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January 2021 by Mojan N.
Westminster has been such an incredible experience for our whole family. It is such a unique place that instills a culture of acceptance, diversity, compassion, and excellence.I'm really impressed with how they've handled themselves during Covid -- they seem to be the only ones that have their act together amongst both public and private schools. They didn't even skip a beat! They have a very strong curriculum that is unmatched, and really I appreciate how they place such an emphasis on developing courteous, cultured, and well-rounded individuals.Every aspect of the school is so intentionally thought-out for the benefit of the children. Their classical education program is impressive and very hard to come by these days. They also have a pretty stelar arts program, giving kids the ability to express themselves through music, theatre, dance, art, literature, etc. To top it off, the community aspect at Westminster is so beautiful. It's more than a school, it's a family unit -- a second home. I wish we had more programs and places like Westminster School in the world! I highly recommend it for kids pre-K through 8!
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December 2020 by Julie L.
I attended this school from 2nd-8th grade. I wish I could warn every parent thinking about sending their child to this school. It is way too expensive for what it is. The teachers are okay, but not qualified. Public school teachers have more qualifications. The staff is questionable. There are a lot of children of staff or former staff working there. The people who run the school are Ellis Glover (Headmaster) and Nancy Schuler. They are siblings. Glover is extremely emotional and I can't count how many times he threw a tantrum to us students after one thing didn't go his way in play practice (acting wasnt up to his standards or kids were acting up). It was almost as if he was going to cry at times. He has no life outside of these plays and acts as if he is a Broadway director. This school really enjoys reprimanding the students. If you don't attend an optional event, you are outspokenly reprimanded and punished. One time, during 8th grade play practice, my dad wanted to pick me up early since I was not going to see him for a month (business trip). Glover and Glazier picked a fight with him and punished me the next day in his office because of this. They felt that 8th grade play practice was WAY more important than me spending time with my dad who I wasn't going to see for a while. Another time, I didn't want to attend the optional school dance and Schuler saw me in the hallway and talked to me for an hour about how disappointed in me she was. At times, it felt like emotional abuse. They also encourage graduates to attend private high schools so they look good and say that their graduates have gone on to Ivy Leagues, but absolutely NOBODY in my grade went to an Ivy League. I'm honestly shocked this school is still functioning.
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November 2018 by Nargess Moghaddam
I am a parent to two Westminster graduates. If your concern in selecting a school for your child is finding a safe environment that they feel happy and comfortable in while learning, then you have found it. Both my daughter's, who are now young adults, refer to their Westminster years as a great experience that started in kindergarten where they found their best friends for life. They want their kids to attend the school and share the same diverse and rich experience they had as a kid. I enjoy hearing and knowing that our choice for them was the right one and we too had the privilege of having the comfort of knowing that our kids were safe, happy, and getting great education in an accepting and diverse environment.
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November 2017 by NICOCRAFT
Its okay
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November 2017 by A. Davis
Excellent kindergarten program. Well rounded w art, drama, sports, French, and etiquette. My 5 year old can read. He is more advanced and better prepared than my older children were for 1st grade after they attended a Montessori school and a Fairfax public school.
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November 2017 by Lawrence Machabee
hands down the most well-rounded and comprehensive classical education for elementary and middle school students in northern virginia.
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November 2017 by Mark Pertuit
Incredible school! I'm very thankful my kids can go to Westminster!
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November 2016 by Alimjan
I called them and the lady said if your child couldn't speak English we can't take her .
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November 2016 by TheCringes ofTheCringiest
This school has plays. I think thats a good thing!
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November 2016 by Jay Moore
I only recently became acquainted with Westminster School, and have had until now no vested interest in the school. I have been learning a great deal about this unique place from its administrators, parents, students, and alumni/ae. The curriculum is truly one of a kind - emphasizing the classics, including Latin, penmanship, the fine arts, theater, and a variety of basic skills (including civility) that have all but been forgotten in other schools. These are the sort of skills which make its graduates stand out among others. Personally, I have seen some of its graduates in secondary education settings and they truly have excelled, which is why I agreed to serve on Westminster's board. A bonus - the campus is a little gem in centrally-located Annandale. I look forward to working with Westminster for many years to assist them in their goal - to provide a superior education to exceptional young men and women. If you seek an outstanding education at an affordable price, you simply must consider Westminster.
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November 2015 by Sonny Abbasi
Great school that gives kids a leg up in High School.
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November 2015 by karen Smith
What can I say? My child had several teachers during the year because the school constantly fired them...essentially giving my child a traumatic experience after she had become attached to them because the vice principal "didn't like them" even though the parents were happy. The principal has no personal teaching experience himself and it reflects it. Pulling my kids for next year.
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November 2015 by T Frost
Extensive curriculum, caring teachers, and passionate leaders at Westminster School
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November 2012 by Mark Sutton
My daughter graduated in 2012 after eight years at this school. She has just been admitted to Mary Baldwin College at age 14 to study Renaissance literature (which includes English Renaissance theater performance) and will minor in French. Westminster gave her an excellent background in French, Latin, math, history (both European and American), English literature and a very refined sense of English grammar: a claim supported by her SAT scores (taken in the middle of 8th grade she scored far better than most high school students planning to enter college). She was admitted to one of the most elite high schools in Fairfax, but personally assessed that it would not provide the intellectual stimulation she craves. My daughter is not a genius, she simply has an intense desire to learn. Westminster completely satisfied that desire for eight years by keeping her with great books, great teachers and a real sense of intellectual accomplishment. We love, and deeply respect the headmaster, who takes a serious interest in the development of each child. If you send your child to this school, your most serious problem may be that you will not find a high school which truly picks up where Westminster leaves off.
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November 2010 by Jeffrey Brown
We have been with Westminster School for seven years now. Admittedly the school is not easy, however, we did not sign up for our three (soon to be four) children in school to just "slide through" and not learn. We have found the rigorous curriculum has made our children more mature and able to handle their studies much better than when we were children ourselves, i.e. these kids are WAY AHEAD of where we were at their age. Westminster has always taught them to be honorable and trustworthy with their peers. And, when a mistake is made they accept the consequences and learn from it.We are VERY upset about the derogatory postings from a certain parent whose children acted dishonorably to our school. Such parents need to learn what honor is all about and to teach the same to their children. Sorry it had to be the school that had to teach this to them.We are convinced the school produces a great education and feel there is a wonderful exchange for the money we pay. Westminster actually is an Axis of Goodwill, Caring, and Love that will stay with the student all their lives. By the way - we are the BROWN family.
