"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."
“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.”
"Through gritty trial and error, Westminster students grow into independent learners who are curious, critical thinkers. With the support of faculty, students gain the skills to understand the world around them and enrich their communities at school and beyond."
"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."
"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
“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 & Hartford Partnerships
“Our community is built on a shared commitment to our values, traditions, and people. At Westminster, students are encouraged to be curious, explore new interests, and step into roles of service and leadership. Sustained, intentional engagement with peers and faculty across all areas of school life leads to the lasting relationships that are the hallmark of the Westminster student experience.”
“Support for Westminster School provides a way to remember the past, shape the present and steward the future of the school.”
Newell Grant ’99
Director of Advancement
Shannon O’Shaughnessy
Director of Advancement Operations
Details
Charles Ruffin II ’16 Named Director of Athletic Performance
Starting July 1, 2026, Charles “Chaz” Ruffin ’16 will be the first Director of Athletic Performance at Westminster School. Since joining the Athletic Department in 2024 as the Strength and Conditioning Coach, Ruffin has been instrumental in creating a comprehensive, integrated performance program that significantly advances Westminster’s approach to student-athlete development.
Ruffin holds a Master of Science in Exercise and Sport Science from Merrimack College and a Bachelor of Science in Applied Exercise Science from Springfield College. A Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, his experience spans more than six years across the collegiate, private, and clinical sectors, including high-performance training at Army West Point and a graduate fellowship working with Division I programs at Merrimack. As a former All-Conference defensive lineman at Springfield, Ruffin pairs his clinical expertise in injury prevention and rehabilitation with a deep understanding of the competitive student-athlete experience.
“In just two years, Chaz has completely transformed our approach to athletic performance,” said Director of Athletics Tim Joncas ’00. “In his new position, Chaz will oversee a comprehensive performance program that integrates weight room training, mental performance strategies, and nutrition education to support the overall health and wellness of our entire community.”
For Ruffin, the appointment represents a meaningful opportunity to give back to his alma mater. “Westminster holds a special place in my life, and it’s a privilege to lead this next phase of our athletic development,” said Ruffin. “Our goal is to create a performance environment that develops the complete student-athlete and supports success both on and off the field. I look forward to working closely with our coaches and faculty to provide a high-level experience that empowers every student to reach their full potential.”
Ruffin is well-known on Williams Hill for his positivity, consistent work ethic, and willingness to help others. “Chaz is an exceptional professional and an even better person,” added Joncas.
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.