Premier Academics. Top-Rated Instructors.
A District Built To Excel.
Westminster School District combines a rigorous academic foundation with award-winning innovation — 13 California Distinguished Schools, a nationally recognized superintendent, and programs that prepare students for a world that hasn’t been invented yet.
13
California Distinguished Schools
7
CSBA Golden Bell Awards
32
Common Sense Media Recognitions
8,000+
STUDENTS SERVED Across 17 Schools
Who We Are
A forward-thinking district rooted in a tradition of doing right by every student.
WSD serves nearly 8,000 students across 17 schools in Westminster, Garden Grove, Huntington Beach, and Midway City. Guided by the 2023-29 Strategic Plan, the district is built around five pillars: Academic Achievement, Student & Staff Safety, Fiscal Solvency, Community Connections, and Leadership Development.
Widely Recognized for Excellence
WSD's awards reflect sustained achievement across academic outcomes, leadership, and student culture.
13 California Distinguished Schools
The state’s highest recognition for academic achievement, awarded for outstanding student outcomes.
7 CSBA Golden Bell Awards
Premier recognition for innovative and effective programs that improve student learning.
32 Common Sense Media Recognitions
Every school is recognized for commitment to digital citizenship and responsible technology use.
League of Innovative Schools
Member of Digital Promise’s national League, recognized for cutting-edge technology integration.
Guided by the 2023-29 Strategic Plan
WSD’s five-pillar strategic plan drives every decision — from classroom curriculum to school safety, from fiscal stewardship to community engagement. It is a living, publicly accountable framework for how the district serves its families.
academic achievement
student and staff safety
fiscal solvency
community connections
leadership development
Programs That Set WSD Apart
From language immersion to technology access, WSD’s signature programs go beyond the standard curriculum.
Dual Language Immersion
The first Vietnamese DLI program in California — and a Spanish DLI pathway — preparing students to be bilingual and biliterate from Pre-K through 8th grade.
Learn about DLI1:1 Chromebook Initiative
Every WSD student has a Chromebook. The take-home program for grades 3–8 ensures learning continues at home and closes the digital divide.
Learn about the programAVID and Career Readiness
AVID prepares students for success in rigorous courses and higher education through proven writing, inquiry, and collaboration strategies.
Learn about AVIDVisual and Performing Arts
Music, theater, film, and visual arts programs at every site give every WSD student access to a creative education alongside core academics.
Learn about the artsSTEM and Computer Science
From the Finley Computer Science Magnet to robotics at Warner, WSD’s STEM programs develop the problem-solvers of the next generation.
Explore specialty schoolsGATE Magnet Programs
Specialized programming at Sequoia Gate Magnet and across the district ensures advanced students are challenged and supported.
Learn about GATE2024 Superintendent of the Year
District Leadership
Leadership That Earns Recognition
Gunn Marie Hansen, Ph.D.
Superintendent, Westminster School District
Hansen’s leadership has been instrumental in shaping WSD into one of Orange County’s most recognized school districts. Her award-winning tenure reflects a commitment to academic excellence, community trust, and the belief that every student deserves a world-class education.
Meet the Superintendent“As the premier PreK–8 district in Orange County, Westminster School District staff, students, and families are pleased to partner with our community to provide a safe and engaging experience — reinforcing regular attendance and educational achievement every day,” said Gunn Marie Hansen, Ph.D., Superintendent, Westminster School District.
Celebrating the People Behind the Excellence
WSD’s teachers, staff, and administrators are the reason the awards keep coming.
Teacher of the Year
Annual recognition honoring WSD’s most outstanding classroom educators for instruction, innovation, and student impact.
Curriculum of the Year
Celebrating the instructional programs and curriculum designs that have most meaningfully improved student learning outcomes.
Employee and Administrator of the Year
District-wide recognition for staff and administrators who go above and beyond in service to students and families.
The Journey of Excellence Continues — and your child can be part of it.
Westminster School District’s commitment to premier academics, top-rated instructors, and innovative programs makes WSD one of Orange County’s most distinctive PreK–8 choices. Open enrollment means every family can choose the school that’s right for their child.