Westminster School

Grades: KG-8
Student Enrollment: 264

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4.5 out of 5 | 28 Reviews

Address
3819 Gallows Rd
Annandale, VA 22003

Phone
(703) 256-3620

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School Description
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Faculty Details and Student Enrollment
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School Description

Westminster School enrolls 264 elementary school students from grades KG-8. It is located in Annandale, VA, which is a highly populated city with a median household income of $72,561.

School Operational Details

Special Program Emphasis
Students Have Access to a Library or Media Center

School Days and Hours

School Days Per Year: 173
Note: Kindergarten Operates Five Days Per Week
School Hours Per Day: 7
Note: Kindergarten Operates on a Full Day Schedule

School Associations

National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
State or regional independent school association

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School Ratings and Reviews

Overall Rating

4.5 out of 5 | 28 Reviews

The Overall Rating is the school's average rating from parents, students, school faculty and staff. The highest rating is five apples and the lowest is one apple.

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28 reviews for Westminster School

Reviewed by Parent or Guardian on January 05, 2011
Rating: (5 / 5) Flag as inappropriate
Westminster School is outstanding for so many reasons. It's academic program is superb--thorough, well-rounded, consistent from grade to grade, and provides genuine depth. For example, the history program teaches the entire history of Western civilization over six years! Imagine how much the students learn, and this is just one subject. The math and science programs are also excellent--my son gained so much there. As a former English major, I especially appreciated Westminster's teaching of high-quality, classic works of literature, and emphasis on excellent English writing skills. The school exudes an atmosphere of warmth, refinement, and real community, which by the way is impressively diverse. The school really backs up parents in teaching the children respectful behavior, personal responsibility, good manners, and kind behavior. In the upper grades, they help the students realize that they should explore many avenues in order to find out their own potential, and then have the courage to pursue their dreams. The school administrators sponsor and guide many activities to help build the students' self-confidence. It is truly an all-around program for educating and preparing children for a great life. Whatever difficulties my son encountered at Westminster, there was always someone there to help him and care about him. Our overall experience was wonderful. I give Westminster the highest recommendation.

Reviewed by Parent/Guardian on October 28, 2010
Rating: (5 / 5) Flag as inappropriate
This school is a fantastic school which not only teaches enriched academics. I love that it teaches the social skills and manners which seems to be missing in most schools.This is my child's 2nd year and we are so happy with our choice of schools. Our child feels challenged and loved by her classmates and teachers. I look forward to sending my other children there in the future.

Reviewed by Parent/Guardian on October 16, 2010
Rating: (5 / 5) Flag as inappropriate
One may always have reservations about one or two particular issues when it concerns the overall assessment of a school, but Westminster School has been among the best schools we have encountered, in the U.S. and in other countries. Our daughter has been to Westminster for many many years (from k to 8th grade; she now is at Holton Arms) and has enjoyed her education at Westminster and now is proud of it. The school leadership is inspiring, has the right classical values and attaches importance to discipline. The relatively small size is equally ideal, ensuring that almost all teachers and students know each other. It is a real community of learning. We have great admiration for the school leadership and head master; while they occasionally make mistakes (sometimes even serious ones in terms of expelling a student on disproportionate grounds or letting a gifted teacher go), one needs to recognize that no manager or leader is infallible and we all make mistakes occasionally. Overall, this school and its academics, its learning culture and its management and direction are of top quality and among the very best worldwide and, in our view, to be supported strongly. Signed, Dr. Charles O. Pannenborg and Mrs. Pannenborg-Centeno Coronel (parents of Samantha Coronel)

Reviewed by Former Student on August 24, 2010
Rating: (5 / 5) Flag as inappropriate
I am so grateful that my mother decided to send me to Westminster. The challenging environment proved to be more encouraging than detrimental, however if you do not think your son or daughter will be able to handle the vigorous program, then look elsewhere. The same are requirements are held for all.
Its difficult at times, but rewarding. The school is such a great community to belong to.

Reviewed by Parent/Guardian on August 16, 2010
Rating: (5 / 5) Flag as inappropriate
This school is a wonderful school which not only teaches enriched academics but also social skills and manners which seems to be missing in most schools. I am fortunate that both of my kids started in kindergarten and can't wait to see them graduate. I am always amazed at how well the teachers get to know the students and truly care about their success.

