The Westminster Schools

Search

Table of Contents

Tours

  1. Welcome to the Upper School!

    Explore our Upper School, where we challenge students to integrate an evolving sense of self with the needs and demands of the world.

    Stops

    1. The Upper School

      Our Upper School challenges students to integrate an evolving sense of self with the needs and demands of the world. Phenomenal academic programs such as JanTerm, global study, and a host of AP courses allow students to become more deeply focused and more widely differentiated, while extracurricular activities hone leadership skills. Advisories help students set and meet their goals. And our exceptional College Counselors guide students through the college selection and application process.

    2. Robinson Hall

      Robinson Hall, the Upper School's science building, was dedicated in 1996 and features modern science laboratories and classrooms in addition to meeting and office spaces.

      The Warren Lecture Room is a large lecture hall that accommodates over 200 people, and is a gathering space for Upper School class meetings, seminars, staff meetings, and presentations.

      Learn more about the Upper School's science curriculum.

    3. Askew Hall

      The Upper School's Thyrza S. Askew Hall was one of the first buildings constructed in 1953, and was named after Miss Thyrza Askew, principal of North Avenue Presbyterian School (NAPS), one of Westminster's predecessor schools.

      Askew Hall houses classrooms for English, math, history, Bible, and languages, and offices for Upper School faculty.

      The building is also home to WCAT, the School's student-run webTV station. More than 100 students from all three divisions participate in WCAT, which films athletic competitions, art performances, assembles, and other school events for the Westminster community.

      Learn more about the Upper School curriculum.

    4. Campbell Hall

      Campbell Hall was the School's first building, constructed in 1953, and originally served as the Boys' School. The building underwent a historic renovation and reopened in 2020 with modern classrooms, offices, and meeting and collaboration spaces.

      Learn more about the Upper School curriculum.

    5. Hawkins Hall

      Opened in 2020, Hawkins Hall is the newest academic building on campus, situated adjacent to Campbell Hall. The building houses Upper School classrooms and offices, the Brewer Cafe, the Roberto C. Goizueta Innovation Hub and Catalyst Lab, and numerous meeting and social spaces.

    6. Brewer Cafe

      Brewer Cafe, given by Roz and John Brewer and their children, John '13 and Camryn '21, opened in 2020 on the first floor of Hawkins Hall. This grab-and-go cafe serves Upper School students, faculty, and staff throughout the day.

    7. Schoen Dining Plaza

      Given by Stephen '80 and Melanie Schoen, this dining plaza sits conveniently between Hawkins and Pressly Halls. Students and faculty can visit either Brewer Cafe or Malone Dining Hall and eat, socialize, or work outside.

    8. Pressly Plaza

      Dedicated 1994, the plaza was named for Alice McCallie Pressly, wife of Dr. William L. Pressly, founder of Westminster, because she “represented timeless qualities that are the most important lessons [the faculty] could teach.”

      Pressly Plaza is home to several traditional ceremonies and gatherings, including Blessing of the Backpacks, Senior Countdown, and Commencement. In the center of the plaza lies the Westminster Seal, which students avoid stepping on before graduating!

    9. Pressly Hall

      Constructed in 1962 as the Administration Building, Pressly Hall was dedicated to Dr. William L. Pressly, founder of The Westminster Schools, upon his retirement in 1973. The Greek Revival-style building with fluted Doric columns is home to the President's Office and the Office for Institutional Advancement, in addition to a number of resources for students.

      Pressly Hall includes the largest auditorium space on campus, McCain Chapel, the Upper School Carlyle Fraser Library, and the main dining facility, Malone Dining Hall. College Counseling, the Glenn Institute, Student Support, Discovery, and Odyssey all have offices within the building.

    10. Montgomery Foyer

      The Montgomery Foyer—located immediately inside Pressly Hall—was dedicated in memory of Jeannette Lowndes Montgomery, given by Mr. L. F. Montgomery, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur L. Montgomery, and Mr. and Mrs. George A. Montgomery. Throughout the year, the foyer serves as a concert venue and a meeting space for groups. Every holiday season, a 15-foot Christmas tree and fresh pine garland adorn the space.

