After-School Programs Enriching Student Lives When researchers from the Harvard Family Research Project analyzed a decade of studies they concluded that “children and youth who participate in after-school programs can reap a host of positive benefits in a number of interrelated outcome areas—academic, social/emotional, prevention, and health and wellness” (http://www.sedl.org/pubs/sedl-letter/v20n02/afterschool_findings.html).  Westminster School strongly supports these [...]

Finding The Right Elementary School ~ Do Your Homework! There are few decisions more important than finding the right school for your child. You probably have a few choices, including public school—so how do you make this tough decision? You really have to do your homework when it comes to making this choice. You can probably do [...]

Why Small Class Size Is ImportantIndividualized Attention Academic Achievement Positive Impact on Students and Teachers Studies have demonstrated that students who are assigned to smaller classes in grades K-3rd do better in every way that can be measured: they score higher on tests, receive better grades, and exhibit improved attendance. A recent Department of Education evaluation revealed that [...]

Turn Your Child Into A Reader What are the best ways to ensure that your child becomes a good reader? What if you find that your elementary-aged child isn’t very interested in reading? Studies have shown that the primary indicator of your child’s reading success is the number of hours that you spend reading aloud to him or her. This should not [...]

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PART OF SCHOOL? “BREAK!” Many Westminster parents may have asked this question and received a similarly frank response from their child, wryly commenting to themselves, “Well, I’m glad that tuition check is being so well spent.” Actually, it is.  The American Academy of Pediatrics, First Lady Michelle Obama, teachers, and educational researchers [...]