About
Community Ethos
Grit & Grace A Way of Life
At Westminster, education is about more than academic achievement. It is about becoming a person of character, curiosity, and purpose. Guided by our mission and shaped by a culture of Grit & Grace, students learn to embrace challenges, care for others, and contribute to a community that inspires lifelong growth.
Our Mission
The Westminster community inspires young men and women of promise to cultivate a passion for learning, explore and develop diverse talents in a balanced program, to reach well beyond the ordinary, to live with intelligence and character, and to commit to a life of service beyond self.
For more than a century, this mission has guided every aspect of life at Westminster. It shapes our classrooms, our residential community, our traditions, and our expectations for one another.
Grit & Grace: More Than a Motto
Virtute et Numine—Grit & Grace—is more than Westminster’s motto. It is the foundation of our community and a way of approaching learning, leadership, competition, creativity, and service.Students strengthen grit by pursuing ambitious goals with resilience, determination, and a willingness to grow through challenges. They learn that meaningful achievement comes through persistence, curiosity, and the courage to keep trying.
They practice grace by treating others with unexpected kindness, respect, goodwill and generosity of spirit. Grace reminds us that our greatest accomplishments mean little unless they are accompanied by empathy, generosity, and a commitment to the common good.
Together, grit and grace create the balance that defines a Westminster education—encouraging students to strive for excellence while remaining grounded in character.
Living Our Core Values
Westminster’s culture comes to life through four enduring values that shape every aspect of the student experience. These values are experienced every day—in classrooms and residence halls, around family-style meals, on stages and playing fields, in Chapel, through service, and in countless everyday interactions across campus.List of 4 items.
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Community
We believe every individual contributes to the common good. Living and learning together fosters trust, belonging, shared responsibility, and lasting friendships. -
Character
Integrity, humility, leadership, and respect guide our decisions. Students learn to do what is right, even when it is difficult, and to lead with compassion and courage. -
Balance
Growth happens through a healthy balance of academics, athletics, the arts, leadership, and personal well-being. Students are encouraged to pursue excellence while maintaining perspective. -
Involvement
Learning extends far beyond the classroom. By participating fully in school life, students discover new strengths, develop confidence, and make meaningful contributions to the community.
The Spirit of the Martlet
The Martlet has represented Westminster for generations. Inspired by the legendary swift, this distinctive bird symbolizes curiosity, perseverance, and the lifelong pursuit of learning.In heraldry, the Martlet is traditionally depicted without feet, forever in flight and never standing still. It represents those who forge their own path through exploration, independence, and courage. The symbolism reflects the Westminster experience. Students are encouraged to ask bold questions, embrace new challenges, and pursue opportunities that stretch their understanding of themselves and the world around them.
Like the swift, whose remarkable endurance carries it across continents, Westminster students develop the resilience to navigate change, adapt to new experiences, and continue learning long after graduation.
Building Community Since 1888
For more than 135 years, Westminster has remained true to William Lee Cushing’s belief that education should prepare students not only for college, but for life.1888
William Lee Cushing founded Westminster School in Dobbs Ferry, New York, inspired by the English boarding school tradition and the philosophy of “education as training for life.”
1900
The School moved to its permanent home atop Williams Hill in Simsbury, Connecticut, where its residential community continues to flourish overlooking the Farmington River Valley.1972–1977
Westminster welcomed girls first as day students and later as boarding students, becoming the vibrant coeducational community it is today.Today
Students from across the United States and around the world come together to learn, live, and grow in a community defined by curiosity, belonging, and shared purpose.
Notice of Nondiscriminatory Policy as to Students
In keeping with our support for a diverse community, Westminster abides by all applicable federal and state laws and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected characteristic, including race, color, religious creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national and ethnic origin, ancestry and/or disability in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs. Westminster admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the School.
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