Westminster Academy

2500 Ridgeway Road

Memphis, TN 38119

25 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK, K-12
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on September 20, 2024

I have students in lower school, middle school, and high school. They are all truly known by their teachers. I appreciate the grace with which they handle discipline, especially in the younger grades. Helping to mold and teach, and not just punish. The low technology is a huge bonus in my book as well! I love seeing the middle schoolers and high schoolers all interacting and still finding time to "play".
Submitted by parent on July 09, 2024

The community at this school is beyond compare! The families come alongside one another to walk through the joys and sorrows of life, and they partner in parenting. The teachers love the students extremely well, and they do an excellent job of speaking to the heart of a child if discipline is needed. The curriculum is among the best in the city without a doubt. All of the teaching is done from a biblical worldview, which is such a beautiful way to equip the next generation to stand against the attacks of the world.
Submitted by parent on May 11, 2023

We love Westminster! Our children have truly thrived while at the school. Our oldest is headed into high school and we can't wait to watch her grow during her final years there. The faculty loves the students and families and intentionally builds a close-knit community.
Submitted by parent on May 10, 2023

I’ve loved our experience thus far at WA. No place is perfect but they do focus on shaping the hearts and minds of students by pointing them to Jesus. The Community and faith family support is a gift as we don’t live near family.
Submitted by parent on May 10, 2023

The community at this school is beyond compare! The families come along side one another to walk through the joys and sorrows of life, and they partner in parenting. The teachers love the students extremely well, and they do an excellent job of speaking to the heart of a child if discipline is needed.
Submitted by parent on November 05, 2022

Westminster sounded like a nurturing community and came across as having the rigor we were looking for, but be warned, this place is toxic and cliquey beyond belief. my child was bullied by peers and shunned by adults. hated every second of being there. love the educational philosophy, despise the families who have way too much power. such a judgey, terrible culture. regret we ever enrolled. if you don’t fit the mold, you don’t belong. how sad is that?
Submitted by parent on August 13, 2022

My son attended this school and I worked at this school for two years. At first, I saw a Christian community that I was excited to get to know and be a part of. By the beginning of the second year I realized that we were not accepted into their community. I don’t know what happened, if we did something off putting they were not interested enough to let us know. However, I don’t think that’s what it was. Without input from them, I assume it was that I held a “low on the totem pole” position and we are middle class. We didn’t fit into their elitist bubble. I loved the work I did and gave 110% percent. I was praised for this about four times in the 2 years I worked there. Please don’t get me wrong. I’d say 20% of the families were kind and welcomed us, about 50% percent of the teachers were pleasant and seemed to want to get to know us, but only one person in administration, (8 or more people) genuinely cared for us. And, the one that did, she is no longer at the school. The teachers my son had were great and we love them both and know God put him in those classrooms for a purpose He fulfilled. However, his first teacher was not supported, (similarly to my situation) and that impacted the overall effectiveness of the classroom. This particular teacher was hired the same time I was, stayed two years, and left, just like I did. The headmaster never spoke to me after my interview, 9 times out of 10 he wouldn’t even say hello in the hallway. The admissions director’s attitude towards us did a 180 after we were accepted. She was so warm and welcoming and by the end wouldn’t speak to me when I spoke to her. Lastly, another employee who is well loved, trusted, and a financial supporter of the school lied about me to administration. What she said I did was wrong and unethical and something I have never done and wouldn’t ever do. Instead of admin asking me if it was true, I was accused and had to defend myself with facts and proof. At which point there was a lot of “backpedaling” and an apology. I love Classical Education and would have loved staying at this school for years to come. Their curriculum is the best in Memphis. They have all the “boxes checked” and am sure it’s a great place for some people. But, if you don’t fit the right mold you may experience some heart ache.
Submitted by parent on April 26, 2022

