where a love of learning is initiated with a strong academic curriculum that is developmentally appropriate for the young child. We believe that children learn best when they are actively engaged and enjoying themselves. This atmosphere allows for growth and development of the whole child. Westminster’s kindergarten program meets each day from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Kindergarten students at Westminster must be five-years-old by September 1. In kindergarten, students enjoy the process of discovery and learning the basic building blocks of knowledge. Time is devoted to teaching appropriate classroom behavior to ensure the success of each student. Students also learn how to positively interact with classmates, teachers and the world.
Language Arts
Kindergarten at Westminster provides students with a strong introduction to language through literature, print awareness, phonemic awareness, systematic phonics instruction, blending and fluency in reading. Highfrequency words and predictable/decodable books are used for initial reading experiences. Children experience spoken language through large group, small group and individual activities. These activities are designed to promote discussion and listening skills. Written language is experienced through dictation and daily writing in journals.
Mathematics
The kindergartners develop an understanding of abstract concepts in a concrete manner. Through the use of manipulatives, students learn the concepts of graphing, patterns, number concepts to 100, money, measurement, beginning addition and subtraction, time, basic geometry and problem-solving.
Science & Social Studies
Science and social studies center around hands-on experiments and projects. Science themes studied in kindergarten are the five senses, magnets, weather, seasons, insects and plants. Social studies units include our city, state, country, American history and American holidays.
Bible & Chapel
Conveying the love and goodness of God is the primary goal of Bible class. Through stories of God’s working in the lives of Old and New Testament people, students learn to recognize God’s work and His plan in their own lives. Additionally, all kindergarten students attend a weekly chapel service.
Cocurricular
Physical education, library, art and music are all part of the weekly schedule for kindergarten students. Art and music have coordinated curricula on a five-year cycle, running from the Medieval era through the 20th century.
LOWER SCHOOL COURSES OF STUDY PRE-K, TK AND KINDERGARTEN
Math
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FIRST THROUGH FIFTH GRADES
Pre-K: Little Treasures, storybook
Sadlier-Oxford Math, Mountain Math and timed drills. Math programs
math and manipulatives
emphasize problem-solving, critical-thinking skills and concept
TK: Saxon
development.
Kindergarten: Sadlier-Oxford Math and Math Their Way
Writing
Language Arts
Pre-K and TK: Peterson Handwriting
1st - 3rd grades: 4-Square Writing
Kindergarten: D’Nealian Handwriting
3rd - 5th grades: Harcourt Brace
Pre-K: Little Treasures
Grammar: Daily Grammar Practice supplemented by Open Court and Harcourt Brace
TK: Saxon
Handwriting: D’Nealian
Kindergarten: Open Court and
Reading: Open Court, various novel studies, Vocabulary Workshop (for 4th & 5th grades)
McGraw Hill 1st - 3rd grades: Vowel Oriented Word Attack Course
Spelling
Social Studies
4th and 5th grades: Vocabulary Workshop Pre-K and K: Saxon, American
1st - 5th grades: Harcourt
holidays and community studies
5th grade: Why America’s Free (Revolutionary War Integrated Curriculum)
TK: Saxon
Our social studies series encourages students to learn about their world while reinforcing reading, math and language. Citizenship, geography, history, cultures, map skills and government are some areas covered.
Science
Pre-K: Little Treasures
1st - 5th grades: Silver Burdett and Ginn, Harcourt Brace, McMillan, McGraw-Hill
TK: Saxon
It is an inquiry-based science program with grade-appropriate kits and hands-on
Kindergarten: Hands-on science
units based on National Science standards. Our science programs teach
experiments
physical, earth, life and health sciences through science texts, videos, computer resources and field trips. We place much emphasis on scientific inquiry, including process skills and the scientific method.
Pre-K - 2 grades: Christian Schools International - a chronological study of key Old and New Testment stories. Scripture memory and chapel services. nd
Bible
Cocurricular
1st - 5th grades: Building on the Rock - a biblical Christian woldview and Bible survey curriculum. Scripture memory and chapel services.
