by Kayla Rogers | May 26, 2023 | Around Campus
At our end-of-year faculty luncheon, Steve Hawley–affectionately Coach Hawley to all, whether they’ve had him as a coach or not–was recognized for 25 years of service at Westbury Christian. During that time, he has taught hundreds of Westbury Christian students and has made an eternal impact that is beyond measure.
Tell us about your career path and what led you to WCS.
SH: Originally, I thought I was going to play in the NBA. I was a good high school player on a good team, but everyone in college was a good high school player. On my first day of college practice, I knew that wasn’t going to happen. I decided I was going to be the head of the history department at UCLA by the time I was 30. I realized that was not going to happen. I played basketball and baseball for a couple years at York College, got my BA and my Masters, and got certified to teach. During summers, I coached American Legion Baseball in York, Nebraska, my hometown. A small Christian school in Georgia needed a history teacher and a baseball coach. The principal was from my hometown and had been my college professor. When I got there, the boys’ basketball coach found out I played college basketball and asked me to be an assistant coach. That’s how I got started. I said I would never coach girls, but we had an emergency come up and the rest is history. I coached the girls’ basketball team for four years and baseball for six years. I started working at a basketball camp at Lipscomb University. Through those connections, I had the opportunity to be the girls’ team coach at Friendship Christian in Lebanon, TN. I was there for 13 years. I knew Greg Glenn from Lipscomb University basketball camp. He brought me for an interview in Houston that included the 1998 graduation, which was fascinating. I fell in love with the place and with the mission of school. I have taught Bible 8 and Gospels for 25 years. It doesn’t happen anywhere else that you teach the same two classes for two and a half decades.
Any year from the 25 years that is memorable?
SH: One of my favorite memories here is preaching nine weddings of players/students/co-workers. Being asked to be part of someone’s very precious day is both humbling and an honor almost unmatched! In 2008-2009, my parents died, less than a year apart. The way the school wrapped their arms around me is very memorable. I also think March 12, 2020, a Thursday. We stacked it up at the end of practice and I told the girls, “See you tomorrow!” and then I didn’t see them again for six months due to COVID. Within a week, we were online. I had to learn Google Classroom, ZOOM, FlipGrid, and Screencastify on the fly. The school was really good about helping us through that.
My favorite year is usually the most recent year. The first year is also a favorite. It’s like being on a mission trip: you never forget the first one. My first year here was special. I had never coached middle school girls, and I did not think we would win a game; we ended up 24-2. We also introduced the Honduras project my first year. The school let me have an All School Chapel to share about the project, which we started in Tennessee. We raised about $12,000 the first year. The thing I am most proud of is keeping that project going for 25 years! Another point of pride would be the mural in my classroom painted by our AP Art students from different national backgrounds. It has become a kind of showplace over time. I’ve had this room for 24 of the 25 years I’ve been at WCS!
How have you seen the school change?
SH: We make very good use of the facilities and resources. Some great examples of upgrades are the addition of Mundy Hall, the building and turfing of the elementary playground, replacing the rubber gym floor with a wooden court, buying and refurbishing the West Campus, and the use of technology. Another great difference is SAGE Dining. It is a huge blessing we sometimes take for granted!.
How do you motivate your students?
SH: I wish I did a better job. I try to make the Bible and spiritual teachings applicable in their lives. We do a lot of writing, and I use videos to stimulate thought. I try to give my students a chance to be involved; 85-90% of our students in the past 25 years have been involved in the Mission Lazarus and Hope for Haiti’s Children outreach, including 100% of the 8th graders-11th graders this year.
When you are at Westbury Christian, what do you love to see that happens at our school?
SH: I love to see our older kids interact with our younger kids. My classes have had a lot of those interactions. This year, I had it with the 1st grade and my 7th period Old Testament Survey class. What was neat is that Sarah Romain, their teacher, had been one of my students and had participated in the same work her children engaged in, helping us sort change. I really think our older kids are great role models. We have an excellent student body. Our kids get along with their teachers and like their teachers which is not the case everywhere. Our kids blend well. You see kids from our different ethnicities and interest groups hanging together!
What do you do in your free time?
SH: I work out with weights and on the treadmill as well as reading.