Reviewed by Parent/Guardian on July 29, 2010
Rating: (5 / 5) Flag as inappropriate
From kindergarten through 8th grade, my grandson, Brett Williams, attended Westminster School. He is today the young man he is because Westminster gave him the education as well as the confidence and courtesy he needed to move forward in his life. I have always been impressed with Westminster's teachers and administrative staff. Even though my grandson has graduated, I still return to Westminster and volunteer in the library. I have always felt welcome and been greeted with much appreciation for all I do. Thank you, Westminster!
-Shirley "Grandma Shirley" Alford

Reviewed by Parent/Guardian on July 18, 2010
Rating: (5 / 5) Flag as inappropriate
The comments posted here speak more about the parents than about Westminster. Westminster works great for those who want their child to be treated the same as everyone else. For those who expect special treatment and demand that the school excuse poor behavior and suffer no consequences they are bound to be disappointed.

Westminster parents didnâ€™t get to their current station in life by slacking off and cutting corners. Donâ€™t they want their children to experience the same level of success?

Prospective parents think carefully about what you want. At Westminster there will be rules to be followed coupled with a lot of homework, projects, quizzes and tests. The end result is a self-confident child who can handle enormous workload and write and talk clearly. If this wonâ€™t work for you, find a school that would best suit your child and I donâ€™t mean that with malice.

Reviewed by Parent/Guardian on July 15, 2010
Rating: (5 / 5) Flag as inappropriate
Our family has been involved with Westminster since 1996. We have one child who attended for 9 years and have 2 others attending currently. We do not agree with every decision that is made at WS, however, what parents are pleased 100% of the time with their child's school? The headmaster has made WS his life's work, and is very dedicated, as are the entire staff. I am extremely pleased with the education my older son received there. They have a great curriculum. Given the opportunity to do it over again, we would not have done anything differently.

The one or two disgruntled families that continue to post these negative reviews should be willing to post their names. What do you have to lose at this point since you no longer attend the school?

Reviewed by Parent/Guardian on July 15, 2010
Rating: (5 / 5) Flag as inappropriate
Westminster is an excellent school where students are taught to strive for excellence, think critically, and look for what is best in everyone. Faculty and Administration are skilled, passionate, well educated, and devoted to the success of every Westminster student.

My son graduated from Westminster last month, and is off to a wonderful high school which selected him from a large pool in part because of his Westminster background. My daughter is a current Westminster student and is thriving.

I highly recommend this school to any parent looking for quality, attention to detail, and the highest academic and personal standards.

M. Carter, Alexandria, VA

Reviewed by Former Student on July 15, 2010
Rating: (1 / 5) Flag as inappropriate
I'm a former student of Westminster. I am currently enrolled in a HS which is far more superior than the troublesome natures that Westminster holds. I believe the school has many extra activities to offer but overall the school will change your child for worse. Thanks for your time and remember, do not go to Westminster.

Reviewed by Former Student on July 09, 2010
Rating: (4 / 5) Flag as inappropriate
I attended Westminster from 1st grade through 8th. Certainly the school is tough, and I had not a few issues with certain members of the faculty/staff. I spent almost every day of the year in detention, and had to spend weekends cleaning at the school to make up for my detentions. Notwithstanding any of my troubles, this school was truly my foundation. I cannot begin to describe just how profound the experience was, so I won't, but I do not regret any of the years I spent learning here.

Reviewed by Former Student on July 09, 2010
Rating: (5 / 5) Flag as inappropriate
As a recent graduate of Westminster School, I can say with full conviction that the academics and values taught at Westminster made me a strong, confident high school student. The administration and faculty shape each individual into a caring, respectful, cultured youthâ€”something that only after graduating, I realize is a rarity these days. Though the academics were challenging and the environment quite structured, I find myself looking back on my middle school years with great fondness. Westminster School knows itâ€™s unique. Yet instead of conforming to trends followed by other area schools, it continues to prosper with a beauty and self-assurance found not only in the school, but in its graduates.

Reviewed by Parent/Guardian on July 09, 2010
Rating: (4 / 5) Flag as inappropriate
I am a parent of a rising sophmore in Fairfax County. My son attended Westminster from K-8. Westminster has a challenging academic program and holds students to a high standard, this was just what he needed. The skills he learned helped him to sucessfully completed French 3 and 4 pre-IB classes (english, geometry, biology and world history) his freshman year. I recommend that you schedule a visit and decide for yourself if Westminster is the right place for you child. I would also suggest that you read ALL the information provided by the schools you visit. Westminster provides a parent handbook that clearly states all their policies.

Reviewed by Parent/Guardian on July 08, 2010
Rating: (5 / 5) Flag as inappropriate
An outstanding school that is true to its mission: helping to raise kind, loving, respectful, children with a desire to become lifelong learners. I have three graduates and could not be more thankful to the school for helping me to guide them in the right direction.

