Westminster Academy
Westminster Academy – Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Introduction
Westminster Academy in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is a distinguished private Christian school that serves students from Pre-K through 12th grade. With a strong commitment to classical education, spiritual formation, and academic excellence, the school has become one of South Florida’s premier Christian institutions. For decades, Westminster Academy has provided families with an educational environment where faith and learning thrive together. The school is known not only for its rigorous academics and strong college placement record but also for cultivating moral character, leadership, and a biblical worldview in every student.
This comprehensive guide explores Westminster Academy’s mission, curriculum, extracurricular activities, spiritual life, athletics, faculty, admissions, and community culture, highlighting why it stands out as a beacon of Christian education in Florida.
History and Mission
Westminster Academy was founded in 1971 as a ministry of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church by the renowned pastor Dr. D. James Kennedy. His vision was to create a school that would provide high-level academic instruction while also instilling the truths of the Christian faith.
Mission Statement:
To equip students to be exceptional thinkers, learners, and leaders with a biblical and Christ-centered worldview, ready to impact the world for God’s glory.
Westminster Academy has stayed true to this founding vision for more than 50 years, serving generations of students and families with an education that trains the heart as well as the mind.
Campus and Facilities
Located in the heart of Fort Lauderdale, the Westminster Academy campus offers a safe, modern, and dynamic learning environment. The school is continually investing in infrastructure to meet the needs of a growing and evolving student body.
Campus Highlights:
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Elementary and Secondary Academic Buildings: Equipped with interactive whiteboards, modern classrooms, and collaborative spaces.
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Science and Technology Labs: Designed for hands-on STEM education from middle school through high school.
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Performing Arts Center: A dedicated facility for drama productions, musical performances, and chapel services.
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Athletic Complex: Includes a gymnasium, fitness center, football field, baseball and softball fields, track, and swimming pool.
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Library and Media Center: A central resource for academic research, reading, and digital literacy.
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Security Infrastructure: On-campus security personnel, surveillance, and a secure entry system to ensure student safety.
Academic Excellence
Westminster Academy is known for its classical Christian approach to education. The school integrates a biblical worldview across every subject area while offering challenging academic content that prepares students for higher education and lifelong learning.
Early Childhood and Elementary School (Pre-K–5th Grade)
The early years focus on foundational skills:
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Phonics-based reading and literacy
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Math concepts and problem-solving
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Science exploration
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Bible stories and memory verses
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Hands-on activities and discovery-based learning
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Music, art, and physical education
Teachers nurture each child’s natural curiosity while instilling a love for God and others.
Middle School (6th–8th Grade)
Middle school bridges foundational learning with increased independence:
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Core subjects: English, Math, Science, History, Bible
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Introductory Latin and Spanish
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Fine arts and electives
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Emphasis on writing, research, and critical thinking
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Personal and spiritual development during adolescence
Students are supported academically and emotionally during these formative years.
High School (9th–12th Grade)
The high school division is academically rigorous and geared toward college preparation. Students follow a liberal arts curriculum rooted in biblical truth and designed to cultivate wisdom and discernment.
Courses include:
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English literature and composition
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U.S. and world history
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Algebra, geometry, precalculus, and calculus
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Biology, chemistry, physics, and environmental science
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Bible and theology
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Spanish and Latin language
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Logic, rhetoric, and worldview studies
Advanced Opportunities:
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Honors and AP Courses in subjects such as:
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AP Calculus
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AP English Literature
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AP U.S. History
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AP Chemistry
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AP Biology
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Dual Enrollment Programs with area colleges
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Senior Thesis Project where students engage in deep research, critical analysis, and public defense of their ideas
The curriculum encourages students to reason, debate, communicate, and defend their faith in a complex world.
Spiritual Life
Spiritual formation is the core of life at Westminster Academy. Every subject, activity, and relationship is shaped by the truth of Scripture and the lordship of Jesus Christ.
Bible Classes
All students take Bible as a core subject. Courses include:
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Old and New Testament survey
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Christian theology and doctrine
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Biblical worldview and apologetics
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Ethics and Christian living
Teachers model what it means to follow Christ while equipping students with the tools to understand and apply God’s Word.
Chapel Services
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Weekly chapel for elementary, middle, and high school students
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Worship music, student-led praise bands, and guest speakers
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Messages that are gospel-centered and relevant to student life
Discipleship and Mission
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Small groups and prayer partnerships
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Spiritual retreats and conferences
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Local community service
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National and international mission trips
Students are not only taught biblical truth but are also challenged to live out their faith in service to others.
Faculty and Leadership
Westminster Academy is led by a team of experienced educators and administrators who are deeply committed to Christ and excellence in education.
Faculty Highlights:
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Teachers are credentialed, many with advanced degrees
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Faculty are active Christians who model biblical values
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Teachers engage in ongoing professional development
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Mentoring relationships between staff and students are encouraged
The school fosters a collaborative, supportive environment where each child is known, challenged, and encouraged.
