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{{Infobox Ethnic group
{{Infobox School | name = Westminster Christian Academy
| image = [[Image:Westminster_Christian_Academy_Archway.jpg|200px]]
|group = Rajus
| caption = The archway in front of the main entrance of Westminster Christian Academy
|image = [[Image:Col. D.S. Raju.jpg|72px]][[Image:alluri.jpg|60px]]
| type = [[Private school|Private]]
|caption = <small> Notable Rajus:<br/>[[Datla|Col. Dr. DS Raju]]{{•}}[[Alluri Sita Rama Raju|Alluri Sita Rama Raju]]<br>[[P.S. Kumaraswamy Raja|PS Kumaraswamy Raja]]{{•}}[[Rajapalayam|PAC Ramasamy Raja]]<br>[[Ramalinga Raju]]{{•}}[[Pericchedi|Ashok Gajapati Raju]]<br>[[Bvrit|BV Raju]]{{•}}[[Datla|DVS Raju]]{{•}}[[KVK Raju]]<br>[[AVS Raju]]{{•}}[[Vamsi|JVK Narayana Raju]]<br>[[Ram Gopal Varma]]{{•}}[[Prabhas]]{{•}}[[Ravi Teja]]
| established = 1976
|popplace = [[Andhra Pradesh]]{{•}}[[Karnataka]]{{•}}[[Tamil Nadu]]{{•}}[[Orissa]]
| enrollment = approx. 865
|religions = [[Hinduism]]
| free_label = Colors <br> Mascot
|related = [[Kshatriya]], [[Rajput]]
| free_text = Blue and white<br> Wildcat
| faculty = 73 Full Time / 5 Part Time <br> Jim Marsh, Headmaster <br> Dr. James Sefrit, US Principal <br> Steve Hall, MS Principal <br> Tim Hall, Dean of Students <br> Scott Holley, Dean of Academics
| location = [[St. Louis, Missouri|St. Louis]], [[Missouri|MO]], [[United States|USA]]
| website = http://www.wcastl.org
}}
}}
'''Westminster Christian Academy (WCA)''' is a private,[[Christian]] school, 7-12 grade secondary school located in [[St. Louis County, Missouri]], [[United States]].
'''''Raju''''' is a [[Telugu]] variation of the Sanskrit word ''Raj'' and ''Raja'',<ref>Baby Names World[http://www.babynamesworld.com/meaning_of_Raj.html]</ref> meaning King, Prince, Lord, Sovereign, or of a Regal, Military nature.<ref>Geneology Family Ecducation[http://genealogy.familyeducation.com/surname-origin/raju]</ref> In modern times it is a commonly used given name and [[surname]]. In [[Andhra Pradesh]] Rajus (Rajulu in Telugu) is used to refer to a prominent [[Telugu people|Telugu]] [[Kshatriya]]s<ref>Parties, Election and Mobilisation: K. Rama Chandra Murty[http://books.google.com/books?id=x7pD5oTDw0IC&pg=PA158&dq=rajus+kshatriya&lr=&sig=jwjJrkgk2vNbUM5-RO2fIhe0wGQ#PPA18,M1]</ref> which enjoys a high socio-economic<ref>Farmers of India[http://books.google.com/books?id=4P1IAAAAMAAJ&q=rajus+social&dq=rajus+social&lr=&pgis=1]</ref> status<ref>Teaching Politics: Delhi University Political Science Association[http://books.google.com/books?id=_Tk5AAAAIAAJ&q=reddy+kshatriya&dq=reddy+kshatriya&lr=&pgis=1]</ref>.


