Extended care is available for an additional fee. Before-School-Care is available from 7:30 a.m.-8:30 a.m. After-School-Care for the three-year-olds is available from 12:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m. or 12:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m. After-School-Care for the four-year-olds is available from 2:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.

The Griffin Academy provides an exceptionally high-quality, nurturing learning environment for preschool-aged children. This developmentally tailored program is delivered by a well-qualified, loving staff, who are dedicated to providing the best possible all-around experience for the children in their care.

A well-designed program is in place for 3, 4, and older 4-year-olds, which includes both academic and social development. Woven throughout the daily routine, The Griffin Academy encourages children to exercise kindness and good manners, to respect one another, and to work and play together harmoniously.

The academic program for the three-year-old classes introduces children to letters and their sounds, numbers, science through nature, social studies through community, music, art, French, drama and free-play. The children experience indoor and outdoor play, structured and non-structured time, quiet and active times during the day.

The academic program for the four-year-old classes helps to prepare the children for kindergarten. Older four-year-olds (those who are five by December 31) are placed in the junior kindergarten class, which is more academic than that for the younger fours. Both classes are exposed to a phonics-based pre-reading/reading program which prepares them for the joys of reading. Part of the daily routine includes story-time, during which the children are exposed to classic children’s literature and nursery rhymes.

The Griffin Academy provides an exceptionally high-quality, nurturing learning environment for preschool-aged children. This developmentally tailored program is delivered by a well-qualified, loving staff, who are dedicated to providing the best possible all-around experience for the children in their care.

A well-designed program is in place for 3, 4, and older 4-year-olds, which includes both academic and social development. Woven throughout the daily routine, The Griffin Academy encourages children to exercise kindness and good manners, to respect one another, and to work and play together harmoniously.

The academic program for the three-year-old classes introduces children to letters and their sounds, numbers, science through nature, social studies through community, music, art, French, drama and free-play. The children experience indoor and outdoor play, structured and non-structured time, quiet and active times during the day.

The academic program for the four-year-old classes helps to prepare the children for kindergarten. Older four-year-olds (those who are five by December 31) are placed in the junior kindergarten class, which is more academic than that for the younger fours. Both classes are exposed to a phonics-based pre-reading/reading program which prepares them for the joys of reading. Part of the daily routine includes story-time, during which the children are exposed to classic children’s literature and nursery rhymes

Admission to kindergarten is based on birth date, order of application, and readiness testing. For grades 1-7, admission is based on order of application, the results of a qualifying exam, a writing sample, teacher evaluation, and an interview with parents and child. Westminster School does not admit new students to the 8th grade.

The years from age 3 to 14 are the most formative in a person’s life. Character, attitude, sense of self, work ethic, and expectations of life’s possibilities are all shaped during this crucial span from infancy to young adulthood. The right school environment can make a profound difference in a child’s development and future. Public schools strive to serve large populations with widely varying needs, all within a huge, cumbersome bureaucracy. An independent school is a more accessible and effective partner in helping parents raise happy, confident, well-educated, and high-achieving children. The highest quality education is not guaranteed by the latest educational trend or the most computers in each classroom. It is not defined by numbers. It is one which teaches the child how to think clearly and independently, how to make good choices, how to develop and direct one’s talents to good purpose, how to present oneself with poise and articulation, and how to live in a way that is beneficial to oneself and to others. It is the result of a well-honed philosophy and a carefully designed program, consistently and effectively implemented. An independent school is more likely to offer a well-defined, consistent, and effective approach to child rearing and education. A school that shies away from discomfiting anyone has a difficult time upholding high standards of integrity, comportment, courtesy, and presentation. In trying to achieve the laudable goals of inclusion and tolerance, public schools have suffered diminishment of both academic and behavioral standards. An independent school can set and uphold high standards for students and staff. A school that must accommodate everyone cannot best serve anyone. Large populations with vastly differing needs, shifting educational theories, the pressure for political correctness, and the one-size-fits-all approach of government regulations hinder the development of a strong and effective educational program. Public schools are under enormous pressure to fulfill widely varying public and governmental agendas. An independent school is free to strive for genuine excellence.

Most grades usually have some openings for new applicants. Registration is limited to 18 students (16 in kindergarten) per class (2 classes per grade). Tuition for 2013-2014 is $19,152 or less (depending on grade level), well below the median for independent schools in the greater Washington area. Various payment plans are offered. Financial aid is available. Financial aid awards are based on need. More information about financial aid is available on the admissions page of our web site, stage.westminsterschool.com.

Westminster’s long range plans include adding a new, state-of-the-art athletic field and an addition which will accommodate expansions in art, science, and technology.

Ellis Glover has been the Headmaster of Westminster School since 1992. Educated in the classics and humanities, he served for 16 years as Assistant Director of Westminster School prior to taking over the headship upon the death of the school’s founder, Jane Goll.

Westminster School was established in 1962. It is a fully accredited member of Virginia Association of Independent Schools (VAIS) and is a member of Independent Education (IE), an association of independent schools of greater Washington.