Tuition & Financial Aid

Westminster School offers one of the best educational experiences in the region for a tuition that is considerably lower than that charged by comparable schools. It provides a thoroughly rounded, accelerated academic program taught by specialists in each grade. Everyday P.E. classes, a vigorous athletic program, and P.E. uniforms are included. Tuition also covers an average of seven high-quality field trips each year. All students take art, music, dance, and library classes, participate in an exciting drama program, and enjoy a wide selection of extracurricular activities. Finally, the facilities are spacious, beautiful, and extraordinarily well maintained. Yet, the Westminster program thrives solely on tuition income. What is our secret?

Actually, there is no secret, just a streamlined, well-managed enterprise. First, Westminster’s business officers have pursued a conservative fiscal policy from the time of the school’s inception. The school has invested its funds wisely through the years and avoided taking on debt. Second, a small group of highly dedicated administrators takes on a number of jobs which are typically performed by several people at other schools. While our staff compensation package is generous and competitive, a relatively small administrative staff lowers school expenditures. Third, costs for maintenance of the physical plant, buses, books, equipment, etc., are lowered by the strong sense of responsibility shared by the entire community. Students and staff take pride in the school’s environment, treating it respectfully, helping to keep it neat, and notifying the maintenance department promptly of any needed repair. The fourth reason for Westminster’s low tuition is a philosophical one. Rather than charge a high tuition to most families while providing large amounts of financial aid to a few, Westminster maintains a relatively small financial aid fund while offering the benefit of low tuition to the largest number of families.

We are proud to be able to offer a rich program, implemented with a true sense of excellence, for such a reasonable fee. It is our hope that the average, middle-class family living in Fairfax County will be able to afford this program. This was a goal of Mrs. Goll, the school’s founder, and continues to be a high priority for the current Headmaster and Board of Trustees.