All grades have Physical Education, Library/Media, Art and Music (Kodaly based, with Orff and Suzuki). Art and Music have coordinated curricula on a five-year cycle, running from the Medieval era through the 20th century. Classroom music is Kodaly-based, using Orff instruments. Christmas and spring musicals coordinate with the five rotating historical periods in both content and costume. Computer skills are taught in 1st - 5th grades.
LOWER SCHOOL COCURRICULAR
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Art Our exceptional art program opens the eyes of our students to the beauty in the world around us. Students are exposed to artists from the past and engage in a variety of artistic mediums. Painting, drawing, ceramics and fiber arts are just a few of the creative outlets the students enjoy. Both the art and music programs rotate through a five-year study of the following historical time periods: Medieval/Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic and Modern.
Music Music enriches our lives, and in the Lower School, each student experiences music weekly in a variety of ways. Students sing, play games, move, listen and play instruments while being trained using the Kodaly music principles. This teaching equips our students with life-long learning and understanding of music. Additionally, each student is given an opportunity for music and drama to be combined in one of the two annual performances – a Christmas musical and a spring musical. Most performances relate to the time period currently being studied in the five-year cycle.
Physical Education The P.E. program is designed to assist in the physical development and coordination of each student. Activities encourage gross motor and skill development, fitness, rhythm, cooperation and sportsmanship. The students participate in the “Presidential Challenge” and “Jump Rope for Heart.” Field Day is the culmination of many skills taught during the year.
Computer Technology is integrated across the curricular areas of language arts, social studies, science and math through a variety of software programs. Computer classes teach research, word processing, keyboarding, electronic presentation and other skills. Internet research begins in the second grade, and keyboarding is the focus in the third grade. Computer programming is introduced in fourth and fifth grades.
iPad® Learning Center Students in fouth and fifth grade complete a unit on how to use and care for an iPad before they are ready to use these innovative learning tools. Through the use of educational apps, students are able to use the iPad in conjunction with the curriculum for all subjects.
lOWER SChOOl ExtENDED Day
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Westminster offers several enrichment opportunities for students after school hours. As an extension of the Westminster experience, our Extended Day programs provide students with new hands-on learning experiences. Each program is designed to develop your child’s strengths in a fun, caring and safe environment. Visit wsa.net/extendedday to learn more about our programs. After School Care (ASC)
The Westminster After School Care (ASC) program is open to children who are enrolled in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade at Westminster’s Lower School. ASC begins at noon for all pre-kindergarten and transitional kindergarten students, where they eat lunch together before enjoying their daily activities. Kindergarten students join ASC at 2 p.m. Upon dismissal from the Lower School, the first- through fifth-graders come to ASC, where they have the opportunity to complete and receive help with their homework assignments, enjoy free time with their friends and participate in organized games or arts and crafts projects. ASC also provides nutritious snacks to all children in the program and is open until 5:30 p.m. daily.
Enrichment Programs
Westminster offers a variety of after-school enrichment options, from Legos to cooking classes. Every Exended Day program is designed to enrich our students by allowing them to use a variety of skills. Westminster also partners with companies like Bricks 4 Kidz and The Kid’s Table to bring your child the best instruction. For more information, visit wsa.net/extendedday.
Fine Arts Academy
We are proud to offer private voice, piano and instrument lessons through the Fine Arts Academy to students in second through 12th grade. Students are able to schedule these lessons around their class times and/or extracurricular activities.
Sports Academy
The WSA Sports Academy program exists to serve our Lower School families, enhance our upper-level sports programs and increase our influence in the surrounding community. We provide club level training from experienced coaches and preserve precious family time together by practicing right after school. We also provide a competitive aspect in our programs by partnering with the Wilson YMCA, entering teams into their sports leagues from ages U-7 to U-12. We currently serve students in the sports of cheerleading, flag football, soccer, basketball and baseball. For more information or to review parent testimonials, please visit wsa.net/athletics/sports-academy.
