Westminster Academy (Florida)

Westminster Academy is a private Christian school in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, serving students in grades PK2 through 12.^[1] It is an educational ministry of the Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church and is related denominationally to the Presbyterian Church in America.^[2] The main campus is located at 5601 North Federal Highway in Fort Lauderdale,^[4] with a "west campus" Athletic Complex located at 3701 NW 44th Street in Lauderdale Lakes.^[5]

During 2016–2017 academic year the school had a total enrollment of 905 students: 328 in lower school (preprimary–5th grade), 250 in middle school (grades 6–8), and 327 in high school (grades 9–12).^[3] The current headmaster is Mr. Joel Satterly.^[6]

Academics

• College Preparatory Curriculum^[7]
• Top Tier College Admissions^[7]
• 13 Advanced Placement Courses^[7]
• 11 Dual Enrollment Courses^[7]
• 22 Honors Courses^[7]
• 14 Elective Honors Courses^[7]
• Duke TIP Participants^[7]
• The Class of 2016 earned over $7,500,000 in college scholarships^[7]
• Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM) Program^[7]

Athletics

Westminster Academy has a long history of athletics, including many state championships in various sports.^[8] Selected highlights include:

• State championship in football in 1990 with a team that featured future Florida State University and NFL quarterback Danny Kanell (Westminster class of 1992)^[9]
• Boys state basketball championship in 2002 featuring future University of Florida point guard Taurean Green, who attended Westminster Academy for one year^[10]
• Boys state track championship in 2008, 2014, and 2015
• Boys state track championship in 1979 - the school's first boys state championship team
• Boys state baseball in 1999 and 2000
• Boys Cross Country state championships - 1993,84,85,87,88,2016

Awards & Recognition

Westminster Academy Lower School selected as a 2014 National Blue Ribbon School^[11]

On Tuesday, September 30, 2014, the U.S. Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan, recognized the Westminster Academy Lower School as a 2014 National Blue Ribbon School in the category of Exemplary High Performing Schools.

The Westminster Academy Lower School will be honored alongside 287 public and 50 private schools across the nation at a recognition ceremony held November 10–11, 2014, in Washington, D.C.

In its 32-year history, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has bestowed this coveted award on just under 7,900 of America’s schools.^[12]

“These great schools are fulfilling the promise of American education—that all students, can flourish when schools provide safe, creative, and challenging learning environments,” Secretary Duncan said. “National Blue Ribbon Schools are models of consistent excellence and a resource for other schools and districts. We celebrate them for their tireless effort and boundless creativity in reaching and teaching every student.”^[12]

The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program honors public and private elementary, middle, and high schools where students either achieve very high learning standards or are making notable improvements in closing the achievement gap. The award affirms the hard work of students, educators, families, and communities in creating safe and welcoming schools where students master challenging content.

History

The school was founded in 1971 by the late Dr. D. James Kennedy, the founding pastor of the Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church.^[1]

In October 2000, Westminster Academy announced that it received an $8.35 million donation from 1978 graduate Jean Case and her husband Steve Case, the former chairman of America Online.^[13]

Notable Alumni

• Lauren Cooley, class of 2010, political activist and national commentator
• Michael Taylor, class of 2009, Washington Nationals baseball outfielder.^[14]
• Elih Villanueva, class of 2004, Florida Marlins baseball player^[15]
• Guma Aguiar, class of 1995^[16][17]
• Danny Kanell, class of 1992, NFL Quarterback and ESPN Personality^[18]
• Kevin Chapman class of 2006, Houston Astros pitcher^[19]
• Matt den Dekker class of 2006, Washington Nationals outfielder^[20]
• Jason Kennedy class of 2000, TV Personality^[21]

References

External links

• www.wa.edu, official website
• facebook.com/walions, Facebook page
• @wacad, Twitter profile

Coordinates: 26°11′50″N 80°06′46″W / 26.1973056°N 80.112822°W / 26.1973056; -80.112822