Our Christian Roots
Westminster has historic ties to both the North Avenue Presbyterian School and Washington Seminary–but has always distinguished itself from covenant, denominational, parish, and parochial schools. Christian covenant schools have a proclaimed mission to educate the children of Christian parents. They typically require families and employees to ascribe to a particular shared theology and doctrine for enrollment, and may require one or both parents to be active Christians. Parochial schools, parish schools, and denominational schools have formal affiliations with particular denominations or individual church congregations, and in so doing ascribe to specific theological perspectives in teaching and Christian practice.
At Westminster, you will find tremendous diversity of students and families connected to many faiths and many expressions and theological perspectives of those various faiths. Most importantly, you will find a community grounded in learning from one another, in love and in service.
The Westminster community is guided by Jesus’ teaching to love and serve, seeking to model the scriptural description of Jesus as “growing in wisdom and in stature, and in favor with God and man.”Scripture from Luke 2:52
Expressions of Faith
One of the ways we honor our Chrsitian roots is through offering continued opportunities to pause in consideration of the sacred. Our school year is marked by several longstanding traditions of the Christian faith.
Blessing of the Backpacks
Each year a special service is held to welcome freshmen and their families to the Upper School. Students place backpacks on the School’s Seal on Pressly Plaza and form a large circle. Teachers and parents form a second ring around the students as they join in prayer.
The Messiah Performance
In celebration of the Christmas season, the Westminster community comes together in McCain Chapel each December for this beloved tradition that dates back more than three decades. Alumni join current students and Westminster’s community chorale to perform the Christmas Portion of Handel’s Messiah in McCain Chapel.
The Lower School Christmas Pageant
The Lower School Christmas Pageant is one of the most anticipated events of the year. Love Hall students cherish this special tradition, learning songs of the season in English, French, and Spanish for the occasion. In addition to the white-robed choir, students also take on the roles of the Holy Family, shepherds, angels, and the Magi and celebrate the Nativity through yuletide songs and biblical recitations.
Christian Emphasis Week
Annually, each division devotes a week to developmentally appropriate special speakers, activities, and student discussion centered on Christianity. Christian Emphasis Week is designed by the chaplains and student leaders within each division. This is a special and intentional time to highlight and celebrate the inspiring and purposeful diversity of Christian theological perspectives, thought, backgrounds, styles of worship, and ways of understanding one’s spiritual journey.
Worship Services
Students across all divisions attend ecumenical Christian worship services in celebration of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. Additional opportunities for prayer, reflection, and worship are also offered at various times throughout the school year.
Middle School Bible Study Groups
Weekly Bible studies led by Upper School students provide Middle Schoolers the opportunity to learn about the Christian faith alongside peers and mentors. The groups foster deep connections that many students maintain well after graduation.
Friday Morning Fellowship
For more than three decades, Upper Schoolers have gathered before school on Fridays to participate in student-led fellowship. Students sing worship songs, hear a Christian message of inspiration from a fellow student, and enjoy a breakfast treat.
Chapel Council
Members of the Middle School Chapel council are responsible for the planning and execution of monthly assemblies that offer opportunities inspiration, reflection, and celebration within the Middle School community. The Council offers students a unique leadership opportunity that directly connects to their spiritual development.