Tell us about vacations or trips that meant a lot to you
SH: Two things I look forward to are seeing my brothers at Christmas and Thanksgiving and going to Vietnam. Even starting a checklist for my Vietnam mission is something I enjoy. It’s out of my comfort zone to travel alone, but it’s better for me than to go in a group. I used to just hang with other Americans when I went to Honduras, Haiti, and China. I can do that in Houston. When I receive notice of a donation for my mission, I start to think, “Okay that’s 2.5 girls’ bikes or 2 boys’ bikes. It changed the way I think.
Have you ever met someone famous?
SH: I worked with Charlie Ward when he was the football coach at WCS. The interesting thing about Charlie was that the kids treated him like every other adult. Whenever we had families on campus, the dads were in awe of his fame!
by Kayla Rogers | May 26, 2023 | Alumni News
After graduating from Westbury Christian School, Jasmine Matthews (’09) earned her undergraduate degree in theatre from Spelman College and her Masters at UNLV. Today, she is known for her acting roles in The Tomorrow War (2021), The Man from Toronto (2022), and Big George Foreman (2023). She loves acting for its exploration in humanness, connection to humanity, and travel. What was once an extracurricular at Westbury Christian School is now her profession.
Matthews currently is an actress in Sherman Oaks, California. As an actress, her day-to-day responsibilities look different. Some mornings she may be up at 3am to prepare for a day of filming. Other days she may be preparing for auditions with the possibility of facing rejection.
“My job has many rewards and challenges. I love being able to inspire little girls by being a strong role model they can look up to. At times it can be challenging because of rejections in auditions. I have to put my faith in God, trust Him and be patient.”
She credits Westbury Christian for giving her the spiritual formation in an industry that can be difficult for believers to work in.
“I often think back to my days at Westbury Christian and how it gifted me with such a firm faith based structure that has served me well in an industry that can be, well, frankly put, full of rejection and superficiality. I think it’s important for kids to continuously be fed the reality that their dreams are not only attainable but also that the grounded spiritual foundation that WCS instills is vital to fulfilling their ultimate success and purpose.”
When she looks back on her time at WCS, she reminisces about her Chick-Fil-A lunch days with friends, learning about Shakespeare with Mr. Wagner, and the formative relationships with faculty, several who are still at WCS.
“Mr. Wagner was so cool because he would reassure me that there is nothing weird about loving Shakespeare. His class allowed me to have my moments full of expression and authenticity. I cherish that moment. He taught me to embrace what you love when no one else loves it. [Coach Hawley] was really impactful while I was there. I never had him as a teacher, but his kindness, compassion, openness and availability made such an impact on me. He was just a light.” Matthews adds, “Mrs. Annette Turner received me with open arms and created a safe space for me even when I wasn’t a student of hers. She made me feel seen, heard, and gave me a safe space during the day. I look back at my time at Westbury Christian and they just inspired me that I could do anything. I got the encouragement I needed from faculty and staff.”
by Kayla Rogers | May 26, 2023 | Around Campus
Each graduating class leaves a unique mark on Westbury Christian and has played a special role in their time at the school. The Class of 2023 is no different, and their memory and influence will last for years. Take a closer look at some of their defining traits and moments:
- The Class of 2023 left a lasting legacy at Westbury Christian. Of the 32 graduating seniors, five students – Piper, Leah, Luke, Trina, and Emily – have been at WCS since preschool.
- The Class of 2023 will be making an impact across the country next fall as they head to college. From the University of San Francisco (Madison) to Hampton University (Justin), studying degrees from pre-dental (Fernando) to aviation management (Wolfgang), our graduating Wildcats will have an influence far beyond Houston. This year’s top collegiate destinations have been Sam Houston State University, Houston Christian University, and the University of Houston.
- The Class of 2023 has had service in their heart for years. In high school, they’ve collectively recorded over 3,000 hours of community service across a variety of different organizations and projects. But this group has been serving the community together since middle school, frequently working in local ministries and other community organizations. There are no doubt hundreds of unrecorded hours that have been spent serving across our community.
- The Class of 2023 has earned over $3.4 million in scholarships. They were accepted into 83 unique colleges and universities across the country.
- Over the past several years, the Class of 2023 has benefited from learning from other perspectives to enrich their understanding of the world. This includes eight classmates from other countries, including China (Tony, Sam, Binbin, and Daniel), Vietnam (Britney and Nam) and Thailand (Vanda and River), who have learned alongside their American peers for the past four years.
