School Info : Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Westminster a Christian school?
A: Yes, Westminster Christian Academy is a parochial school, a ministry of Redeemer Presbyterian Church (PCA). Redeemer was founded with the particular vision of including a Christian school in the church's mission. The school board is required to have a simple majority of Redeemer church members and the church session has financial and spiritual oversight of the school ministry.
Q: How long has Westminster been around?
A: Westminster Christian Academy is a parochial school, a ministry of Redeemer Presbyterian Church (PCA). Redeemer was founded with the particular vision of including a Christian school in the church's mission. After years of planning and preparation by the congregation of Redeemer, which was originally planted in 1992, Westminster opened its doors in the fall of 1996 with an initial enrollment of nine students in kindergarten and first grade. The student body expanded, two new classroom wings and a gymnasium were added and in 2005 Westminster Christian Academy served grades K-8 with an enrollment of over 225 students. As the school prepares to add a high school, an additional principal has been hired to administer the junior high (grades 7 and 8) and to launch grades 9 and 10 in the Fall of 2007. Grades 11 and 12 will follow.
Q: Do I have to be a member of the PCA or Redeemer to send my children there?
A: No, but at least one parent must be a believer and a church member in good standing. The application requires a recommendation from your pastor, as well. At least 20 different churches are represented in our student body. To further acquaint yourself with the doctrine taught by our church and school, we suggest you review the Westminster Confession, which contains the system of theology derived directly from the Bible. You can request a copy of the Confession from the school office or view it online here.
Q: Where does the name "Westminster" come from?
A: Westminster is a distinctly Presbyterian name, as the historic Presbyterian churches subscribe to the Westminster Confession, a systematic summary of the teachings of the entire Bible, which originated in 1643 in England. You may also view the Westminster Shorter Catechism, which is a series of questions and answers, especially designed to teach children the basic tenets of the Christian faith. The Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) subscribes to the doctrine contained in these theological works; Redeemer is a member of the PCA.
Q: How can parents get involved?
A: There are a number of ways in which our parents help their children's teachers, as well as the school in general. There are numerous committees on which to serve, as well as various other needs throughout the school year. Please check our committee list. If you have particular gifts and skills, we are always interested in hearing about them and how you may be able to use them at Westminster.
Q: How can grandparents (and other family members) help?
A: Every fall, Westminster hosts a Grandparents' Day. Grandparents can see the classrooms and meet the teachers of their grandchildren, as well as get a feel for their grandchild's school day. This event coincides with the Fall Auction, Westminster's biggest fundraising event. Extended family is encouraged to attend this fun and festive evening, as well as other events on the school calendar, such as the Christmas and spring programs. Grandparents and other family can also help financially. There are many meaningful ways to give to an organization, but careful planning and thoughtful timing can increase the benefits of your gift. Giving Options
Q: How does Westminster's tuition compare with other schools?
A: Westminster's tuition is lower than most private schools in the area and is very competitive with other Christian schools in the area. Tuition
Q: Are there tuition payment plans?
A: Yes, there are three ways to pay tuition. You can pay the full amount at the beginning of the year and receive a three percent discount, you can pay in two installments (June and January) and you can have a monthly amount automatically withdrawn from your checking account.
Q: Is financial aid available?
A: Whenever possible, the school endeavors to assist families who wish their children to receive a Christian education by offering need-based financial aid. You can view more information on financial aid.
Q: What curriculum do you use?
A: Westminster uses a variety of curricula from both Christian and secular publishers. Our curriculum is regularly reviewed to ensure it is meeting the students' needs. To view a listing of all curricula taught in our school, please go to Curriculum Sequence.
Q: What standardized testing is offered at Westminster?
A: Westminster administers the Iowa Basic Skills tests every other year. The last testing-which took place in 2006-2007--put Westminster in the 94th percentile.
Q: To what professional organizations does Westminster belong?
A: Westminster is a member of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI), an organization which currently serves 5,300 member schools in approximately 100 countries with an enrollment of nearly 1.2 million students. Programs and services are designed top assist Christian schools at every grade level including early education and high education.
Q: What special subjects do you offer?
A: Westminster offers the following specials: Chapel, Computer, Spanish, Phys Ed, Music and Art. Chapel is conducted by the pastors of Redeemer Presbyterian Church. The traditional service includes hymn-singing, confession of sin and a Scripture lesson and offers students the opportunity to participate in worship with their fellow students. It is held on Wednesday mornings at 8:30 AM and the public is invited to join the student body and staff at any time. Afternoon kindergarten classes have a special session with the pastor on the same afternoon, utilizing the same lesson. Computer is a necessary part of modern life. Students begin in Kindergarten, learning basic skills and reinforcing those skills through type-to-learn, educational programs and games. Keyboarding receives more emphasis in upper grades as students begin to utilize the computer for word processing functions. Additional components include PowerPoint and other advanced programs, which are added as appropriate. Spanish is taught twice a week. Learning through repetition is an ideal way to introduce students to a foreign language. As students progress, they are introduced to other aspects of language-learning: conversation, reading in the language, and the histories and cultures associated with the Spanish-speaking world. Physical Education provides both a necessary outlet for youthful energy and a further understanding of games and rules, sportsmanship and our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit. Emphasis is on mastering basic concepts, individual skills and team-playing; having fun is also an important part of this class. Music is a part of everyday life and this class seeks to teach students rudimentary skills, which will enhance their enjoyment of this art form. Singing, rhythm, reading notes and great composers are all aspects, which are taught at Westminster. The highlight of each semester is the all-school program-one held around Christmas, the other in the spring. Students are encouraged to utilize their musical talents to glorify God. Art seeks to glorify God through the child's aesthetic development. Each child is endowed with varying degrees of creative talents, which need to be developed. It is the aim of Westminster's art program to cultivate an appreciation of God's design in creation and to foster creativity in each child.