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Frequently Asked Questions

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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 and when?

   Applications are available on our website at Apply to Westminster or by contacting Katie Boggs, Admissions Assistant, at 314-997-2900 or at admissions@wcastl.org. Complete the parent application and student application and send them with a $50.00 check to Westminster Christian Academy, 10900 Ladue Road, St. Louis, MO 63141. Applications for the 2008-09 academic year will be accepted beginning November 1, 2007.

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

   Westminster seeks to enroll well-rounded students who are motivated to pursue higher education, to grow in a personal faith in Jesus Christ, and to serve others. Westminster welcomes students representing various ethnic, denominational, and economic backgrounds who will bring diversity to the school community.

4. Are you 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 enrolls 850 students – 250 in the middle school and 600 in the upper school. In the middle school, class sizes range from 16 - 18 per class. The average class size in the upper school is 18.5. The student/teacher ratio for the school is 1 to 12.

6. How do I arrange a school visit for my student and me?

   A visit to the school for both parents and student is recommended as part of the admissions process. If you are interested in scheduling a shadow visit for your student or an appointment to tour the school, contact Katie Boggs, Admissions Assistant, at 314-997-2900 or admissions@wcastl.org.

7. Does Westminster have a program to support the educational needs of students with diagnosed learning disabilities?

   Yes. The goal of Westminster’s Special Services program is to enhance 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 compensate according to a defined learning program. Placement in the program is limited to 10% per grade level. Contact Lucy Erdmann, Director of Special Services, at lerdman@wcastl.org for more information.

8. Does my student take an entrance exam to be considered for admission?

   No. Westminster evaluates a student’s potential academic success based on the application in its entirety – grades, behavior record, teacher/pastor recommendation, standardized test scores, and family interview.

9. What is the tuition at Westminster?

   Are there additional fees? For the complete description of tuition and additional fees, see TUITION AND FEES. Tuition for the 2008 - 09 academic year is $11, 050. Additional fees, books, and other school-related expenses range from $250 to $1250, depending on the student’s grade and involvement.

10. Does Westminster offer scholarships or financial aid?

    While Westminster does not provide academic or athletic scholarships, it does offer financial aid for families on the basis of demonstrated financial need. Westminster awarded over $850,000 in need-based assistance in 2007-08. For more information, see FINANCIAL AID.

11. I am not sure if I can afford Westminster or if my family will qualify for financial aid. Is it worth applying?

    If you are unsure whether you will qualify for financial aid, you may contact Todd Fuller, Director of Finance, for advice. From Westminster’s perspective, if you are unsure that you would qualify for aid, but acknowledge that paying Westminster’s tuition and fees will be a financial hardship, you should go ahead and apply for aid. The process is confidential. See FINANCIAL AID for more information.

12. Can my student play varsity sports as a ninth grader?

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

13. Does the middle school have sports?

    Yes. The middle school athletic teams are incorporated into the year-round physical education program. All 7th grade students are invited to play on any sport of their choosing. While players are placed on a skill level-appropriate team, no 7th grade student will be denied the opportunity to play on a team. Team practice takes place during regular school hours. Typically, games are scheduled after 5:30 p.m. or on Saturdays.

14. How diverse is the student body?

    Westminster considers diversity to include socio- economic status, learning ability, church membership and ethnic background. In 2007-08, our ethnic diversity was 14.4%, made up of African American, Hispanic, Native American, multiracial, and international students. Our families attend over 160 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. Financial aid provides assistance to 17% of the students.

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 about wait lists?

    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. When and if 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?

    The statistics from the graduation class of 2007 recorded 100% college-bound, 42% of the class selected a college in-state, 51% selected a public college, and 49% chose a private college. See AT A GLANCE for a complete listing of colleges.

18. How do parents get involved?

    The Parent Advancing Westminster (PAW) offers many opportunities for parents to serve with their time and talents. Parents are encouraged to attend performances and special on-campus programs as well as sporting events.

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 since the burden of supervision rests with 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. AP classes are available in 14 disciplines.

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. – 3:00 p.m.
    Thursday - 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

We're glad you're interested in Westminster Christian Academy!!

Many admissions publications, including application forms, can be found on our website, but if you would like to receive other printed information about Westminster, please fill out the form below or call 314 997-2900.

If you'd like to ask questions of a current Westminster student, you can email them through our TALK TO A STUDENT program.

To schedule an individual visit, please contact our Office of Admissions at 314-997-2900.