- The Class of 2023 left a lasting legacy for Wildcat athletics. Two female athletes have signed their national letter of intent to play collegiate sports. Piper will play soccer at the University of St Thomas and Emily will play volleyball at Wellesley College. Faith, Trina, and Lexi played four or more sports during their high school career. Jalen and Jeremiah led the boy’s basketball program to multiple state tournament appearances and Final Four finishes. Mary, Sophia M., Katelyn, Cara, and Parker led the cheerleading team to new heights, going to the state tournament for the first time in school history and finishing 4th overall.
- The Class of 2023 has been involved in a wide range of activities on campus. Nathan, Madison, and Emily starred in Aladdin Jr. this spring. Luke, Trina, and Sophia G’s participation in the WCS band, pop choir, and drumline has taken the band program to new heights, earning superiors and 3rd place at the TAPPS Band Championships. Ella has spent a lot of time serving and managing our athletic teams as a student manager and perfecting her golf game, and Katelyn has served in leadership roles as the senior president for many years. Cara, Sophia G. and Gabby have impacted HOSA and found their passions in health careers.
- Joseph became the first student in school history to pursue his entrepreneurial dreams of opening up a coffee shop at school. Hannah published her own articles for the Bellaire Buzz as a student reporter for Westbury Christian. They have had the pathway to pursue their own interests and inspire others along the way.
- Perhaps most importantly, the Class of 2023 has grown closer over the years. They’ve overcome tragedies and challenges and shared exciting accomplishments and joys.
We will certainly miss the Class of 2023, but we know they will continue to grow as they depart WCS. We look forward to hearing how they make a Kingdom Impact in the future. Congratulations to all the members of the Class of 2023!
Piper C. | University of St. Thomas | Sports Medicine
Tony C. | Houston Christian University | Cyber Security Engineering
Mary D. | Houston Christian University | Computer Science
Emily G. | Wellesley College | Neuroscience
Trina G. | University of Houston | Business/Finance/Hospital Management
Fernando G. | University of Houston-Downtown | Pre-Dentistry/Biology
Sophia G. | University of Texas Rio Grande Valley | Nursing
Hannah G. | University of Houston | Sports Administration
Faith J. | University of Houston | Computer Science Technology & Engineering
Ella J. | Baylor University | Business/International Business
Wolfgang K. | Embry Riddle Prescott | Aviation Management
Lexi K. | LSU- Honors College | Kinesiology
Jeremiah L. | Arizona Christian University | Mechanical Engineering and Business
Britney M. | University of Houston | Nursing
Nathan M. | Schreiner University | Biology or History
Sophia M. | Grand Canyon University | Communications
Cara M. | Sam Houston State University | Nursing
Luke P. | Houston Christian University | Cyber Security
Gabby P. | Sam Houston State University | Kinesiology
Parker P. | Louisiana State University- Eunice | Psychology
Vanda P. | University of Houston | Biochemistry
River P. | University of Texas at Arlington | Computer Engineering or Electrical Engineering
Justin S. | Hampton University | Aeronautical Sciences
Madison S. | University of San Francisco | Advertising
Katelyn T. | Howard University | Political Science
Joseph T. | University of Houston | Entrepreneurship & Business
Jalen T. | Prairie View A&M University | Business or Finance
Leah T. | Southern University & A&M College | Mass Communications
Nam V. | Houston Community College | General Studies
Sam W. | Marymount Manhattan College | International Trade
Wenbin Y. | Houston Community College
Daniel Z. | Bucknell University | Biochemistry
by Kayla Rogers | May 24, 2023 | Athletics
Two exceptional Wildcat athletes have recently made their mark by signing their national letter of intent to continue playing their sport and academic career at the next level.
Piper Chance – Soccer, University of St. Thomas
Chance is a four-year member of the Westbury Christian soccer program. She has also played volleyball, cross country, basketball, track and field, and softball. In her career, she has been named the TAPPS 2nd Team All-District (2020, 2021, 2022), TAPPS 1st Team All-District Defense (2023) & Academic All-State (2020, 2021, 2022, 2023).
“Playing at the next level means everything. It means all the time spent, all the energy dedicated, and all the sacrifices made weren’t for nothing. Being able to play soccer at the next level shows it was all worth it.” says Piper.
Emily Goldstein – Volleyball, Wellesley College
Goldstein is a four-year member of the Westbury Christian volleyball program and active in the WCS theatre program. In her career, she has been named the TAPPS Honorable Mention All District (2021, 2022).