College and Career Preparation
Westminster Academy offers a robust college counseling program beginning in 9th grade. Counselors work closely with students and families to navigate the college application process and help each student find their best post-secondary fit.
Services Offered:
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Academic advising and transcript planning
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ACT/SAT prep and test registration
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College essay and application workshops
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Interview and resume coaching
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College fairs and campus visits
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Scholarship and financial aid support
College Acceptance
Westminster students are consistently accepted to top-tier colleges and universities, including Ivy League schools, military academies, Christian universities, liberal arts colleges, and major public institutions. Alumni have gone on to thrive in careers in business, law, ministry, education, science, and the arts.
Athletics
Westminster Academy boasts a strong athletic program that emphasizes physical fitness, teamwork, sportsmanship, and godly character. The school is a member of the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) and competes at the varsity, junior varsity, and middle school levels.
Sports Offered:
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Football
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Volleyball
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Cross country
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Basketball
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Soccer
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Baseball
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Softball
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Swimming
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Golf
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Track and field
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Tennis
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Cheerleading
Athletes are trained by experienced coaches who emphasize excellence on and off the field. Many Westminster athletes have gone on to compete in collegiate and professional sports.
Facilities:
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Fully equipped gymnasium
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Weight training room
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Stadium seating
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Turf and grass fields
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Outdoor track
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On-campus swimming pool
Fine Arts
The arts at Westminster Academy are not extracurricular—they’re essential. The school believes in developing students’ creative talents to reflect God’s beauty and glory.
Visual Arts
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Drawing, painting, ceramics, sculpture
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Digital media and photography
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Art exhibits and competitions
Performing Arts
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Band and instrumental ensembles
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Choir and vocal performance
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Theater productions (plays, musicals, student-directed shows)
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Worship arts and chapel bands
Students regularly perform at school events, community programs, and regional competitions.
Student Life and Culture
Westminster Academy fosters a vibrant student culture where each child is encouraged to grow socially, emotionally, and spiritually.
Student Organizations
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Student Council
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National Honor Society
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Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA)
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Robotics and STEM Club
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Debate and Speech Team
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Missions and Outreach Clubs
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Yearbook and Journalism
Leadership opportunities abound for students who want to take initiative and influence their community in positive ways.
Character and Citizenship
Core values taught and modeled at Westminster include:
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Integrity
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Humility
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Courage
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Respect
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Service
Students are encouraged to live as responsible citizens, faithful friends, and servant leaders.
Admissions
Westminster Academy welcomes Christian families who are committed to biblical values and academic excellence. The admissions process is designed to ensure a strong partnership between home and school.
Admissions Steps:
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Application and fee submission
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Student records review
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Family interview
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Placement assessment (if applicable)
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Campus tour and student shadow day
Enrollment Criteria:
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At least one parent/guardian must be a professing Christian
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Family must agree to uphold the school's Statement of Faith
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Students should demonstrate readiness for Westminster’s academic rigor
Tuition and Financial Aid
Westminster Academy is a tuition-based institution. However, the school strives to make Christian education accessible through:
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Tuition payment plans
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Financial aid based on need
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Scholarships for academic, artistic, and athletic achievement
The school views tuition as an investment in the future—developing students with wisdom, knowledge, and faith.
Parent and Community Engagement
Partnership with parents is foundational at Westminster. The school fosters open communication, mutual support, and shared spiritual goals.
Parent Involvement:
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Parent Teacher Fellowship (PTF)
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Classroom volunteers
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Athletic and fine arts boosters
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Prayer groups and Bible studies
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Family events and fundraisers
Parents are encouraged to participate actively in the school community and to disciple their children at home.
Alumni Network
Westminster alumni are active across a range of careers and vocations. They remain closely connected through:
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Reunions and alumni events
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Networking opportunities
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Speaking engagements and mentorship
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Legacy family enrollment
Alumni testify to how Westminster Academy shaped their faith, character, and readiness for college and life.
Core Values
Westminster Academy is built on foundational biblical values that guide every decision and interaction:
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Christ-Centered Worldview – All truth is God’s truth.
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Academic Excellence – Education for the mind and the heart.
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Servant Leadership – Training leaders who serve with humility.
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Community – Strengthening relationships between students, teachers, and families.
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Integrity and Accountability – Encouraging honesty, responsibility, and faithfulness.
Conclusion
Westminster Academy in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is a thriving Christian school that offers a comprehensive, Christ-centered education from preschool through 12th grade. Its commitment to academic excellence, spiritual formation, leadership development, and community service makes it a truly exceptional place for families seeking a holistic, biblical education.
Whether in the classroom, on the athletic field, on stage, or in chapel, students at Westminster are nurtured, challenged, and inspired to become all that God has created them to be. The school’s legacy is one of spiritual faithfulness, academic achievement, and life-changing impact—preparing students not just for college, but for eternity.
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