My third child is graduating from Westminster. It has been a good experience. The atmosphere is cheerful and the teachers and office staff have always been friendly and helpful. I’m very impressed with their curriculum. They teach the students in line with their developmental age. Because of this, I often see teens talking about things they learned in class outside of the classroom. They are taught in such a way that the content becomes interesting to them. So, not only do they score well, but they apply their learning to their everyday life.Along these lines, I often see the elementary school kids dressing up and playing games to bring their learning alive. My teens have read books in high school with interest and understanding that I was not able to read until college. Two of my children went to a decently scoring public school before attending WA. This is not to disparage ps, but to highlight a strength of WA. Both of my teens said the high school math and science covered similar topics as their public school, but at a deeper, more challenging level. This is probably why they have good ACT math scores. One son needed extra support in his math studies and a teacher set aside time to tutor him one on one until he caught up. They were quick to work with his ADHD diagnosis and went out of their way to support him. With all this said, they are unabashedly Christian. Being Classical, they see all subjects through the lens of Christian thought. This is wonderful for some, but I can imagine, not wonderful for others who may only be there for the rigorous academics. When my children were in public school, they had “critical thinking” times in their class, which were supposed to be neutral, but the teachers definitely had an agenda and any other beliefs were dismissed or even lightly mocked. I appreciate that WA is very open and honest about their beliefs. As Christians they are open about secondary doctrines. Kids come from all sorts of different churches and fit in well.
Submitted by parent on December 08, 2021

I have 4 children at this institution. My senior is graduating with a full ride to the his first choice college. The growth I have seen in my kids is staggering. This school not only offers a second to none education, it is a school that molds, guides and offers children the tools to succeed in their personal lives. The community is welcoming and supportive of one another. I can’t say enough about how wonderful this school is.
Submitted by parent on September 20, 2021

Never have I experienced a school with disappointment. The schools principles seem to be around judgement, popularity amongst alumni yet lack of educated staff and children favored by staff. One staff member complained about new math and hated to count tactile/bead material. I have a degree in education, credentialed in public as well as alternative. My son was only in an attendance for less than 6 mos. He was well advanced before these children and they had put him on stage during a course with both classes showing mastery to his times tables to other children. As a new student, do you think that was appropriate? We pulled him out of school, understood that we would not be able to get tuition back but happy that our son is thriving at another school. This school fits someone who wants to overpay for a mediocre education with uniform, less than half of staff with an education degree and if your lucky 15% have a credential? 7 Kids got into Vanderbilt…. I’m assuming parents were involved with connection. Baylor? Anyone can get into that college. Not impressive for tuition and then college acceptance rate. Save your money! Walk away….
Submitted by other on February 25, 2021

This school gave me severe anxiety and low self-esteem.The teacher will belittle you until you submit. The students will physically harm you in front of the faculty and no one bats an eye. It was like going to school in a state prison. For your child's own safety, don't send them here.
Submitted by parent on February 11, 2021

We moved our family to Westminster this academic year. We could not be happier with our choice. Our family has had an incredibly warm welcome and our student is excited to go to school every day. We are so thankful for the teachers and leadership and their hard work to execute a fun and safe year of rigorous, in-person learning in the middle of a pandemic. They have truly done an excellent job with every aspect of this strange year.
Submitted by parent on March 27, 2016

This school is so steeped in Presbyterianism they can't see the forest for the trees. And judgmental! Lord, don't get me started. These parents had me going in circles, to my embarrassment, because I was CONSTANTLY "on guard" over this or that. Basically every day common things that teens do, they have MAJOR problems with. They are giving their children some serious stigma's. The problem is the faculty and parents are WAY too closely involved with one another. In an unhealthy way. On top of all that fun stuff, they have no money and limit themselves to funding because of their extreme views of Christianity. It seemed as if they were always very disorganized academically. It's very unfortunate because the classical model is actually something to strive for in education. There are some amazing individuals at WA who would probably love to change this place but don't have the $power$ to do so. I still pray for this school daily.
Submitted by parent on November 24, 2014