The school currently has an enrollment of approximately 865 students in grades 7 through 12. It is further divided into an [[High school#United States|Upper School (9-12)]] of approximately 611 students and a [[Middle school#United States|Middle School (7-8)]] of approximately 254 students.<ref>[http://www.wcastl.org/admissions/ataglance/ Westminster Christian Academy: At a Glance]</ref> Tuition for the 2008-2009 school year is $11,050[[USD]] regardless of grade.<ref>[http://www.wcastl.org/admissions/overview.php Westminster Christian Academy: Tuition & Fees<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
During the [[British Raj]] they were known as ''Ratsas''<ref>Telug-English Dictionary: Peter Percival[http://books.google.com/books?id=fXEIAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA445&dq=ratsawars=&as_brr=1#PPA407,M1]</ref> and ''Rajavars'', which means of or belonging to the caste of ''Ratsawars'' or ''Rechavars''<ref>Standing Information Regarding the Official Administration of the Madras Presidency in Each Department.:C.D. Maclean[http://books.google.com/books?id=23gdAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA341&dq=velama&lr=&as_brr=1]</ref> (Raja Caste),<ref>Sri Rebala Lakshmi Narasa ReddyEndowment Lectures, 1976: Satish Chandra, Sri Venkatesvara University[http://books.google.com/books?id=PkAtAAAAIAAJ&q=reddy+kshatriya&dq=reddy+kshatriya&lr=&pgis=1]</ref> using the title of ''Raju''. Some sections have centuries old history<ref>The Epic of Palnadu: A Story and Translation of Palnati Virula Kahtah: Gene H. Roghair.[http://books.google.com/books?id=4YoOAAAAYAAJ&q=rajus+sudras&dq=rajus+sudras&lr=&as_brr=0&pgis=1]</ref> of being nobility<ref>Adaptation: Roberto de’ Nobili[http://books.google.com/books?id=2rYWAAAAIAAJ&q=rajus+race&dq=rajus+race&lr=&pgis=1]</ref> while the bulk of the community has a history of being large landholding agriculturalist-[[warrior]]s.<ref>The Background of Maratha Renaissance in the 17th Century: Historical Survey: Narayan Keshav Behere[http://books.google.com/books?id=l-Q9AAAAIAAJ&q=rajus+kshatriya&dq=rajus+kshatriya&lr=&pgis=1]</ref> Many were [[hereditary]] [[Baron]]s known as [[subdivisions of India|Mandaleshwars]] in the pre-[[Islamic]] era and as [[Zamindar]]s or [[Jagirdar]]s during the [[Nizam]]s and [[British India|British era]], the most prominent being the Gajapathi Kings of [[Vizianagaram]],<ref>Vizianagaram (Zamindari) 13 Gun Salute[http://uqconnect.net/~zzhsoszy/ips/v/vizianagram.html]</ref> [[Karvetinagar]],<ref>Nityasumangali: Devadasi Tradition in South India: Saskia C. Kersenboom-Story[http://books.google.com/books?id=lFR06tVELyIC&pg=PA84&dq=karvetinagar&sig=aJF4TG2qwGPyxuwudTCEFs7EnfA#PPA84,M1]</ref><ref>Shanmukha: Sri Shanmukh Ananda fine Arts & Sangeetha Sabha[http://books.google.com/books?id=bVM5AAAAIAAJ&q=karvetinagar&dq=karvetinagar&pgis=1]</ref> [[Peddapuram Kings|Peddapuram]] and [[Anegundi]], <ref>Anegundi (Zamindar)[http://www.uq.net.au/~zzhsoszy/ips/a/anegundi.html]</ref>the direct descendents of the [[Vijayanagar]] [[Aravidu Dynasty]] and [[Krishna Deva Raya]]<ref>Newsind Press[http://www.newindpress.com/NewsItems.asp?ID=IEK20061223012833&Page=K&Title=Southern+News+-+Karnataka&Topic=0&]</ref>.


==History==
They make up around 2 percent of the [[Andhra Pradesh]] state population,<ref>Democratic Process and Electoral Politics in Andhra Pradesh, India pg 18[http://www.odi.org.uk/publications/working_papers/wp180.pdf]</ref>concentrated mainly in the Coastal Andhra region with pockets in the [[Rayalaseema]] and [[Telangana]] as well as the [[Arcot|North Arcot]] and [[Rajapalayam]] of [[Tamil Nadu]], [[Bellary District|Bellary]] of [[Karnataka]] and [[Ganjam District|Ganjam]] of [[Orissa]]. Despite their small population they do have some political influence<ref>Encyclopaedia of Political Parties: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh: O.P. Ralhan[http://books.google.com/books?id=P4lCjG1DUV4C&pg=PA261&dq=rajus+sudras&lr=&as_brr=0&sig=0LE-HPTSgndhl5qcSxermZSR07s]</ref> due to the wealth they obtained from taking advantage of the advances in agricultural techniques during the [[green revolution]]<ref>Farmer, Rituals and Modernization: A Sociological Study: Swapan kumar Bhattacharyya[http://books.google.com/books?id=zw81AAAAMAAJ&q=rajus+social&dq=rajus+social&lr=&pgis=1]</ref> <ref>India’s Social Problems in Twenty First Century: M.U. Qureshi[http://books.google.com/books?id=Du_FNr9R2XcC&pg=PA298&dq=rajus+green+revolution&sig=eau4-HDrf9qiWU2g5eTPvDXgnDY]</ref>and the importance placed on educational after the land ceiling act.<ref>Politics for Power: The Role of Caste and Factions in Andhra Pradesh, 1880-192-: N. Innaiah[http://books.google.com/books?id=WMtAAAAAMAAJ&q=rajus+land+ceiling&dq=rajus+land+ceiling&pgis=1]</ref>
{{expand|section|date=June 2008}}
{{Cleanup|section|date=June 2008}}


