The Westminster School was begun to help homeschooling families with the task of educating their high school aged children. It was, and still is, the goal of this school to offer courses that are not only academically rigorous, but that are also taught from a perspective that is fully informed by the Holy Scriptures.
The Westminster School was originally called The Orthodox Presbyterian Home Schoolers of South Jersey (OPHSSJ) and still is known by many, simply, as
“Thursday School.”
The first year began with twelve students and two courses. Still meeting at Immanuel Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Bellmawr, NJ, the school has had as many as eighty students and eight instructors, most of whom have graduate degrees in their discipline. These numbers change from year to year.
Our curriculum has included Pre-algebra, Algebra I and II, Geometry, Pre-calculus, English Grammar and Composition I – III, Literature of Western Civilization I and II, Biology, Advanced Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Philosophy of Religion/Apologetics, History of Philosophy I and II, Logic, Latin I – IV, Classical Greek I – III, Spanish I – III, Art History, Choir, American History/Government I and II, History of Western Civilization I and II, and Twentieth Century History. Classes from this list are offered yearly. depending on the student population and the availability of Instructors
During the traditional school year, students meet each Thursday for lectures which occur throughout the day. Then through the week, with assistance from parents, students do independent study assignments at home, and prepare for the next week's lectures. Work is graded, examinations are held, and papers prepared. Instructors expect strong effort and achievement. The level of the classes does vary, some being tailored more to the junior high level while others are taught at a high school honors level.
. Our students have done very well over the years academically. The average SAT score at The Westminster School far exceeds the national average. AP scores have also been high. Many of our students have attended colleges and universities that are highly regarded in the academic community including: The College of New Jersey, Covenant College, Gordon College, Grove City College, Hillsdale College, Northwestern University, Oxford University, Temple University, Thomas Jefferson University, University of Pennsylvania, and the University of Texas at Austin, . A number of our students have continued with graduate school, including law school and medical school.
fides quaerens intellectum!