We have 3 children at Westminster and have loved watching them learn under the classical model that also incorporates God's word into every subject. Every teacher that we've had in the past 7 years has been amazing. Yes, it is true that many of our teachers are current or alumni parents (most schools have a similar make up), but they ALL have degrees in either education or their subject area. We are thankful for the leadership changes that have occurred in the past year. We have seen many positive improvements and are confident in the direction of our school. My children are taught in a way that teaches them to think and consider instead of simply memorizing and passing a test. No school is perfect. EVERY school has its issues. I know.... I am a graduate of another local private school and have taught in both the public and private sector in Memphis. It's true...we do not have the greatest facilities; we do not offer every sport or activity under the sun. However, when you visit you will find a loving and amazing group of teachers, a current administration that listens to parents and addresses issues and a community that loves its school.
Submitted by parent on October 01, 2014

As a product of single-sex private school education in Memphis, I wanted to consider every option for our own sons and daughter to ensure they had the same opportunities for developing a love of learning that I did. After researching and touring five top single-sex and co-ed schools in Memphis, as well as speaking with dozens of parents in those schools, our family chose Westminster Academy. Our children attended three different accredited pre-schools as well. They were well-prepared for entrance into Westminster. We chose this institution because of the classical education model it used-training students to love that which is worth loving through the liberal arts. My children are now in their final years of the school and we have been so pleased. We wish we had been educated like this. They have received so much more than a love of learning. They have become winsome speakers and writers who are prepared to engage their community and this world using their training in the seven liberal arts taught as the ancients taught, with theology (formerly known as the queen of the sciences) at the center. My children know who they are and understand the purpose of education in their lives.
Submitted by other on May 29, 2014

worst.school.ever. don't send your kids here. i really wish I never went here, it was the biggest mistake of my life. I would give this school no stars if I could.
Submitted by other on May 19, 2014

I'm a high school student at WA, have been there since kindergarten, and will be staying through graduation. In response to the review on Feb 12th, no the upper school leadership is not great at the moment and no, teachers are not held accountable by that leadership. This is why we are getting a new head of upper school next year and many jobs are being moved around and replaced. There will be 5 new teachers next year. I don't have any issues with any of the teachers who are returning. In response to the post on Feb 26th, there are teachers kids but I don't feel like they are treated any differently than I am. I love all my teachers and do not think any of them show favoritism. The majority of them are very quick to help me with things I'm struggling with academically or personally and I love the bonds I have with them in and out of the classroom. The teachers and staff push me to be my best, and encourage me and love me even when I fail or let them down. The friendship and bond that I have with everyone at Westminster is what makes me stay. It's academically rigorous and that can be hard, but I could never bring myself to leave this community. WA is my second family and my home.
Submitted by parent on May 18, 2014

I have 2 children at Westminster. One in lower and one in upper school. I have found the teachers to be quite informative. The classroom atmosphere is very creative, and inspiring. My kids come home everyday with something to say about what they've learned. There is a strong sense of community. I think Westminster has the bar set high for the kids, and I think the kids rise to the challenge. We have been to another private school, and 1 public school. It is a great feeling knowing that they held to a high standard, which they were not previously. I think that when you look at any senior class at WA & see the test scores, and 100% college acceptance & scholarships awarded, it is a strong testimony to the education and support received from the teachers at WA.
Submitted by parent on March 24, 2014

All schools have some unhappy/disgruntled families. Chances are they will not be happy wherever they go. I have two children in the lower school and do not have any complaints. My children started at public school and when we made the transfer to Westminster it was life changing. The teachers and staff are all very caring and the environment has a relaxed, safe feel. The curriculum is appropriate and rigorous. They teach the children to think and reason and have open discussions in the classrooms. The homework is very reasonable and allows for after school activities and family time. My family is very happy at Westminster.
Submitted by parent on March 22, 2014

Please send your child here if he/she is rich, attractive, and popular. Otherwise, not a smart choice.The school is very attentive when needing you to pay something but not for giving information to parents. I have called on multiple occasions for someone to help me resolve an issue that was happening with myself and the school, but to no avail. My problem has still not yet been resolved and I am very disappointed. Bullying is an issue worldwide, and students aren't equipped with knowledge about it. The staff gives them a 20 minute speech every year or two, and assumes that the children will remember and obey, but they are only children. They don't understand. At times, the school has taken major events minorly, and minor events majorly. My Upper School child absolutely adores some teachers, and I thank them. They know who they are. Please, if you are thinking about sending your child here, you may want to consider again.