Reviewed by Parent/Guardian on July 08, 2010
Rating: (5 / 5) Flag as inappropriate
After looking at schools in the entire metropolitan area, our 3 children attended Westminster, and received an extraordinary education! I completely support the mission of the Head of the School to maintain high standards. The faculty was rigorous and caring. The students and parents welcomed us with
exceptional warmth. Westminster provides creates a unique community with its academic, theater, art, sports, and social programs*****

Reviewed by Staff Member on May 31, 2010
Rating: (5 / 5) Flag as inappropriate
Editorializing and sharing opinions with others through writing them down for public evaluation used to involve a cooling off or reflective intermission. One needed, for example, to get a stamp, walk to the mailbox maybe, or simply allow the written opinion to sit on a desk for a bit. The opinion had a limited audience.
In today's â€�"blogâ€ era, (here I am online), a person can express a judgment and them must accept the fact that once a key to 'send' is clicked, the document can't be crumpled up and thrown away in a cyberspace wastebasket.
The damage or even the imbalanced expression can severely affect the reputation, for example, of a wonderful school. I'm both an employee and a former parent who has enjoyed the freedom and support to develop within my profession. Additionally, as a result of being mentored at the school I have become a better parent to my children. They received an excellent education and much guidance from the headmaster, Mr. Glover, and the devoted, hardworking teachers.
Westminster School's curriculum, philosophy of education, and multitude of developmental activities reflect values that are traditional of a classical American education. The program is rich in continuity and designed to give students a sense of their cultural roots. Students graduate and go on to prove themselves comfortable socially with people of diverse backgrounds because they are encouraged to be respectful and kind. I've worked as a librarian there for nearly twenty years and have seen students blossom into fine human beings.
It can't be helped if a few individuals decide it's not the right school for their families. No school can expect to fulfill everyone's expectations, but it's wrong to create an extreme impression of a school that is by most objective measurable standards superior.
School librarian and former parent.

Reviewed by Parent/Guardian on May 25, 2010
Rating: (5 / 5) Flag as inappropriate
Two years ago, I was fortunate enough to discover Westminster School through my work with an area non-profit. It was love at first sight! No, the school is not for everyone.The curriculum is rigorous and the expectations are high. The children are challenged. They are expected to behave as young ladies and gentlemen. They are given the foundation needed to succeed in life. I often tell my boys, "If it is easy, why bother?" There is so much one can learn from struggle and even (GASP) failure. I can say that the teachers and adminstration care deeply for the children and want them to succeed. They have the best interests of our children at heart. Thank goodness for financial aid. WIthout it, we wouldn't be in this wonderful place! I wouldn't send my boys anywhere else. I wish I could take advantage of the preschool, but logistics prevent it. It's a 70 mile round-trip commute to school and it's worth every mile!

Reviewed by Staff Member on May 20, 2010
Rating: (5 / 5) Flag as inappropriate
I have been fortunate enough to have been a teacher at Westminster School for nearly ten years. Westminster School not only dedicates itself to shaping the minds of children, it also nurtures families and staff. The daily atmosphere at Westminster School is loving, caring, and respectful. Teachers are responsible for working with administrators and parents centered around one objective, each and every child. No detail about the social, emotional, and/or academic progress of a child is overlooked. Westminster teachers, administrators, and parents are a team. Over the years, I have witnessed a team that stands by each other through ups and downs, to ensure that EVERY child becomes a contributing member of society. The program at Westminster has been refined and perfected for nearly 50 years! We are a true family.

Reviewed by Parent/Guardian on May 16, 2010
Rating: (5 / 5) Flag as inappropriate
This is an excellent school where children are taught the value of hard work. The head of the school maintains high standards which can prove to be too much for some people. But those who stick with the program will be rewarded with incredibly well-prepared young people ready to face high school with confidence. An amazing curriculum steeped in the classics and rich in the arts. I highly recommend this excellent school. Don't most people read the school handbook before signing up? The rules are not a big secret. In fact, after looking at many schools, I found the honesty of the admission office very refreshing. Westminster is not trying to please everyone. They are about doing what is best for the children and what is right. If you are not afraid of hard work, this is a wonderful school. There is plenty of support for your kids if you want it.

Reviewed by Staff Member on May 13, 2010
Rating: (5 / 5) Flag as inappropriate
I joined the Westminster staff 14 years ago, excited by the excellence of the schoolâ€™s program and the opportunity to be part of an institution with high ideals and genuine integrity. I have never been disappointed. I have worked closely with both teachers and administrators, and can attest to their work ethic, talent, and dedication to the children in their care. My son attended Westminster, where he was respected, nurtured, guided, and challenged to be the best scholar and best person he could become. He also enjoyed many fun and enriching activities and friendships. As a result of his Westminster education and the confidence he gained, my son has achieved academic and personal success in high school and college. Iâ€™ve seen the same careful and loving guidance provided for hundreds of Westminster students, and credit this to the leadership, personal effort, and integrity of the schoolâ€™s headmaster and dedicated staff.

