The Westminster Schools

My only familiarity was in the admission process since we live in the area. Ultimately we opted not to apply our children though the facilities were top notch. Most private schools have uniform dress, but for some reason, Westminster does not. At those ages, that was a negative point with me since competition in clothing is a senseless endeavor. We know a number of parents who have had good experiences except for some who thought their college admission counselors were loathe to recommend any state schools versus more expensive and so-called elite private schools.

Great college prep school --- my kids went onto MIT, Stanford and Johns Hopkins !
—Submitted by a parent

Not impressed with the admissions staff at all! We applied to other private schools in Atlanta and their directors were amazing! I cant imagine what the school is like if their directors are this RUDE! No way would I send my daughter to this school!
—Submitted by a parent

My son attended The Westminster School for his 7th grade year and has had nothing less than positive experieces. he's a black male and is thriving in this atmosphere. He's a great student but not very athletic, but played football for the first time in his life for Westminster and has now become more involved into sports, he enjoys all the social events and activities and has made lots of friends. He is very excited about returning next year.
—Submitted by a parent

My children attend a different private school in Atlanta, but compete against Westminster in sports. Out of all the schools they compete against, Westminster is the one school I'd prefer not to associate with. Westminster typically wins in whatever event they're competing in, but the students and parents are oblivious to common social protocol. It seems their lives are completely wrapped up in winning, period. When they are down I have seen athletes yell, question calls, and complain to their coach. From the sidelines, the parents bad-mouth the opposing players. In short, it's simply an unpleasant environment.

As a former student - these are my opinions on the school. They may be negative and read as a rant, but after going back there and learning what has changed, I feel obligated to add my perspective to the discourse - my review and reasons can be found here - pastebin.com/pG9RjrfG

As a former student - these are my opinions on the school. They may be negative and read as a rant, but after going back there and learning what has changed, I feel obligated to add my perspective to the discourse - my review and reasons can be found here - pastebin.com/pG9RjrfG

Westminster has been a phenomenal Middle & High School experience for my child. There s something here to interest and challenge every motivated, creative, bright child academics, art, music, drama, sports of all kinds, robotics, math, languages, debate, social service & action, personal discovery, and more. The opportunities for both wide-ranging and in-depth experiences that foster growth for the whole child are amazing. The children who attend this school don t graduate having been shaped by a homogenizing cookie cutter. They are well equipped for college and beyond. That being said, the school will not be a good fit for every child; the admissions office typically does a good job of placing students who have the potential to do well in the rigorous environment.
—Submitted by a parent

Westminster is the school to send your child to if they are extremely high achieving in all areas (including academics, sports, and social life), and can take criticism from college-style teachers. It takes a lot of self-confidence and dedication to thrive at this school.

I went to Westminster from 6th grade to tenth grade, I then switched over to Lovett, it was the best choice I've made. I didn't really enjoy the atmosphere at Westminster, and I'm glad I made the switch to Lovett. The parents at Westminster were snobby and the kids a lot of the kids were jerks, but there were nice kids too.

As a former student as well as former parent I speak with years of knowledge regardingthiss terrible horrible school. The reason it looks good is because it is constantly installing new people in place of those they deem imperfect. Whether you are a beloved veteran teacher who gets fired for something trivial or a student who angers a child with the wrong last name, throwing people out is the automatic response of administration. Furthermore, staff are treated like slaves. The place is run as a cut-throat business and is not a place for children. I am speaking from years of observation and sadness at seeing others brutally crushed by this school.
—Submitted by a parent

39 National Merit Semi-Finalists. Most in state, despite a graduating class of only 188. Need I say more ?

I'm a student at Westminster, and have been since 9th grade. The school is simply incredible: students are very friendly, the faculty are knowledgeable and passionate about their subjects, and the campus and facilities are just otherworldly. However, if you are switching, be prepared for a rough adjustment period, especially academically. The courses are all taught college-style, with minimal, if any, grade inflation, and the workload, especially at the beginning and end of each semester, can be overwhelming. In addition, tests are based, more so in advanced courses, on insight and deep understanding of topics rather than simple regurgitation of facts and formulae. You will almost certainly have to change your study habits, and don't be surprised if you go from straight A's to mainly B's and C's, especially if you are enrolling in honors and AP courses, as the caliber of the average Westminster student is head and shoulders above the average student at any other school. But if you are looking for a place to challenge yourself in all aspects of schooling, Westminster is the school for you.

