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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What makes Westminster Christian Academy different from other schools?

   At Westminster it is not enough that students know the intricacies of mathematics or science or music; they must grasp how these disciplines--and every other discipline as well--have been created by God to help us understand the beauty of His creation, the tragedy of the fall, and the importance of commitment to restoration and reconciliation in whatever sphere of influence God places them. There is no equivocation about the source of truth at Westminster--all truth is God’s truth.

2. How do I apply?

   We encourage all applicants to apply online. If you have any additional questions about the application process, please contact Admissions Assistant Katie Boggs at 314.997.2900 or admissions@wcastl.org. Please complete both the parent and student applications. Our application fee is $50 and may be paid using a credit card during the online application process, or by check to Westminster Christian Academy, 10900 Ladue Road, St. Louis, MO 63141. Applications for the 20010-11 academic year will be accepted beginning November 3, 2009.

3. What is Westminster looking for in a prospective student?

   Westminster seeks to enroll well-rounded students who are motivated to pursue higher education, grow in a personal faith in Jesus Christ, and serve others. We welcome students who represent a variety of ethnic, denominational, and economic backgrounds.

4. Is Westminster accredited?

   Yes. Westminster is accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS) and Christian Schools International (CSI). We maintain membership with the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), Independent Schools of St. Louis (ISSL), Christian Schools Association of St. Louis (CSASL), and The College Board.

5. What is the average class size? What is the student/teacher ratio?

   Westminster currently enrolls 899 students: 260 in the Middle School and 610 in the Upper School. The average class size in the Upper School is 18.2. The teacher/student ratio for the school is 1 to 12.

6. Can I schedule a visit? Can my child attend a class?

   We encourage both parents and prospective students to visit Westminster on a school day in order to see whether the school would be a good fit for your child. We will arrange for your child to attend classes with a current student and are also happy to take you on a tour of the school. To arrange for a visit, please contact Admissions Assistant Katie Boggs at 314.997.2900 or admissions@wcastl.org.

7. How does Westminster support the educational needs of students with diagnosed learning disabilities?

   Westminster’s Special Services program enhances a student’s academic success by providing tools and strategies to utilize in the classroom, with homework and during testing. Special Services helps special learners to understand their learning profiles well enough to confidently adapt to a defined learning program. We limit this program to 10% of the students in a grade level. Contact Director of Special Services Lucy Erdmann at lerdman@wcastl.org for more information.

8. Does Westminster require an entrance exam?

   No. Westminster evaluates a student’s potential academic success based on the application in its entirety. We take grades, behavior record, teacher/pastor recommendations, standardized test scores, and the family interview all into account.

9. What is the tuition at Westminster? Are there additional fees?

   Tuition for the 2010-11 academic year is $12,200. Additional expenses may include books, athletic uniforms, extra-curricular trips, retreats and other school-related activities. These fees may range from $250 to $1250, depending on the student’s age and level of involvement.
   More information about tuition and fees

10. Does Westminster offer scholarships or financial aid?

    We offer financial aid to families on the basis of demonstrated financial need. Westminster awarded more than $1.3 million in need-based assistance for the 2009-2010 academic year.
    More information about financial aid

11. I don't think my family can afford Westminster and am not sure we'll qualify financial aid. Should we still apply?

    If you are unsure whether you will qualify for financial aid, you may contact Director of Finance Todd Fuller at 314.997.2900 for advice. If you are unsure that you would qualify for aid, but acknowledge that paying Westminster’s tuition and fees would be a financial hardship, then we highly encourage you to apply for financial aid. The process is confidential.
    More information about financial aid

12. Can my child play varsity sports as a freshman?

    Yes. Skill, not age, is most important. In addition, many other athletic opportunities are available on junior varsity and freshman teams and through club sports.

13. Does Westminster offer middle school sports teams?

    Yes. Middle school athletic teams are incorporated into our year-round physical education program. We encourage all seventh-grade students--regardless of their skill levels--to participate on sports teams. Even though students are placed on teams that are appropriate to their skill levels, we will not cut any seventh-grade student who displays an interest in a sport. Middle school team practices take place during the school day. Games are typically held after 5:30 p.m. or on Saturdays.
    More information about our athletic philosophy

14. How diverse is the student body?

    Westminster considers diversity to include socio-economic status, learning ability, church membership and ethnic background. During the 2009-2010 school year, our ethnic diversity was 15.8%, made up of African American, Hispanic, Native American, multiracial, and international students. Our families attend more than 175 churches and represent many Christian denominations. Ten percent of our students participate in the Special Services program that provides for the educational needs of students with diagnosed learning disabilities. More than 20% of the student body receives financial aid.

15. Does Westminster promote diversity?

    Westminster seeks to foster a community that embraces the cultural, ethnic, racial, denominational, and socioeconomic diversity reflected in our unity in Christ and the Kingdom of God. Westminster admits qualified students of any race, color, sex, and national or ethnic origin.

16. What happens to applicants when a class' enrollment is full?

    If an applicant is qualified to attend Westminster but there are no spaces currently available, the applicant’s name will be placed in a wait pool.The wait pool is made up of qualified applicants available to fill a specific opening in a specific grade. If and when an opening becomes available, the Admissions Committee will convene and select the most appropriate candidate for the opening.

17. What colleges do Westminster students attend?

    Ninety-eight percent of our 2009 graduating class is headed to college. Of those students, 45% selected a public college, and 55% chose a private college.
    More information about college placement

18. How are parents involved in the school community?

    Parents Advancing Westminster (PAW) offers many opportunities for parents to serve the Westminster community with their time and talents. We encourage parents to attend performances and special on-campus programs as well as sporting events and other community events, such as Wildcat Pride Weekend in October.

19. Do students wear a uniform?

    No. Westminster’s dress code encourages students to make good choices founded on biblical principles rather than merely conforming to a list of rules. We expect students to exemplify biblical standards in their dress as well as their attitudes and lifestyles. Further, we encourage parental direction and support because the burden of supervision rests on parents. Students are given responsible freedom to make wise decisions based on the following guiding principles: modesty and moderation, cleanliness and neatness, and appropriateness.

20. Does the school offer Advanced Placement (AP) classes?

    Yes. We offer 14 distinct AP classes.

21. What are the school hours?

    Students may be dropped off as early at 6:30 a.m. The weekly schedule is as follows:
    Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 7:55 a.m. to 3 p.m.
    Thursday: 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

    
    

Additional Information

We're so glad that you're taking the time to see whether Westminster might be a good fit for your student and your family. If you'd like to receive printed information about Westminster, please complete our Information Request form or call 314.997.2900.

If you or your child would like to ask a current Westminster student a question, you may email him or her through our Talk to a Student program.

To schedule a visit, please contact our Admissions office at 314.997.2900 or admissions@wcastl.org.