Westminster Academy

Westminster Academy is a nationally recognized, accredited, college preparatory school with rigorous academics, competitive athletics, and award-winning fine arts.
Since its founding by the late Dr. D. James Kennedy in 1971, Westminster Academy has been decidedly mission-driven, firmly committed to Christian scholarship, and keenly focused on kingdom impact for the glory of God.
With these combined core convictions as a cornerstone, Westminster Academy serves Christian families in South Florida by educating and equipping their children to be exceptional thinkers, lifelong learners, and influential leaders with a biblical and scholarly perspective for college and beyond.
Please contact the Admissions Office at admissions@wa.edu or visit wa.edu/admissions to learn more.

Quick Stats (2024)

  • Top Ranked FL School
  • Grades: Nursery/Preschool-12
  • Enrollment: 1,025 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $18,500
  • Acceptance rate: 68%
  • Average class size: 17 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

Westminster Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Florida for:

Category
Attribute
Sports offered

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Nursery/Preschool-12
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Year Founded
1971
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
Awards
 Blue Ribbon School - Selected in 2014

Student Body

Total Students
1,025 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
10%
State avg.: 46%
Students by Grade
Westminster Academy Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
80 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
13:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
48%
Average Class Size
17 students
Number of AP Courses
19 courses
List of Courses Offered
Advanced Courses
AP 3D Art & Design, AP Biology, AP Capstone, AP Chemistry, AP Computer Science, AP Computer Science Principles, AP English Language, AP English Literature, AP Environmental Science, AP European History, AP Government & Politics, AP Human Geography, AP Latin, AP Physics, AP Spanish, AP Studio Art 2D, AP Studio Art Drawing, AP United States History, DE (Dual Enrollment) Business Calculus, DE Business Law, DE Calculus I, DE Calculus II, DE Chemistry, DE College Algebra, DE Introduction To Life Calling, DE Macro/Micro Enconomics, DE Precalculus, DE Psychology, DE Statistics, DE Trigonometry
Average SAT score
1207
Average ACT score
25
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Uniforms - shorts, slacks, polo shirts

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Acceptance Rate
68%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Austin Elmer
Admissions Associate
Sandy Black

Sports

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
17 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
FIRST Robotics Competition, Green Club, Harvard Model Congress, Key Club, La Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica, National Art Honor Society, National Honor Society, National Junior Honor Society, National Latin Honor Society, Student Council

Arts and Music Programs:
Chorus, Concert Band, International Thespian Society, Jazz Band, Orchestra, Pep Band, Quill and Scroll

School Notes

  • Since 1971, Westminster Academy has educated and equipped children as a Christ-honoring, Bible-centered, covenant, college-preparatory school ministry ofCoral Ridge Presbyterian Church. We are composed of Pre-K 2-year-olds through 12th grade with an annual enrollment of approximately 900 students. Our students are prayerfully immersed in Jesus Christ, God's Truth, and scholarly excellence in all areas of their learning at WA. We prepare our students to be exceptional thinkers, learners, and leaders with a Biblical and scholarly perspective for college and life. Our seniors receive college scholarships and many of them attend the top-tier universities in the nation including the United States Military Service Academies, UNC at Chapel Hill, Covenant, Duke, University of Florida, Furman, Georgia Tech, Harvard, Holy Cross, MIT, Princeton, Stanford, Wake Forest, Wheaton, and Yale.
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Westminster Academy cost?
Westminster Academy's tuition is approximately $18,500 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of Westminster Academy?
The acceptance rate of Westminster Academy is 68%, which is lower than the national average of 84%. Westminster Academy's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in Florida with low acceptance rates.
Does Westminster Academy offer a summer program?
Yes, Westminster Academy offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What sports does Westminster Academy offer?
Westminster Academy offers 17 interscholastic sports: Ballet, Baseball, Basketball, Cheering, Cross Country, Dance, Diving, Football, Golf, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball and Water Polo. Westminster Academy is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in Florida for most sports offered.
What is Westminster Academy's ranking?
Westminster Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Florida for: Lowest average acceptance rates, Largest student body, Most sports offered and Most extracurriculars offered.
When is the application deadline for Westminster Academy?
The application deadline for Westminster Academy is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
What neighborhood is Westminster Academy located?
Westminster Academy is located in the Imperial Point neighborhood of Fort Lauderdale, FL.