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PORTRAIT OF A GRADUATE
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Westminster graduates understand the times and know what they should do. They seek Jesus Christ and follow His lead. With Christian minds they critically think about the world in which they live and work. They serve and influence their community and the world. Westminster graduates move from the classroom to the athletic field and fine arts center with ease. They enjoy life, are not afraid to work hard and others seek their company. They listen carefully and communicate effectively. They appreciate beauty and the complexity of God’s creation. Westminster graduates work well with others but are unafraid to chart their own course. They value the insights and gifts of others and contribute to the strength of a team. Their relationships are marked by grace and mercy. They are willing to take risks because they are confident in God’s calling and purposes. Westminster graduates do the right thing even when no one is looking and even at personal cost. They live with integrity, act responsibly and respect others and God’s gift of creation. In light of eternity, they pursue justice with wisdom and humility. Westminster graduates, knowing they have not yet arrived, always seek improvement and strive to finish well. They are inspired lifelong learners who find solutions by asking good questions. They diligently hone their skills and effectively manage time. In all things they pursue excellence for God’s glory.
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COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES 2010-2015 Agnes Scott College Aiken Technical College Anderson University Appalachian State University Armstrong Atlantic State University Asheville-Buncombe Culinary Institute Auburn University Augusta University (GRU, ASU) Ball State University Baylor University Belmont University Berry College Bob Jones University Boston University Brenau University Brewton-Parker College Brown University Carnegie Mellon University Case Western Reserve University Catawba College Centre College Clark-Atlanta University Clemson University Coastal Carolina University College of Charleston College of Coastal Georgia College of William & Mary Columbus State University Converse College Covenant College Davidson College Duke University East Georgia College - Augusta Elon University Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Emmanuel College Emory University Erskine College Fairmont State University (WV) Fashion Institute of Technology
Flagler College (FL) Florida Institute of Technology Fordham University Full Sail University Furman University Gainesville State College Gardner-Webb University George Washington University Georgetown University Georgia College and State University Georgia Institute of Technology Georgia Military College Georgia Southern University Georgia Southwestern State University Georgia State University Gettysburg College Gordon College Hampden-Sydney Harvard University High Point University Hofstra University Huntington University Jacksonville University James Madison University Johns Hopkins University Kennesaw State University Lee University Liberty University Lipscomb University Louisiana State University Manhattanville College (NY) Mercer University Mississippi State University Mount Saint Mary’s University New Mexico Military Institute New York University North Carolina State University Northeastern University Northland International University Oglethorpe University
Old Dominion Oxford College of Emory Pace University - New York Pennsylvania State University Harrisburg Pepperdine University Point Park University (PA) Pratt Institute Presbyterian College Purdue University Queens University (Charlotte) Roanoke College Samford University Savannah College of Art & Design Sewanee: The University of the South Shorter University Skidmore College Southern Methodist University (TX) Southern Wesleyan University Spelman College St. John’s College St. Louis University Taylor University (IN) Temple University The American Academy of Dramatic Arts The American Musical and Dramatic Academy The Citadel The King’s College (NY) Toccoa Falls College Tri-County Technical College Tulane University University of Alabama University of Alabama - Birmingham University of California - Davis University of California - Irvine University of California - Merced University of California - Riverside University of California - Santa Cruz University of Colorado - Boulder University of Denver
University of Florida University of Georgia University of Illinois at Chicago University of Kentucky University of Louisville University of Massachusetts Amherst University of Mississippi University of North Carolina Chapel Hill University of North Carolina Charlotte University of North Georgia University of North Georgia Cumming University of Pennsylvania University of Richmond University of Rochester University of South Carolina University of South Carolina Aiken University of Tennessee University of Virginia University of Washington University of West Georgia Valdosta State University Valparaiso University Vanderbilt University Virginia Tech Wake Forest University Wellesley College (MA) Wesleyan College (Macon) West Virginia University West Virginia University Institute of Technology Wheaton College (IL) Winthrop University Wofford College Young Harris College Indicates Matriculation
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