Reviewed by Parent/Guardian on May 09, 2010
Rating: (1 / 5) Flag as inappropriate
Beware of Westminster School. Don't drink the cult Kool-Aid. Their teachers are overworked and forced to constantly quiz and test the students. They call traditional education copying the book on the board for the children to copy down. They don't allow group work or collaborative learning. And the children are constantly yelled at or given a death stare to make them feel small and worthless. This is their Westminster-style discipline. They don't believe children learn differently. There is no school counselor or nurse. The Headmaster is the counselor. There are no IEPS. Also, don't forget, if you disagree with the school, you might as well leave. Things don't change. Strange occurrences happen at this school. They should be investigated. I had to protect my children and remove them from the school.

Reviewed by Parent/Guardian on April 28, 2010
Rating: (5 / 5) Flag as inappropriate
This school balances hard work with the arts in an amazing way. The head of the school is sure to take criticism as any strong leader will when he upholds standards and does what's right, rather than what's popular. The demands of the school are reasonable and develop character in today's children. I am grateful that this school has been there for my children.

Reviewed by Former Student on April 26, 2010
Rating: (5 / 5) Flag as inappropriate
I graduated from westminster four years ago, and the educated and atmosphere have put me well beyond the other students my age. This is the best school you can send you kids to. I will sending them there without question!

Reviewed by Parent/Guardian on April 21, 2010
Rating: (1 / 5) Flag as inappropriate
Yes, instead of providing an encouraging atmosphere of positive reinforcement, Westminster relies on a rigid and oppressive discipline structure that includes detentions, demerits and strikes, starting at age 7. Second graders get detentions (which they have to serve after school) for not having a sharpened pencil, leaving one item blank in their homework or forgetting book. The whole system is stressful and anxiety producing. The website and the admissions office don't talk about this - you have to ask for the Student/Parent Handbook and read it BEFORE signing your child up for the school.

Just take a look at the Yearbook and note the dwindling class sizes. There will always be spaces available at Westminster while the current Head and administration is in place.

Reviewed by Parent/Guardian on April 12, 2010
Rating: (5 / 5) Flag as inappropriate
The children are wonderful but the teachers are overworked, stressed out, and have an antiquated approach to behavior control and classroom management. They yell, shout and scream at the children and issue them detentions when they don't have their pencils sharpened. However, this is not their fault. The Headmaster requires this of them. He calls it the mission of the school. He is a tyrant and runs his teachers away as well as children who needs their needs met in different ways.

Reviewed by Parent/Guardian on March 17, 2010
Rating: (5 / 5) Flag as inappropriate
Westminster is wonderful environment for children. The teachers are very caring and love what they do. The head of the school is very dedicated to the school, the parents and especially, the students. The program is rich in the arts and the kids are taught to be kind and respectful. The curriculum is challenging and the children love learning. Standards are high at Westminster, that is true. In my opinion, we need more schools like Westminster. The world would be a better place!â€�1/2

Reviewed by Parent/Guardian on March 11, 2010
Rating: (5 / 5) Flag as inappropriate
This is a great school and the comment listed below about only accepting rich families is grossly false. This school cares about the students and if you care about the program in return, they will get you through all 9 years even if you are in financial need.

Reviewed by Parent/Guardian on October 10, 2009
Rating: (5 / 5) Flag as inappropriate
This is an excellent schol with a dedicated staff. Curriculum is rich in the classics and hard work is emphasized. Students and parents are a wonderful community.

Read All 28 Reviews ->

Faculty Details and Student Enrollment

Students and Faculty

Total Students Enrolled: 264
Total Full Time "Equivalent" Teachers: 27.4
Full-Time Teachers: 27
Part-Time Teachers: 1
Average Student-To-Teacher Ratio: 9.6
Percent Minority Students: 14.0%

Students Gender Breakdown

Males: 125 (47.3%)
Females: 139 (52.7%)

Student Enrollment Distribution by Race / Ethnicity

Westminster School Student Race Distribution

	Number	Percent
American Indian	-	-
Black	3	1.1%
Asian	19	7.2%
Hispanic	15	5.7%
White	227	86.0%

Number of Students Per Grade

	Number	Percent
Kindergarten	26	9.8%
1st Grade	36	13.6%
2nd Grade	30	11.4%
3rd Grade	31	11.7%
4th Grade	24	9.1%
5th Grade	29	11.0%
6th Grade	29	11.0%
7th Grade	32	12.1%
8th Grade	27	10.2%

Source: VA Department of Education, Source: NCES 2009-2010

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