“It has always been my dream to play volleyball in college, so after putting in years of work and practice, I’m so happy to be playing with a group of like-minded, passionate people!” says Emily.
We are so proud of these Wildcats!
by Kayla Rogers | May 8, 2023 | Around Campus
The 7th-grade class had an opportunity to travel to the Texas Capitol in Austin and San Marcos for their social studies field trip with 7th Grade Social Studies Teachers Mrs. Greer, Ms. Robledo, and Coach Tunde.
In Austin, students toured the Texas Capitol building and learned the history of the capitol and the workings of the government. Our students were fascinated watching the House of Representatives in session. They had the best seat in the House of Representatives in the balcony. They were able to hear the members and the gavel striking the pad. After the visit to the House Chambers, students explored the grounds to find various monuments and note who or what they honored.
Rothanak H. shared, “One thing, actually a few things, I learned on the field trip to Austin and San Marcos were that the Texas Capitol building is actually 14 feet taller than the U.S. Capitol building and that water should be conserved due to it being a limited resource. I’d say that the best part of the field trip to me was either the glass bottom boats or the food stop (specifically the Chick-fil-A).”
Dylan J. added, “My favorite part on the field trip is when we went into the Representative Chamber to listen in on a meeting going on there, and looking at the colorful yet old and original desk and ceiling.”
After their time in Austin, the group traveled to San Marcos to go on a nature trail and a glass bottom boat ride on the San Marcos River. On the nature trail, students learned about wetlands, marshes, and species in the area. After the trail, the students headed to The Meadows Center for a glass bottom boat tour. The crystal clear water allowed students to see fish and turtles swimming below the boat. They also got to see where the water from the Edwards Aquifer seeped into the spring-fed body of water called Meadows Lake. Before departing back to Houston, everyone walked through their small museum and aquarium to see the blind salamander, an endangered species that lives in the area.
We are so thankful our 7th graders had the opportunity to travel to the Hill Country to learn more about our government and see God’s creation. Thank you, Mrs. Greer, Ms. Robledo, and Coach Tunde for planning the trip!
by Kayla Rogers | Apr 24, 2023 | Fine Arts
The Middle School and High School band travel to Temple, TX to compete at the TAPPS State Band Championships. With over 60 teams competing and 10 schools in the TAPPS 3A class, WCS Band placed 3rd in Overall Band and received a Superior I in Sight Reading.
Jacob Ward, WCS Band Director said, “We are so proud of each and every one of our students, parents, and teachers that have poured their hearts into making this band season one to be thankful for and always remember.”
Congratulations to our Wildcats! We are excited to see what the future holds!
by Kayla Rogers | Apr 18, 2023 | Fine Arts
Nathan Marable came to Westbury Christian in 2017 as an 8th grader. Today, as a senior, he is one of the lead roles of Aladdin Jr. as Sulton. His time at Westbury Christian has been transformative for his personal growth and discovering his hidden talents in fine arts.
How did you get involved in the WCS Theatre program?
“Between sophomore and junior year, I found out I have to take a fine arts course to graduate. And I didn’t want to take a fine arts course at all. My options were art or theater. I thought, I am terrible at art, so I might as well do theater. What I didn’t know was that I could have just taken the theater class. I participated in the Mary Poppins play in the Fall 2021 and took the theater class because I thought I had to do both. I was casted for a regular Banker and Chimney Sweep. I was in the back and it was a good first experience. Then after that I didn’t want to act so I decided to go on tech crew for Little Women and Radium Girls. I planned on doing Tech Crew for Aladdin Jr. but Mr. Blaine convinced me that I should do Sulton for Aladdin Jr. I ended up loving it.”
What are you most excited for about the show?
“I am excited for people to come see it, we are ready. Ready to get it going.”
I imagine there is a lot of stress as the show is getting ready to premiere. How do you handle a stressful moment?
“What’s funny is right now I do not have a lot of stress. March was a very stressful month with choreography and music. In February, we started scenes and it was a time we would get into the scenes to practice memorizing our lines. Whenever I messed something up, I would feel bad but I have to tell myself when I am in theater tomorrow it will be fine and it won’t matter”
What is your favorite activity at WCS?