School Reviews

  5.00 out of 5  (21 reviews)
5  
Our family has been a part of the Westminster Academy community for 8 years. We are so grateful to have committed teachers who love our children and challenge them to do their best academically but also care about their character and relationship with Christ. Our oldest daughter is in middle school now and we are grateful for the after-school opportunities allowing her to discover her gifts and talents. We are so thankful for the solid foundation WA is providing for our children as they partner with us as parents.
- Posted by
5  
I have two children who attend Westminster Academy. A few years ago, my younger son went through a difficult period in his life. The teachers responded with concern, support, and prayer. They were absolutely outstanding! I thank God that my sons receive rigorous academic training in a caring environment.
- Posted by
5  
We have had three sons attend WA and love the community that they have enjoyed in a large city. We were blessed to find a Christ-centered school with a strong focus on education. This has been evidenced by the wide array of universities the students later attend. We have enjoyed our many years at Westminster Academy and appreciate the many wonderful teachers that have impacted our sons lives in so many ways!
- Posted by
5  
Westminster Academy has a great Christian education! In a world where everything is relative, it is amazing to rest assured that the kids are being educated about the absolute truth of Jesus Christ. "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it." (Pr. 22:6). Working at WA as a Spanish teacher, I can testify to the diversity and respect for other cultures. All the teachers are experts in their subject area and they shine God's light on the students, by serving with their gifts and talents with excellence. The WA community (families and school staff) has a strong relationship that endures for a lifetime. I love to be part of WA! The leadership of Dr. Farrar is encouraging and supportive and the unity with the parents is outstanding!
- Posted by
5  
We homeschooled our son from 2nd through 8th grade. He wanted to attend a school for high school. We are so happy we chose Westminster Academy for him. He's being challenged academically, played three sports, made great friends, and really likes his teachers. He's excited for the next three years as he looks toward the classes that are offered through his Sophomore through Senior years.
- Posted by
5  
Westminster is a great school- we love it! My daughter is in PK2 and absolutely adores her teacher Mrs. Cochrane who is so loving and warm. She has 4 children of her own and is a great mix of a warm and loving teacher yet knows how to get a group of 2-year-olds to sit in a circle and attend and follow directions. My daughter loves going to school and gets excited for all her specials at school (especially Spanish with Senora Thompson and music with Mrs. Blatz!). My daughter has learned so much and built friendships all while being well-loved by her teachers and other faculty! We love that it is a faith-based school and melts our hearts when our daughter comes home saying bible verses, singing Bible songs, and reminding us to pray before we eat any food! Safety was also a huge priority to us when looking for a school and we feel she is very safe there with all the safety protocols and full time police on staff there the full days!
- Posted by
5  
I attended WA from PK3-12th grade and would not be the person I am today without the education I received. The diverse community of passionate teachers challenged me to excel academically, identify and develop my strengths, pursue my passions, and stay grounded in my personal faith in Christ. Teachers at WA go above and beyond to support their students academically, socially, and spiritually. The extracurricular activities offered helped me to become well-rounded. I was fully prepared to succeed at the collegiate level. My time at WA inspired me to become an educational leader. Now my child attends WA, and my husband and I are so blessed to see her thrive as a result of administrators, teachers, and support staff who pour into her daily and create a learning environment that is safe, welcoming, and dynamic. The WA community is unique in so many ways!
- Posted by
5  
I am blessed to have my 4 children at WA! I have seen MANY changes over the last 8 years since we came, ALL for the best, especially as Joel Satterly came to be the Headmaster several years ago. Under his strong leadership and vision, we've seen the campus transform and the mission of the school strengthened. WA is a wonderful, family-oriented, and diverse community. Teachers help students grow academically, spiritually, emotionally, and socially and truly care about their students wanting to see them not only succeed but be challenged. Communication with teachers is great and the love and concern for their students are evident at all levels. My children have had the chance to do many sports, extracurriculars, field trips, spiritual retreats, and service opportunities. Students are encouraged to discover their God-given gifts and talents and use them for His glory. I've seen them shine under the direction of the incredible Preschool and Elementary music teacher, Mrs. Blatz! They learn Spanish starting in PreK from Sra. Thompson, and at the Elementary level they learn Art techniques from Miss Salas and even Technology from Mrs. Hopkins in the state-of-the-art IQ Lab! It is an AMAZING school and I can't say enough good things about it. My kids are safe and cared for so well they feel like it's their second home. If you're looking for a Christ-centered, biblically-based, college-prep education for your child, you need to come and walk the campus on a tour to see the difference for yourself. It is a special place and I wouldn't want my kids anywhere else as they learn and grow and develop into godly young men and women ready to go out and make a difference in this world for Christ!
- Posted by
5  