[[Westminster Christian Academy]] opened on September 7, 1976 to 72 students. In the first two years, Westminster operated out of rented classrooms from [[Missouri Baptist University]]. For the first two years, Nolan Vander Ark was headmaster of the school. Before joining Westminster, Mr. Vander Ark served as a Christian Reformed Missionary in Africa.<ref>[http://www.wcastl.org/about/history/headmasters.php http://www.wcastl.org/about/history/headmasters.php]</ref><ref>[http://www.wcastl.org/about/history/complete.php Westminster Christian Academy: Complete History</ref> After two years of renting space, the administration purchased a campus known as the "Des Peres School" in [[Kirkwood, Missouri]]. Once Westminster moved to the new campus, Evelyn Downs stepped up as headmistress. She remained headmistress until 1981. In four years after moving to that campus, the student body had quadrupled, and it was obvious that Westminster had to move to a bigger campus. At this point, Arlen Dykstra became headmaster so he oversaw the relocation of the school to the current location and the accredidation of the school through Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS).<ref>[http://www.mbumagonline.com/home/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=44:arlen-dykstra-a-man-of-principle&catid=34:v212 Arlen Dykstra - A Man of Principle]</ref> In 1982, they purchased the Creve Couer campus, where they are at today. In 1984, the school faced another dilemma as they were without a headmaster once more. Larry Birchler, the registrar for the school, stepped up as interim Headmaster until they could find a new one. In 1985, Jim Marsh became headmaster who is the current one today. <ref>[http://wcastl.com/about/history/complete.php Westminster Christian Academy: Complete History</ref>
Rajus use ''Raju'' or ''Varma'' in the Andhra regions and ''Deo'' in the [[Orissa]] regions as an [[agnomen]] for their last name. [[Varma]] is Sanskrit for ''Armor'', ''Protection''<ref>Ancestory.com[http://www.ancestry.com/facts/Varma-family-history.ashx]</ref><ref>Sahitya Patrika: University of Dacca Dept. of Bengali[http://books.google.com/books?id=JtMgAAAAMAAJ&q=varma+title+kshatriya&dq=varma+title+kshatriya&lr=&pgis=1]</ref> and [[Deo]] is [[Sanskrit]] for ''God'' or ''Lord''. In Telugu tradition the family name is written first followed by the given name and then the caste title. For example name of [[Alluri Sita Rama Raju]], a prominent freedom fighter in the mid 19th century, is interpreted as Sita Ram of the [[Andhra Kshatriya Surnames|Alluri]] family and Kshatriya Raju caste. Similarly name of [[Ram Gopal Varma|Penmatsa Ram Gopal Varma]], a prominent [[Bollywood]] and [[Tollywood]] movie director-producer, is interpreted as Ram Gopal of the [[Andhra Kshatriya Surnames|Penmatsa]] family and again, Kshatriya Raju caste.


==Campuses==
=History=
There have been varying accounts about the origins of the Raju community. Some include them among the military tribes of [[Rajput]] descent.


