Commencement | Westminster School

Admissions

"Westminster School seeks curious and engaged students who want to grow and learn in a challenging and supportive environment. Students who are motivated to become their best selves both in and out of the classroom, taking advantage of the myriad of opportunities Westminster has to offer."

Miles Bailey ’94

Dean of Admissions

About

“At Westminster, we aspire to an extraordinarily ambitious commitment to secondary education, a commitment to nurture the participation of our diverse school community across our entire program — from academics, to studios and labs, gyms, fields and rink, and service to our Hartford community partners. Westminster students are inspired by opportunities to make a difference in all their endeavors.”

Elaine White

Head of School

Arts

"The visual and performing arts program at Westminster weaves the community together and nurtures the spirit of the Westminster campus. The arts at Westminster inspire students of all levels of experience from the very beginner to the advanced artist to practice the freedom of creative self-expression. Professional teachers guide students to work through the creative process from inception to the presentation, building a lifelong respect and appreciation for the arts."

Kerry Kendall
Head of Visual and Performing Arts Department

Athletics

"Athletic success at Westminster is measured not only by wins and losses, but through the bonds created between teammates and coaches, individual and team improvement, and personal growth. When students learn how to be competitors and how to cooperate with one another, they are better prepared to be citizens of the global world."

Tim Joncas '00
Director of Athletics

Hartford Partnerships

“Driven by a desire to serve young people and conscious of the opportunities for private schools to support a public purpose, Westminster School’s mission statement concludes with the call ‘to commit to a life of service beyond self.’ Westminster’s Hartford Partnership programs aim to deliver on that mission while making a direct impact on people and programs in Hartford.”

Patrick Owens
Executive Director, Horizons at Westminster
Executive Director, Hartford Partnerships

Student Life

“Involvement will be the key to your success at Westminster School. Get involved with the arts, try a sport you've never played, start your own club, run for student council. You will get out of this experience exactly what you put into it. Do these things early in your life — keep seeking more opportunities for growth.”

A-men Rasheed

Dean of Student Life

Frequently Asked Questions

List of 9 frequently asked questions.

Who may attend Commencement?

Immediate family members, approximately 10-12 people, are welcome to attend.
Where should guests park?

Guests will be directed to park behind Armour Academic Center. Please do not park around the Sixth Form Lawn during Commencement Weekend.
Are there reserved seats for Commencement?

Graduates and special guests will have seats reserved at the front of the tent. Seating for families and other guests is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Families or students who wish to hold seats may place a placard on individual seats beginning at 7 a.m. on Saturday. Any placards placed before 7 a.m. will be removed.
Where can we stay? Where can we have dinner on Friday evening?

Please click here to see a list of area hotels and restaurants. Make dinner reservations early and plan to be back to campus before 7 p.m. for the Lawn Ceremony.
Where can we have lunch on Saturday?

Following the Commencement Ceremony, everyone is welcome to enjoy a buffet lunch in Armstrong Dining Hall.
Will photographs be taken of each student?

Highpoint Pictures will be taking candid and formal photos throughout Saturday morning. A professional photographer will take a photo as the diploma is handed to the student and after the student leaves the stage. Guests are encouraged to request a family photo from a photographer before or after the Commencement Ceremony. An email from Highpoint Pictures will be sent to Sixth Form parents about two weeks after Commencement, when the photos are ready to be reviewed and purchased.
Will the events be livestreamed?

The Awards Ceremony, Baccalaureate Service and Lawn Ceremony on Friday will be livestreamed. Commencement Exercises are scheduled to be livestreamed on Saturday morning. All livestreams can be accessed at www.westminster-school.org/live on the day of the event.
When do Sixth Form students depart?

Sixth Form students depart campus at 1 p.m. following Commencement. Families can pack up before Commencement, or immediately following the event.
Can the school accommodate guests with mobility issues?

Guests with mobility issues should be dropped off at the entrance to Armour Academic Center. Golf carts will be available for guests who need assistance getting to the Lawn Ceremony on Friday evening or the tent on Commencement Lawn. Please contact Kerry Masiero, Executive Assistant to the Head of School, at kmasiero@westminster-school.org or 860-408-3012 to address any additional issues. We will make every effort to accommodate your request.

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