“My favorite WCS activity is Theater because I am enjoying it. The people and the show, lots of memorable times, and also it’s just fun to play with your lines and pretend to be someone. I am involved in a lot of different clubs and groups. I am in National Honor Society, Yearbook, VEX Robotics, and at one point student council.”
How have you grown as a person at Westbury Christian?
“I think when I started at WCS in 8th grade I came from a small school with 40 kids. Over there I was also in my shell and I didn’t want to talk to anyone. I acted that way here until my junior year. My junior year is when I started to feel more comfortable and try new things. One of those things I tried was theater, but I also tried golf and VEX Robotics this year.”
Are there teachers at WCS who inspired you or encouraged you to challenge yourself?
I would say Mr. Reid challenges me in the classroom. He gives a lot of projects. The projects aren’t hard but you have to put in the work. A lot of times, I procrastinate. Getting started is always the hardest part.
Mrs. Leeson encourages me. I am new to building in VEX Robotics. She reassures me and tells me I am trying my best.”
What advice would you give to another WCS student?
“Be yourself. Because it’s a free place to be yourself.”
The Aladdin Jr. opens Thursday, April 20, at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. The upcoming shows are Friday, April 21, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, April 22, at 11:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Admission is $15 for reserved seating, $10 for general seating. Student tickets are $5. Purchase tickets at the door or here.
by Kayla Rogers | Apr 5, 2023 | WCS Service
Lower School, Middle School, and High School Westbury Christian Students Serve in Local Non Profits
Over the past month, each division at Westbury Christian School participated in a service project. WCS believes volunteering not only benefits our community but also provides an opportunity for our students’ personal growth and development. Our administrators prayerfully plan opportunities for each class to serve the Houston community throughout the year.
Houston Food Bank
In Houston, Texas, the Westbury Christian third graders, sophomores and juniors volunteered to serve at the Houston Food Bank over multiple visits. Students helped pack boxes of food items to help provide meals for those in need. Together they packed 11,520 pounds of food which will provide 9,595 meals.
The sophomores and juniors spent several hours sorting through food donations, checking expiration dates, and packaging items into boxes for distribution.
“We are so proud of our Wildcats for showing Christ’s love by serving others,” says Principal Kaitlyn Ballard.
WCS third graders found the trip inspiring. One of the third grade students, CJ, said, “We learned about teamwork, helping others and offering our time when we are not being paid for it.”
Another third grader, Tamia added, “We can always change the world even when we are young!”
The third grade service project was part of the WCS Lower School’s Project H.U.G. initiative. Established in 2016, Project H.U.G. stands for Hearts Understanding Goodness. The Lower School classes (K3-4th grade) have a month of service centered around an organization the class selects.
“The goal of Project H.U.G. is for our students to share the love of Jesus with their community and the world at large,” says Lower School Principal Amanda Archer. “Our hope is that our students see service as a lifetime opportunity.”
About Houston Food Bank: The Houston Food Bank is a non-profit organization that collects and distributes food to hunger relief charities across 18 counties in southeast Texas. Their mission is to provide food for better lives and work towards ending hunger in the local community. The Houston Food Bank relies heavily on volunteers to help sort and distribute food items. Without volunteers, the organization would not be able to provide the necessary services to those in need.
To watch a video recap of our third graders serving at the Houston Food Bank, watch here: Third Grade Serves at Houston Food Bank
Impact Houston Homeless Outreach Ministry
One of the defining ministries of Impact Houston has always been its outreach to the homeless and marginalized. Impact opens its doors Monday through Thursday to provide a hot meal, shower, clothes, laundry facilities, Bible study and relief from the outdoors for those who need it. Our middle school students (5th-8th grade) had the opportunity to serve alongside Impact volunteers and staff by sorting clothes, hearing stories from ministry coordinators, and cooking and serving a meal for the homeless.
Tim Sells, minister at Impact Church of Christ, told our students, “Today we will be introducing you to a different kind of lifestyle than you are used to—the life of an outdoorsman, which are what we call the homeless men who come in.”
Sells works with the outdoorsmen and talked about what it looks like to be homeless and live on the streets in Houston.
At Impact Houston, there are at least 200 families that come to get food each day. They can serve as many as 1,600 different families each week. Impact Houston would not be able to reach as many families without volunteers, like our students.
