Academics
Academic Technology & AI
Preparing Students to Lead in an AI-Enabled World
Technology is changing rapidly, but the qualities that matter most—curiosity, discernment, creativity, empathy, and ethical leadership—remain uniquely human. At Westminster, students are prepared to use artificial intelligence thoughtfully, responsibly, and effectively. Rather than viewing AI as a shortcut, students learn to use AI as a tool that strengthens learning, deepens inquiry, and enhances critical thinking while preserving the originality, integrity, and relationships that define a Westminster education.Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence
Students learn not simply how to use AI, but when to use it, when not to use it, and how to evaluate its outputs with wisdom and discernment. This approach reflects Westminster’s commitment to helping students strengthen the academic and personal skills they will need to thrive in college, careers, and a rapidly evolving world.At Westminster, AI begins and ends with people by following a Human-Centered AI (HAI) Framework based on a simple principle:
Human → AI → Human Every interaction begins with human curiosity, creativity, and original thinking. AI is then used to support research, brainstorming, organization, analysis, or problem solving. Finally, students critically evaluate, revise, and improve the work using their own judgment and understanding.
In this model, AI is never a substitute for learning. It is a thought partner that enhances inquiry while keeping students actively engaged in the learning process.
Strengthening Essential Academic Skills
Westminster’s AI Framework supports the development of the core academic skills that prepare students for success well beyond the classroom.Students learn how AI can enhance:
- Collaboration
- Communication
- Research
- Writing
- Quantitative Reasoning
By focusing on the learning process—not simply the final product—students develop the ability to think critically, ask better questions, solve complex problems, and communicate with clarity and purpose.
AI Leadership
Westminster’s AI Framework is guided by a cross-disciplinary Faculty AI Committee, Student AI Committee, and a Parent AI Work Group representing academics, technology, admissions, advancement, and school leadership. Together, these groups help ensure that Westminster’s approach reflects educational best practices while remaining aligned with our mission and values.AI in the Classroom
Faculty thoughtfully integrate AI where it enhances learning while preserving opportunities for independent thinking and authentic assessment.To provide clear expectations, Westminster uses a five-level AI implementation continuum that defines how AI may be used in different academic settings. This common framework gives students consistency while allowing teachers the flexibility to determine the appropriate role of AI based on each course’s learning objectives.
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Ethics, Character & Responsible Innovation
Powerful technologies require thoughtful leadership. Westminster encourages students to approach AI with integrity, responsibility, and respect for others.
Westminster emphasizes:- Using AI to support—not replace—original thinking
- Collaborating first with teachers and classmates before turning to AI
- Evaluating AI-generated information critically rather than accepting it at face value
- Understanding when and how AI should be acknowledged in academic work
- Considering the environmental impact of AI and using technology responsibly
These principles reflect Westminster’s core values of Community, Character, Balance, and Involvement while helping students strengthen the Grit & Grace needed to lead in an increasingly technology-driven world. -
Safety, Privacy & Trust
Student privacy and data security remain central to Westminster’s approach. To safeguard our community, Westminster:- Prioritizes school-approved, enterprise-level AI platforms with Data Privacy Agreements (DPAs)
- Protects student information by discouraging the use of consumer AI tools that collect or retain personal data
- Prohibits the entry of Personally Identifiable Information (PII) into consumer AI platforms
- Regularly evaluates emerging technologies to ensure they meet Westminster’s standards for security and educational value
Technology Support
Technology is woven throughout the Westminster experience. The Technology Department provides reliable infrastructure, responsive support, and modern learning tools that empower students and faculty every day. Westminster School is a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) school, meaning students are required to bring their own devices for academic use. The network supports all operating systems allowing students to use the devices they are most comfortable with.Technology resources include:
- Campus-wide high-speed wireless network
- Academic technology support for students and faculty
- Classroom technology integration
- Secure academic and administrative systems
On-site Office Hours
Monday – Friday8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
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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