About
Grit & Grace
"Good teaching can be a fundamentally selfless endeavor. In addition to continually expanding knowledge of their field, teachers seek to improve their teaching for the benefit of their students. Considered as such, good teachers are filled with plenty of grace along with grit. The extraordinarily powerful motivation they gain from making a difference for others—from gazing outward, instead of inward, from being selfless, not self-absorbed—reveals their commitment to an ethos of grace."
Westminster School’s motto, virtute et numine — by grit and grace—defines and distinguishes the Westminster experience, our community and our alumni. Grit and grace are two words that balance each other alliteratively, but far more importantly, complement each other inspirationally.
“At its core, grit offers a positive pathway to personal development through hard work, thereby diminishing the relevance of talent and offering opportunities otherwise thought unattainable. Proponents of grit argue that qualities of character emphasizing persistence and effort offer a better predictor of success in life than the “gift” of talent."
In other words, grit is empowering. It offers more control over the personal and professional narratives.
But a successful, meaningful life cannot only be about grit. When considering the significance of grace, the following aphorism resonates: “Grace isn’t a little prayer you say before receiving a meal. It’s a way to live.” Grace is about awareness of others. It is about thinking beyond self, to what can be done to support others.
At Westminster, grace also means the small daily courtesies extended to others by greeting them, holding the door open and being polite and respectful.
Schools are not simply about teaching academic lessons, but learning that in the company of others, students can accomplish far more than alone. In this way, they not only develop an appreciation of differing perspectives and circumstances but empathy. Grace is essential to any successful community, organization, institution or school. Without grace we are on our own. Grace inspires us to overcome the challenges presented by the hard work of grit.
By balancing grit and grace, students are able to expand their opportunities for successful and fulfilling lives. Together, Grit & Grace offer a motto for a life well lived.
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995 Hopmeadow Street
Simsbury, Connecticut 06070
P. (860) 408-3000
F. (860) 408 3001
Simsbury, Connecticut 06070
P. (860) 408-3000
F. (860) 408 3001
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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.
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.
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AP® and Advanced Placement® are registered trademarks of the College Board. Used with permission.