    11. McCain Chapel

      Dedicated in 1966, this auditorium is named in honor of Dr. James Ross McCain, a longtime trustee of Westminster. McCain Chapel plays host to Upper School assemblies, the annual holiday performance of Handel's Messiah, guest speakers, and a variety of other concerts and performances.

    12. Carlyle Fraser Library and Archives

      A result of the vision and generosity of Isobel and Carlyle Fraser, the three-story Carlyle Fraser Library is an elegant, world-class library, featuring Canadian Birch paneling and walnut parquet floors.

      Today, the Upper School's Carlyle Fraser Library houses more than 28,000 volumes, including the 3,240 volumes in The Donn M. Gaebelein Christian Scholarship Collection. It is also home to The Parker Board Room and The Donn M. and Norma L. Gaebelein Learning Commons, as well as the Lewis H. Beck Archives and the Ellen E. Fleming Research Commons.

      The renovated and expanded Carlyle Fraser Library enables Westminster to powerfully meet the needs of students and educators today with a wide variety of individual and group work, study, and research spaces and resources.

    13. College Counseling Office

      The Nancy T. Beane College Counseling Center is designed to help students recognize where their gifts and talents lie and to discern which particular colleges and universities will best nurture those gifts. The center features comfortable office and meeting spaces for families and visiting college representatives consulting with college counselors, as well as a soundproof teleconferencing booth for virtual college interviews.

    14. Malone Dining Hall

      This dining facility serves all Middle and Upper School students, faculty, and staff. Delicious, well-balanced meals featuring healthy, sustainable ingredients are prepared by FLIK Independent School Dining Services. Choices such as homemade soups, fresh salads, and hot panini sandwiches add variety to the daily entree and side dish offerings.

    15. Broyles Arts Center

      Westminster’s performing and visual arts center was constructed in 1988, and named for Dr. Vernon S. Broyles Jr., pastor of the North Avenue Presbyterian Church for 26 years, and the first Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Westminster.

      Broyles Arts Center serves as the hub for Westminster's thriving arts program and features studio and practice areas as well as performance and gallery space.

      Kellett Theatre is the School's main performance auditorium, playing host to myriad student productions throughout the year.

      The soaring space and natural light in the Gaines Foyer Gallery make it the ideal space for showcasing exhibits by students, faculty and staff, and visiting artists, including collaborative school-wide STEAM projects and AP art portfolio work.

      Learn more about the Arts at Westminster.

    16. Kellett Theatre

      Each year, this 462-seat theater plays host to myriad student productions, including noteworthy broadway musicals, dramas, concerts, and dance performances. Whether on stage, in the orchestra pit, or on the tech crew, there is a place for everyone in Kellett!

    17. Robotics Den

      The RoboDen was established by the Shanor Family in honor of their son, Rick '11, and the other founding members of the Westminster WiredCats Robotics Team #2415.

      The RoboDen features advanced tools, equipment, and technology, which help Team #2415 excel in the competitive robotics arena. The WiredCats compete at state, regional, national, and international competitions and have placed as high as fifth in the world.

    18. Turner Gym

      Originally built in 1970, the Fred J. Turner Gymnasium underwent a massive renovation in 2000 and now offers 160,000 square feet of modern space for physical education and athletics.

      The gym features practice and game courts for volleyball and basketball, squash courts, a suspended 1/10 mile indoor track, a fitness center, an aquatic center, classroom space, locker rooms, and more.

      The Parker Campus Center in Turner Gym is also a popular spot for studying and relaxing after school.

      Learn more about Athletics at Westminster.

    19. Thompson Stadium

      Alfred E. Thompson Sr. Stadium and Fritz Orr Field have been home to Wildcat football, lacrosse, soccer, and track and field events since 1980. The stadium was completely renovated in 2020 with new home seating, press box, and concessions stand.