I am a senior at Westminster, and I've been at the school for the last six and a half years. I've had a blast here--my friends are great, my teachers all know their stuff and keep the classes interesting and engaging. I can't say enough good things about this school. Indulge a brief anecdote: I came from the DeKalb Public Schools, and my first impression of Westminster was it's wonderful bathrooms. You see, public elementary school bathrooms are about as clean as their occupants are tall, and, well, let's just say that I was pleasantly surprised to enter a school lavatory that was so clean I felt like, in comparison, I could eat off the counter (if not the floor....). Okay, what does this have to do with a helpful review? What began with an infatuation over the cleanliness of the bathrooms rapidly expanded to include a pleasant astonishment over the academic rigor and cultural vitality of the institution of which I am proud to be a part. Although I most certainly intend to graduate this spring, I will be truly sorry to leave such a fine school.

This is my fourth year as a Westminster student; I transferred here in 6th grade. I can't even think of a negative experience I've had at this school. I'm sure other people have already said this, but this school could be very difficult for anyone who has a lot of trouble staying organized and motivating themselves to stay focused. Personally, I have loved this school because of its wonderful teachers and my fellow students. It's the perfect school for students who enjoy learning and are good at organization and are self-motivated. I've never yet had a bad teacher!

Each of my children switched to Westminster starting in 6th grade after completing elementary school in the Dekalb County Public Schools. Switching to Westminster was one of the best decisions we ever made -- the teachers and students are fabulous -- smart and engaging in a nurturing way that encourages each student to reach their full potential. This is a fantastic school for self-motivated students.
—Submitted by a parent

Given its historical success, unmatched resources, broad and influencial alumni base and college-like campus, Westminster is considered by most to be the premier academic private school in Atlanta and one of the best in the country. Westminster does focus on helping students to excel, finding a passion, and preparing for college and life. Its matriculation record each year easily leads the Metro Atlanta schools both public and private and it programs help mold the committed student into an adult ready for the next phase of life. While the school does have its pockets of wealth and a university-like endowment, its commitment to diversity and community service really does help provide a well rounded experience. It attracts the best students, so it can feel competitive, but motivated students will thrive in the environment and others will learn to develp skills to help them succeed, both reinforced by exposure to intelligent classmates.
—Submitted by a parent

Westminster is a good school for many and a great school for some. Which means if you have an outstanding student/athlete, then you should send them here to be surrounded by kids who are also at the top of their game. If you have a student who is smart or athletic but not superior in these areas, then you might end up feeling disappointed. Which is to say that they are great on the great students, not so good on the good students. The problem this creates for families is the issue. Not every kid in the family is capable of meeting the extremely high standards academically or athletically, and life gets difficult when some kids thrive and others 'fail' at the same school.
—Submitted by a parent

My child enrolled at Westminster at the beginning of junior high school after attending Atlanta public schools K-5. The transition was smooth, our child never missed a beat academically and has thrived in an atmosphere that encourages and supports pursuit of achievement and excellence in all aspects of life, not just the classroom. Westminster welcomes and respects diversity, and holds awards and honors assemblies for parents to recognize academic achievement on a level equal to the fine support of the successful athletic program. Excellence in teaching is an emphasis, and the administration is strong. Our child had a choice of three of the city's top private schools when he applied and this was the best fit and our family's experience has exceeded our expectations for Westminster. Great preparation for top universities.
—Submitted by a parent

Westminster is all around a disappointment after previously attending a different private school in the Atlanta area. Most of the teachers are unsatisfactory, and the administration does a terrible job handling problems.
—Submitted by a student