===Creve Coeur Campus===
Regarding this community Edgar Thurston in his seven volume ''Castes and Tribes of Southern India'' writes...''The Maharajas of [[Vizianagaram]] claim to be Kshatriyas from the [[Rajputana]] and the leaders of the people of gotrams said to have come to the Northern [[Circar]]s centuries ago. It is noted in connection with the battle of Padmanabham in the Visakhapatnam district (1794 AD) that [[Rajput]]s formed a rampart round the corpse of Vijay Rama Raju. Padmanabham will long be remembered as the Flodden of the Rajputs of Vizianagaram...''<ref>Edgar Thurston: Castes and Tribes of South India Vol. 6 Pg. 236, 240-241 [http://www.openlibrary.org/details/castestribesofso06thuriala]</ref>''as a class they are the handsomest and best developed men in the country and differ so much in feature and build from other Hindus that they may usually be distinguished at a glance...they are mostly [[Vaishnavism|Vaishnavit]]es, and their priests are Brahmans...Rajus of course assume the sacred thread, and are very proud and particular in their conduct, though meat eating is allowed...In all the more well-to-do families the females are kept in strict seclusion...Brahmanical rites of Punya Havachanam (Purification), Jata Karma (Birth ceremony), Nama Karanam (Naming ceremony), Chaulam ([[Tonsure]]), and [[Upanayana]]m (Thread ceremony) are performed...at weddings the Kasi Yatra (Mock flight to [[Benares]]) or Snatha Kavritham is performed...the custom of sending a sword to represent an unavoidably absent bridegroom at a wedding is not uncommon...at their wedding they worship a sword, which is a ceremony usually denoting a soldier caste...they use a wrist string made of cotton and wool, the combination peculiar to Kshatriyas, to tie the wrists of the happy couple...''<ref>Ethnographic Notes in Southern India By Edgar Thurston pg 41 [http://books.google.com/books?id=JR0kAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA579&dq=reddi+kapu&lr=&as_brr=1#PPA41,M1]</ref>''in some villages, Rajus seem to object to the construction of a pial, or raised platform, in front of their houses. The pial is the lounging place where visitors are received by day. The Rajus claim to be Kshatriyas so other castes should not sit in their presence...''<ref>Edgar Thurston: Castes and Tribes of Southern India Vol 6 pg. 247-256. [http://www.openlibrary.org/details/castestribesofso06thuriala]</ref>
Purchased in 1984, the 30 acre Creve Coeur Campus serves as the primary campus for the school.


In 1999, the school started an $11 million construction and renovation project. With the money, the school added a new gymnasium, new student commons, new senior and 8th grade hallway wings, a new weightlifting facility and locker rooms, a new bookstore, and new offices. Dubbed the "Creve Coeur Campus", the building has over 150,000 square feet, a 25 yard indoor pool, library, two gymnasiums, cafeteria, academic and administrative rooms, and outdoor sports facilities.
Historically South Indian royal families of [[Kshatriya]]s ([[Raju]]s) had marital relationship with Central and North Indian royal families, like Rajas of [[Vizianagaram]], [[Salur]] and [[Kurupam]] had marital relationships with Rajputana royal families.<ref> Lineage of Vizianagaram Kings[http://www.uq.net.au/~zzhsoszy/ips/v/vizianagram.html]</ref>


===Town and Country Campus===
==Legends==
[[Image:Lord Ram.jpg|thumb|125x|Rama (center) [[Suryavanshi]] lineage.]]
[[Image:RadheShyam07.jpg|thumb|125x|Krishna [[Chandravanshi]] lineage.]]


In 2002, Westminster purchased the campus of the West County Vocational Technical School in [[Town and Country, Missouri|Town and Country]] with plans to renovate the space to serve for future growth of the school. Currently, the property is being rented out to unaffiliated associations and is also used for various school activities. The school has recently announced plans to move the school to this location in the fall of 2011. Additionally, an adjacent parcel of land was purchased from Central Presbyterian Church. The purchase was made possible by a donation to Westminster by an anonymous supporter<ref>[http://www.wcastl.org/advancement/latest/ Westminster Christian Academy: Latest News<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>. Plans are underway for a total of $50 million in renovations of the property in anticipation of the school moving to this new campus in 2011. The current site plan contemplates the addition of a multitude of fields for both practicing on and hosting games, 2-3 gymnasiums, 1 theater that seats 1000, black box theatre, a football stadium, soccer field, 2-4 practice fields, ice rink, swimming pool, and many storage facilities and locker rooms<ref>http://206.196.98.11/upload/47878ea4a85a2.pdf</ref>.
The history of South India and the Puranas reveal that the Andhra Kshatriyas or Kshatriyas from Andhra Pradesh descended from the Aryavartham (North India) to the South due to internal conflicts, foreign invasions, famine etc.


==Academics==
Rajus Traditional accounts claim descent from [[Ikshvaku]], [[Vishnukundina]], [[Chalukya]], [[Paricchedi]] and [[Kota Vamsa]].


