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Financial aid at Westminster School provides more than an educational opportunity for individual students. It enables talented students from diverse backgrounds to contribute to the vibrancy of the Westminster community and enrich the experience for all students.
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Westminster School seeks to recruit, retain and support students who will best embrace the advantages and opportunities offered by the Westminster community.
Currently, one-third of Westminster students receive some form of financial aid. But there is a need for much greater support. Financial circumstances should not determine a student’s ability to achieve excellence in secondary school and beyond. Important lessons are learned through conversations with those who have had differing life experiences, especially if those conversations take place during one of the most formative times in life: the transition from childhood to adulthood. After graduation, such lessons equip alumni to make a difference in their communities and in the world.
Increasing the availability of financial aid is an urgent priority for Westminster School.
A strengthened and sustained financial aid budget will allow the school to compete successfully for top students identified through the admissions process as “best fits” for the school community.
Beyond an initial scholarship, students who receive scholarships and need-based financial aid must be able to participate in the breadth of school programs including resources for essential items such as bedding, school supplies, athletic equipment, classroom technology or even a movie out with friends.
An investment in financial aid at Westminster is an investment in creating opportunities and possibilities for all students on the campus.
Beyond an initial scholarship, students who receive scholarships and need-based financial aid must be able to participate in the breadth of school programs including resources for essential items such as bedding, school supplies, athletic equipment, classroom technology or even a movie out with friends.
An investment in financial aid at Westminster is an investment in creating opportunities and possibilities for all students on the campus.
Comparing Financial Aid with Peer Schools
A common way to compare the strength of a financial aid program is to consider the amount of financial aid as a percentage of total tuition income. At 20.3 percent, the amount of financial aid resources available for Westminster students is below the average of 23.2 percent among 16 peer schools. Increasing the financial aid budget will help Westminster compete with peer schools for students who will contribute to the vibrancy of the campus and the experience of all students.
“Westminster has provided me opportunities and experiences beyond my imagination.”
Lucy ’18
HUMANN SCHOLAR | WILBRAHAM BOWL | PREFECT BOARD | CO-HEAD BLACK & GOLD | VICE PRESIDENT JOHN HAY SOCIETY | TEAM CAPTAIN FOR FIELD HOCKEY, SQUASH, SOFTBALL |
“Never before have I been in a community that has been so supportive toward ideas that may seem far-fetched or difficult to pursue.”
Joel ’17
GRIFFITH SCHOLAR | BARNES SERVICE AWARD | EXCELLENCE IN SCIENCE AWARD | PREFECT BOARD KEYES BOWL | QUESTBRIDGE COLLEGE MATCH SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT, ATTENDING WESLEYAN |
“Phalla and I come from very different places, but we share a Westminster experience. Once you get to know someone, you realize they have a story.”
~ Charlie ’21 (right) Phalla ’20
DAVIS SCHOLAR FROM CAMBODIA | INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ORGANIZATION MEMBER | CROSS COUNTRY, BASKETBALL |
Financial Aid Opportunities
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NAMED ENDOWED FUNDS
Endowment gifts generate income in perpetuity and secure a foundation for Westminster’s financial aid resources. Full Scholarship for a Boarding Student $1.25 million A $1.25 million endowed gift generates the approximate income required to cover the cost of tuition and boarding expenses for a student receiving full financial aid. Full Scholarship for a Day Student $850,000 An endowed gift of $850,000 generates the approximate income required to cover the cost of tuition for a day student receiving full financial aid. Endowed Williams Hill Society Scholarship $200,000 A scholarship fund supports students with demonstrated financial need. Unrestricted Scholarship Fund $100,000 An unrestricted scholarship fund supports students with demonstrated financial need as determined by the school Donors have the opportunity to discuss preferences and help shape priorities for these endowed funds. |
CURRENT-USE FUNDS
Supporting current-use needs provides significant budget relief. Bridge Fund opportunities provide sustained budget relief similar to an endowment gift over a term of three to five years. Bridge Fund Opportunities A Three- to Five-Year Commitment Wilde Fund $25,000 per year Helps ensure that students receiving the most generous financial aid packages enjoy the same Westminster experience as their peers by providing funds for necessities like clothing, books, laptops, graphing calculators, exam registration fees, trips, athletic equipment and other essential expenses. Graduation Fund $25,000 per year Helps students complete their Westminster experience all the way to graduation if their families encounter unexpected financial issues. Williams Hill Society Named Scholarship $25,000 per year Provides budget relief to support a specific student receiving financial aid. Williams Hill Society General Scholarship $10,000 per year Provides budget relief to support students receiving financial aid. The Westminster Fund By providing unrestricted support through The Westminster Fund for Westminster’s top priorities, including need-based financial aid and scholarships, donors qualify for recognition in the Williams Hill Society at the following gift levels:
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