History, Mission and Values

History of Westminster Schools

Westminster Schools of Augusta was founded in 1972 as a ministry of First Presbyterian Church of Augusta. Westminster continues to be a ministry of this church, however, the school and church are separate entities. The school’s headmaster is responsible for the day-to-day operation and long-range planning of the school and is a member of First Presbyterian Church.

With a current enrollment of nearly 600 students  in Pre-K through grade 12, our school has come a long way from the beginning with 178 students in 1st through 8th grade in borrowed facilities. A year later, the school was able to add kindergarten classes at yet another borrowed facility.

In 1974, Westminster purchased 25-acres on Wheeler Road in West Augusta and the following year the elementary and high school buildings opened for classes. In 1980, Westminster Day School was restructured to become Westminster Day School (Pre-K-6th grades) and Westminster Preparatory School (7th-12th grades). In 2000, Westminster was restructured again, and Westminster Middle School was created for 6th-8th grade.

Westminster Schools of Augusta is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and by the Southern Association of Independent Schools. Professional memberships include the National Association of Independent Schools, Education Records Bureau, Georgia Independent School Association, the National Association for College Admission Counseling, The College Board, and the National Association of Secondary School Principals.

Mission Statement

Westminster seeks to glorify God by providing an excellent education that equips students to live extraordinary lives for Jesus Christ.

Core Values

Jesus Christ

We endeavor to place Jesus Christ at the center of everything we do.
Therefore:

  • We strive to have love and grace permeate and influence all relationships.
  • We seek to integrate Christian faith and practice into every Westminster experience.
  • We prepare students to understand and lead lives from a biblical perspective.
  • We desire that students know and enjoy Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior and grow in relationship with Him.

Made in God’s Image

We believe that every person is created in God’s image.
Therefore:

  • We seek to know, love, and serve all students as individuals, recognizing and developing their unique gifts and abilities, that they may accomplish God’s purpose for their lives.
  • We acknowledge, appreciate, and adjust to the various ways that students learn.

Christ-like Character

We develop students of integrity and honor who embrace and emulate Christ-like character.
Therefore:

  • We develop students with the knowledge, courage, and leadership to engage the challenges of today’s world.
  • We develop students who find joy in serving others before self.

Excellence

We strive towards excellence in all things, to the glory of God.
Therefore:

  • We commit to prepare students for success in college and life.
  • We strive to develop well-rounded students.
  • We believe that excellence involves doing one’s very best and includes pursuing and attaining high standards.

Education for Influence

We positively influence our community and the world around us.
Therefore:

  • We challenge and encourage students to take action with their Christian faith.
  • We steward our resources to serve Westminster, the greater Augusta community, and the world.
  • We seek to expand access to the education we offer by providing need-based financial aid.