After serving, Dennis Jeager showed our middle schoolers the difference between pity and compassion by standing on a chair and talking down to someone as the example of pity, but kneeling down and reaching out a hand to help for the example of compassion. Jaeger also reminded students that small decisions impact our future. “God gives us the ability to choose which way we go, but decisions have good and bad consequences no matter what,” he told students.
To watch the recap of our middle school students serving at Impact, watch here: Middle School Serves at Impact
Westbury Clean Up
Prior to their Senior Experience, the Class of 2023 started the morning performing community service in the Westbury neighborhood. A group of boys spent hours picking up trash in the median. A group of girls deep cleaned the Westbury Church of Christ nursery. These community service projects directly impacted our school community and beyond.
Honor Choir Makes a Joyful Noise to University Place Nursing Center
The Lower School Honor Choir traveled to University Place Nursing Center to sing songs for residents. The Lower School Honor Choir is directed by Bill Ward and consists of students from 2nd through 4th grade. The students sang seven songs to the residents, and their immediate impact was clear.
In addition to a loud round of applause from the audience, the performance also moved some of the residents to tears of joy. The students mingled with the senior residents after the performance and heard how they had made the day brighter for some of them.
At the end of the video clip, you can hear Isabella’s (2nd) explanation for the song selections. Our students are living the truth of the verse found in 1 Timothy 4:12: “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”
To watch, view here: Honor Choir at University Place 3/29
by Kayla Rogers | Apr 5, 2023 | Athletics
HOUSTON-Texas – Westbury Christian is pleased to announce the unveiling of new branding for its 15 acre athletic facility. During the 5th Annual Wildcat Dash, Westbury Christian Head of School, Nathan Wagner, revealed the Westbury Christian Athletic Complex new branding upgrade to students, parents, faculty and families. Families were in awe and students had jaw-dropping experience walking through the Westbury Christian Athletic complex. The new branding aligns with the school’s mission, values, and culture and reflects its commitment to providing an exceptional student experience for our Wildcats.
The branding upgrade was possible through a generous donation by the Chance family. For many years, they’ve been committed to Westbury Christian School and Wildcat athletics, supporting all our students and programs.
“We are so grateful for the Chance family and their investment in our students. They’ve watched and supported their own five daughters play almost every sport offered at WCS, and even if they didn’t have a daughter playing, they’ve been present to support our teams,” says Nathan Wagner, Head of School.
“Mr. and Dr. Chance have truly helped ‘level up’ our facility with this project,” continues Wagner. “We want each of our Wildcat student-athletes to walk into this facility with great pride and know that we value them, and we want every guest on campus to know that they have entered the ‘home of the Wildcats’.”
The branding upgrade is the result of a comprehensive brand audit and collaboration with Waterboy Graphics. The new branding includes a complete window wrap of the front entrance, vinyl wrap along two front entrance walls, a 65” brushed aluminum backlit WCS Wildcat and 17 window and door wraps through the facility.
“When I first pulled up to the athletic complex, I was shocked by the front door window design. When I looked closer, I noticed the blue light from an aluminum Wildcat. Now that is awesome!” said one parent.
The branding has uplifted a sense of Wildcat pride around the school and creates a unique and memorable experience for students and visitors.
To view the branding project, visit: https://youtu.be/t6HOqVbfB0A
For more information about Westbury Christian’s new branding or to contribute to phase 2, please contact Westbury Christian School at [email protected]
by Kayla Rogers | Mar 31, 2023 | Admissions
What Do Parents Look for in a Private School?
There are a range of reasons a family may consider a private school education for their child. Some turn to private schools for smaller class sizes, specific academic or extracurricular programs, safety concerns, or college connections. Others may choose a private religious school for the emphasis on spiritual formation or the connection to a local church. Each family’s decision is different and based on priorities for their family and child.
Independent School Management (ISM) is a leading consultancy and research organization that supports private schools both in and outside the United States. They conduct extensive research of best practices for independent schools and frequently survey parents, students, faculty, and school leaders to provide institutions with relevant information about the state of private schools and insights about the perspectives of stakeholders. Their research has found that parents highly value four elements when considering private schools. Read below to learn more about those expectations and what Westbury Christian does to meet them.
- Parents want a safe environment for their children. Oftentimes, private schools offer smaller class sizes and smaller campuses than neighboring public schools. This makes it easier for staff members to be aware of dangerous situations, student dynamics, and other health and safety concerns. Smaller teacher-student ratios are also conducive to building and establishing connections between students and between faculty and students. Positive, healthy relationships reduce the risk and opportunity for dangerous behaviors.
