In addition to following state requirements, Westminster relies on the results of the Gesell Developmental Observation to ascertain the likelihood of success in our 1^st grade program.  This scientifically-developed and experientially-proven observation series is an exceptional indicator of a child's preparedness for the grade to which he or she is applying.  The Gesell is administered by certified testers during a 40-50 minute appointment.

These are Westminster's requirements for admission into our 1^st grade program:

• Age of 6 on or before September 1 and a score of 6-6½ developmental age on the Gesell Developmental Observation
• Able to listen and follow directions given individually and to whole group
• Able to participate in whole class activities
• Able to move from large group to small group activities quietly and quickly
• Able to attend (focus) during a lesson, activity, group work for 30 minutes
• Able to respect and obey authority figures (teacher, assistant, principal, adult)
• Able to count orally, recognize and write numbers to 100 by 1s, 5s, and 10s
• Able to identify colors, shapes, position words
• Able to sequence simple pictures and tell a story
• Able to identify beginning, ending sounds in words
• Able to rhyme words
• Able to sound out words during writing activity
• Able to give opposites of words
• Able to write letters of the alphabet when dictated
• Able to write short cvc (consonant-vowel-consonant) words
• Able to identify short and long vowels and all consonant sounds
• Able to blend consonants and sort vowels to form simple words
• Able to write on lined paper
• Demonstrate concepts or more, less, equal
• Able to construct and name simple patterns
• Able to recognize numbers that come before and after numbers from 1 - 50
• Able to write simple sentences with at least four words
• Able to maintain an organized workspace
• Experience with homework responsibility
• Identify sight word vocabulary

Westminster's 1st grade program meets each day 8:10 a.m. - 3:10 p.m.  The curriculum includes Open Court Reading and Phonics; A Beka Math enriched with literature and manipulatives, Bible, D'Nealian handwriting, spelling, creative writing emphasizing writing process and science, social studies, P.E., art, library/media, and music.

The admission process includes standardized tests administered by the school.  Westminster abides by state law requiring students entering 1st grade to be 6 years old by September 1 of the school year.