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About

Our History

More than sixty years ago, a small group of dedicated Christians sensed a calling to start a school characterized by excellence and devoted to a biblical philosophy of education.
Westminster Christian School opened its doors on September 6, 1961, on the grounds of Shenandoah Presbyterian Church. Three teachers served students in grades 1-8, under the leadership of Mr. Jacob Heerema, the first school principal. Just two years later, Westminster moved to its new and present location with an increased enrollment of 169 students, and 14 full-time and five part-time teachers. 

Mr. Daniel DeLange succeeded Mr. Heerema as principal, and under his able and persevering leadership, Westminster continued to move forward. By 1966, Westminster graduated its first class of high school seniors.

Throughout the decades, the school has established a presence as one of the leading independent Christian schools in Florida. With the help of God, Westminster will continue to empower learners, prepare hearts, and inspire lives to faithfully serve as ambassadors for Christ for decades to come.

Decades of Excellence

Mission Statement

Empowering learners, preparing hearts, and inspiring lives to faithfully serve as ambassadors for Jesus Christ.

Timeline

List of 6 items.

  • 1970s

    • Completion of middle school and high school buildings, and athletic facilities, including locker rooms
    • Gymnasium and Auditorium added
    • Covered outdoor cafeteria installed
  • 1980s

    • Enrollment reaches 1,000
    • Dedication of the Hazel M. Ross Library & Media Center, and the Lewis A. Fraser Science Laboratories
    • Westminster celebrates 25th anniversary
    • Auditorium and Fine Arts facility renovated
  • 1990s

    • Westminster suffers $3.5 million in damage from Hurricane Andrew
    • Sixth Grade Wing added to middle school campus
  • 2000s

    • Admiraal Deck installed outside of the Hazel M. Ross Media Center
    • Addition of the Student Activities Center, including new indoor cafeteria
  • 2010s

    • Enrollment reaches 1,200
    • Westminster celebrates 50th anniversary
    • New middle school and high school science building is added, including laboratories
    • Construction of new elementary school campus and renovated grounds
    • Purchase of five acres of land adjacent to current property
    • Addition of the TIDE Center, a classroom and office building focused on technology, innovation, design, and engineering
    • Completion of the Gutierrez Family Athletic Field
    • WorldWonder Nature Center celebrates its grand opening. 
    • Break ground on The Lighthouse, Westminster's new performing arts center
  • 2020s

    • Westminster celebrates the opening of The Lighthouse, a new performing arts center.
    • Students inaugurate The Wild Acre, the natural habitat surrounding the WorldWonder Nature Center. In the Wild Acre, students can observe a tortoise, frolicking goats, or birds in the aviary, ponder the swirls of water cascading over rocks, breathe the aroma of a bamboo forest, gather with peers at a fire pit and so much more. 
    • Addition of the Field House to the Gutierrez Field. The addition includes two locker rooms, bathrooms, training rooms and two administrative offices.
    • Westminster celebrates 60th anniversary
Westminster Christian School, located in Palmetto Bay, Florida, is a private, college-preparatory school for children from preschool through twelfth grade.