Westminster Academy

My child has attend WA for a number of years. We have always loved the school, the teachers, the principal... until this year. The new principal is a joke. He thinks he is the best thing since sliced bread and a lot of parents pulled their children out of the school this year because of him. When my child makes the comment to me that the principal claims to be all about the children, but only talks about himself...you know something is wrong. He claimed to do all of the great things at other schools but upon trying to find information on him, I could find absolutely nothing. The board really missed the mark when they hired this guy. I've heard he will not be back next year, for whatever reason, and I think that's a good thing. Also, what they don't tell you is that the school has 130-140 students in grades k2-6 but probably 60 + are in K2-K4. This school has turned into a daycare center. I've heard they will not have a 6th grade for the 12-13 school year because nobody is returning. 4 stars for the education end of only. Deserving of only 1 for the leadership of the school.
--Submitted by a parent

If you want your child to really grow as a person academically, athletically, musically, and not be focused on the Mississippi State Test Westminster Academy is the place to be. The school is not religious based, it's not pricey so there is a wide range of family income levels, and the diversity is broad. . . . it's simply a place where all the families know their child is going to college. The expectations are high and the students rise to the occasion every time. It's a wonderful little school and the new principal is really leading Westminster into a wonderful future.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter is in the PK4 program at Westminster. We moved here from PHX where she attended a very pricey and very elite private school. i have to say that I am more than impressed with this new school. They have a brand new school Principal this year and he is doing a great job at getting things done, sprucing up the campus and interacting with the families that attend WA. My daughter loves her new teacher and the teachers aid as well. After one day they all realized my girl was beyond the normal academics for her age group and moved her to a classroom where she could learn at her pace, still maintaining her same grade level. That is so important for maturity levels to be among kids your own age group. I think my favorite part is the parent involvement. I love Assembly Fridays and watching all the students grown and shine each week is a great and rewarding challenge each week.
--Submitted by a parent

This is, overall, a wonderful school. There has been a lot of growth at the school within the past few years. That means the school is constantly evolving in terms of having to add staff and a growing number of students. Still, the leadership of the principal in beyond compare. I can't imagine anyone more dedicated. Relative to public schools, class sizes are small, 20 kids or less. WA offers a very well-rounded curriculum with art, Spanish and music along with the core subjects. WA offers a very warm, nurturing environment with caring teachers/staff and friendly/happy kids. There are two plays put on by the students each year and the Christmas production will melt your heart. There is also a parent-friendly assembly each Friday morning, which really keeps the school united.
--Submitted by a parent

I am not sure which parent feels there is a lack of leadership but I would strongly disagree. Dr. Styles is a wonderful principle and incredibly involved. My child is just beginning her 7th year and I am just as happy with the school now as I was when she was in Pre-K when I left my first review on this website. I am not sure if we have been lucky with the teachers she has had but we have not had a problem nor complaint with one of them. They have all been absolutely wonderful and my daughter would not want to attend a different school for anything. Keep up the great work!
--Submitted by a parent

Since the other reviews appear to be quite old I would like to add an update. My Son has attended Westminster for several years and although there are still some very good teachers there, overall the school has deteriorated in the nurturing and caring attitude the school was know for. I place some of the blame on the teacher and staff turnover and the rest of the blame on a lack of leadership. The school has progessively worstened in the key areas mentioned above and without a change they will unlikely survive on past reputation alone.
--Submitted by a parent

The school provides a safe and caring environment for my child to learn. If your child requires a little extra attention or if that is what you are looking for in a school - this is the place for you. The extras are definitely worth the cost. What is the cost of not providing your child with the best possible education? I asked myself that question and determined that I cannot afford not to send my children to Westminster. Westminster focuses on developing the whole person while providing a very strong academic foundation for students to build on. The faculty and staff are great to work with and give constant feedback as to my child's progress. -- John Zollinger, Gulfport, MS
--Submitted by John Zollinger, a parent

WA is a school that I highly recommend to any parents who are looking for a place that strives to bring out the best in each child. It has small classes that allows individual attention to each student. The teachers and staff know each child and make sure that the child has a positive learning experience. The teachers are a dedicated and experienced group, and under the capable leadership of the principal, Brenda Stiles, Ph.D., they all bring out the best in each student. My 8th grade daughter still talks positively about WA. It was the perfect foundation for her early academic years. My 2nd grader is well known by the faculty who offers praise when appropriate or firm guidance when needed. Discipline and respect are part of the foundation of WA. You owe it to yourself and your child to see if Westminster is the school for you.
--Submitted by Catherine Rusch, a parent

I am a former student and am now a graduate of Mississippi College in Clinton, MS. Westminster is more than any parent can hope for. The hands on approach to learning provided me with the background I needed to pursue higher learning.
--Submitted by Sarah Estes, a former student

Westminster Academy has provided an excellent education to all three of my children. Two of my children have gone on to excel at other schools based on the excellent educational basis obtained from Westminster.
--Submitted by a parent