Westbury Christian School places a premium on the relationships developed between the adults and students on campus. Not only do teachers and coaches get to know students through their classroom and extracurricular activities, faculty and staff members also lead small group chapel and advisory sessions to develop connections with students. These healthy relationships open doors for influence, spiritual formation, and the exchange of wisdom and advice. Teachers spend time in the hallways during passing periods, invest in relationships, and try to be an avenue for communicating concerns. A full-time guidance director and part-time school counselor are available to students to help them navigate the challenges and anxieties of school. The staff also regularly reviews and revises emergency management plans to follow guidelines from the Texas School Safety Center, and the school maintains a closed campus.
- Parents want a caring community that provides individual attention to their child. Small class sizes allow teachers the opportunity to really get to know students. In public schools with large classes, it’s challenging for teachers to get to help, know, or advocate for every student. Despite the best intentions, students can get lost in the sheer numbers of some large school districts. Private schools are able to better identify and address the needs of individual students.
At WCS, teachers use the NWEA MAP Growth+ assessment three times during the year to get an individual snapshot of students’ academic performance and progress. Throughout the year, teachers use this information to tailor their instruction to the specific needs of the class or student. With smaller classes, teachers are also able to visit with each student, provide feedback and guidance, and answer questions, and they have the flexibility to arrange tutorials or follow-up meetings outside of regular class times. The support of the Wildcat community goes beyond the classroom. It’s common to see teachers at athletic events, fine art performances, and around the cafeteria getting to know students and supporting them in their extra-curricular activities.
- Parents want a school with a high-quality faculty and curriculum. Most parents who invest in private education want their students to be prepared for college. Teacher experience and expertise can go a long way in helping students achieve in the classroom. The lesson plans, learning experiences, and instructional practices designed and implemented by teachers shape the way students learn and grow as scholars. Course plans and design should challenge students to grow, and teachers should be able to execute and design authentic learning opportunities. Academic rigor may be measured by standardized test scores, the number of advanced courses a school offers, or the amount of homework assigned each week. Some schools offer dual-enrollment courses with local colleges; others focus on AP or IB classes. A challenging academic program can help students grow as learners and develop their intellectual curiosity, academic passions, and work habits.
At Westbury Christian, our faculty and staff have degrees or certifications in their content areas of instruction and many of them have industry experience in areas related to their subject matter. A former engineer teaches math and physics, our biology teacher previously managed the animal lab at a local hospital, an actor and director teaches theatre classes, and one of our Bible teachers spends time each summer serving in the mission field. These “real-life” experiences make the academic content come to life through authentic learning opportunities, relevant experiences, and applicable lesson plans. We also offer more than a dozen AP courses to prepare students for collegiate-level experiences and coursework. All of our teachers help students see the connections between their learning and the life experiences they will have.
- Parents want to support the school’s mission and educational philosophy. Parents want to find a school that fits their educational goals and aspirations for their children. A school that aligns with parent values and desired outcomes can become a valuable partner in accomplishing these goals. When students feel comfortable in a school and the parent-school relationship is aligned, students will achieve more. Schools will often create or display a “portrait of a graduate” to illustrate the traits and abilities that are important to the school. Parents can look at this list to see if priority values align.
At Westbury Christian, we display our list of portrait traits in the hall as students enter our building, and teachers work to develop these traits in students during their time in school. We believe these five traits—developing potential, engaging in learning, overcoming obstacles, modeling service, and living like Christ—will serve students well during their time in schools and in the decades that follow. Our school also emphasizes a three-dimensional approach to education, focusing on the spiritual, intellectual and social development of students.
If you think a private-independent preschool through 12th grade school may be the right fit for your family, please visit www.westburychristian.org/visit/ to schedule a tour or reserve your spot at one of our Coffee Talk and Tours. Contact Westbury Christian School at [email protected] with any questions you may have.
About WCS
Westbury Christian School provides a faith-based college preparatory education for students in grades K3–12. A vibrant community of learners, WCS reflects the Kingdom: Faithful, Wise, and Diverse. Competitive tuition provides working families the opportunity to give their children a Biblically-based education at WCS. The School feels privileged to serve families from a variety of religious faiths, ethnicities, and socioeconomic background and actively works to maintain student diversity that reflects the current populace of southwest Houston.