We are blessed that our two children were able to attend and graduate from Westminster Academy. We wanted our children to be part of a Christ center environment and that is exactly what WA is, not perfect for there is no perfect place, but a place where they excelled, felt safe were loved, and received most importantly a well-rounded education that prepared them to attend college. They took away with them many memories especially when they reached their senior year. Teachers not only taught academics in the classroom but also discipled them about the realities of life, reminding them that in all they do they are to trust that God does have a plan for them. The counselors also guide and help our students in pointing them in the right direction. The college counselor does an exceptional job in advising and making sure the students stay on track during the college process.
- Posted by
5  
Westminster Academy has gifted the students in ways that many other schools have not done. Their academics are college prep level but they also offer courses for the average student. They offer many other extracurricular activities such as band, drama, orchestra, coding, robotics and so much more. They even nurture those students that are athletic and offer team and competitive sports at all levels. They also have high moral standards and stand for our freedoms and Christ. Children have the choice to wear a mask or not on campus. This is very important to me as a parent.
- Posted by
5  
I love Westminster Academy. I have been teaching Lower School Music PK2-5th grade music for 12 years. I have felt supported under the leadership of Mrs. Wood and Mrs. Thompson. They have been clear about their vision for the school and have listened to my input as to possible ways to get there. My son attends 2nd grade and has been at Westminster Academy since PK2. Mrs. Elmer was his teacher in PK2 and set up the building blocks to becoming an independent learner. She now teaches 2nd grade and my son goes to her for Math class. Every MAP test has shown higher and higher scores. I love the education my son is receiving and the biblical foundation throughout the entire curriculum.
- Posted by
5  
Westminster Academy has been a great experience for our children for the last four years. We know that when we send our children to school, they will be challenged academically, loved by their teachers and classmates, and will be kept physically, mentally, and spiritually safe. They have received a high quality, Christ-centered education that is by far unmatched and we couldn't be more pleased. We are blessed to be part of the WA family!
- Posted by
5  
WA is a place where you and your family will always feel safe. It is a great place for your kids to learn and teachers are well prepared. I first learned about the school because I was interested in the swim program but when I met the families and teachers, they automatically make me feel welcome. I love being part of a Christian environment where I can help guide kids and continue to grow our faith.
- Posted by
5  
Both of our daughters attended Westminster Academy from Pre-K through 12th grade. We are extremely satisfied with the excellent, biblically-based education that they received. They were very blessed to have had the spiritual guidance from their nurturing and caring teachers. The curriculum was challenging and aligned very well. My daughters did very well on their SATs and ACTs and had the opportunity to take many Advanced Placement and Dual Enrollment courses which helped prepare them for success at the highly competitive University of Florida. They presently are in graduate school at New York University studying Dentistry and Industrial-Organizational Psychology.
- Posted by
5  
We are parents of three Westminster Academy alumni. We were extremely pleased with the education and spiritual foundation provided by the school. All 3 of our children were admitted to highly rated universities and were well prepared. They have maintained lifelong friendships and continue to grow in their faith. WA was a great partner in getting our children launched into the world.
- Posted by
5  
Do the comparison. There is no other covenant school with Westminster's academic rigor in froward county. Voted safest school. Family oriented, nurturing the whole child. We love WA. Go.
- Posted by
5  
I had a great experience as a student at Westminster Academy almost 20 years ago and have now enrolled my children in school there. They have continued to improve facilities, faculty and curriculum over time and it has been a great place for our family - providing a safe, Christ-centered, first class learning environment for our kids.
- Posted by
5  
This is a school that will love and nurture your child. Your child will receive a great education and be free to worship and pray.
- Posted by
5  
As a family we have all been very happy at WA. I feel high school is preparing them well for college in many ways, not just academically. They provide a good balance for the students. This year WA did get a new Headmaster. We look forward to many good things and a even stronger future for WA.
- Posted by
5  
I am a parent who has a 2010 graduate and a current high schooler. Westminster Academy has been an excellent Christian school that has provided both my sons a very well rounded College Preparatory education, along with opportunity to be well rounded through leadership, music, and athletics.
- Posted by
5  
Our son has been at Westminster for both summer camp and Pre-K2 and we have been very happy with the school. We highly recommend it to any parent looking for a warm, caring environment for their young children.
- Posted by

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Quick Stats (2024)

  • Top Ranked FL School
  • Grades: Nursery/Preschool-12
  • Enrollment: 1,025 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $18,500
  • Acceptance rate: 68%
  • Average class size: 17 students
  • Application Deadline: None / Rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Fort Lauderdale, FL is $13,278 for elementary schools and $19,039 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Fort Lauderdale, FL is 73% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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