Westminster is strong academically -- during the 1990-1991 school year, it was recognized as a Blue Ribbon School by the United States Department of Education<ref>[http://www.ed.gov/programs/nclbbrs/list-1982.pdf http://www.ed.gov/programs/nclbbrs/list-1982.pdf]</ref>. 65% of the faculty have advanced degrees, including 6 doctorates<ref name=autogenerated1>http://www.wcastl.org/admissions/ataglance/ Westminster at a Glance</ref>. 98% of the 2008 graduates went on to college. The school also offers a Special Services program to address the educational needs of those families who have students with diagnosed disabilities<ref>http://www.wcastl.org/upper/academics/specialservices.php Westminster Christian Academy: Special Services</ref>. Westminster was the first Christian school to be accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS)<ref>[http://www.wcastl.org/about/history/complete.php Westminster Christian Academy: Complete History<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>, an accredidation which the school maintains to this day<ref>[http://www.isacs.org/about/schools/default.asp ISACS<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>. The school is also accredited by Christian Schools International<ref>http://www.csionline.org/schools/listing/westminster_christian_academy_st_louis_mo/</ref>.
Some historians and traditional accounts link Rajus to ancient [[Andhra Ikshvaku]]s, which was the first Kshatriya kingdom in [[Andhra]] which ruled in 2nd and 3rd Centuries CE and they are purportedly linked to ancient [[Ikshvaku]]s of [[Kosala]], but this Ikshvaku origin of Rajus does not have strong evidences and needs to be verified.


==Activities==
According to most historians and inscriptional and folklore evidences of [[Paricchedi]] and [[Chagi]] ruling clans, during 4th - 5th century AD few Suryavanshi Kshatriyas of four clans travelled from North to South, where they initially worked as feudatories of [[Vakataka]] before establishing Vishnukundina Kingdom. <ref>A History of Telugu Literature. Pg. 36[http://books.google.com/books?id=4ZUOAAAAYAAJ&q=&pgis=1]</ref> While Chandravanshi Kshatriyas of Andhra are said to be descendents of [[Eastern Chalukyas]] and few other Kshatriya dynasties. According to legends, the Kshatriya sage Agastya was instrumental in spreading the Aryan culture from North India to the South in Ancient period.


===Athletics===
According to historians and traditional accounts, Rajus are descendents of following ancient clans:
#[[Vishnukundina]]: A folktale claims Madhav Varma of the Vishnukundina dynasty led the original members of their gotras to Andhra.
#[[Chalukyas]]: [[Chandravanshi]] Rajus are said to be descendents of Eastern Chalukyas.
#[[Pericchedi|Parichedis]]: The forefathers of the [[Pusapati]]s.
#[[Kota Vamsa]]: Dhananjaya Gotra Kshatriya Kings
#[[Chagi]]: Forefathers of the Sagis and Vatsavais
#[[Chedi Kingdom|Chedi]] (Haiheya-Kalachuri-Kona Chodas): Chodarajus
#[[Gajapati]] and [[Eastern Ganga Dynasty|Eastern Ganga]]: Kurupam and Salur zamindars claim descent from them.
#[[Matsya Rajya|Matsya]] of Oddadi (Orissa), which is linked to ancient Matsya Kingdom: The zamindars of Madgole claim descent from them.


Westminster Christian Academy has a large and successful athletic program. In June 2007, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch ranked Westminster Christian Academy as the number one athletics program among small schools in the St. Louis metro region<ref>[http://www.stltoday.com STLtoday - Home<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><ref>http://206.196.98.11/upload/47a24e333dfdf.pdf</ref>. The upper school fields 9 men's teams, 11 women's teams, and 2 co-ed teams that compete as part of the [[Missouri State High School Activities Association]].


In 2006 in the Missouri state Class 4, both the men's and women's basketball teams were ranked in the top ten in the state. The men were ranked #9 and the women were ranked #4.
*Rajus are divided into Two sects (as per ancient Kshatriya tradition based on Vansh): <ref>[http://kshatrias.com/common/kshatriya.aspx Kshatriyas:: About Kshatriyas<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
#[[Suryavanshi]] ([[Sun Dynasty]]) include Vishnukundina, Paricheda, Chagi, Chola-Chalukyas (Cholas claimed Suryavanshi and Chalukyas were Chandravanshi, the two families merged) Eastern Ganga and Gajapati.
#[[Chandravanshi]] ([[Lunar Dynasty]]) includes Eastern Chalukyas, Kota Vamsa, Kalachuris (Chedi-Haihaya), Saluva, Aravidu dyanasties of Vijayanagar and Matsya.


In 2005, Westminster Christian's Academic Competition team (coached by Bob Vass) won the MSHSAA state championship, which is the only MSHSAA title that Westminster has to date. However, many other teams have earned "Final Four" honors at the state level.
===Gotras===


Wrestlers have continued to put more wrestlers in the state competition year after year.
*Suryavanshis and Chandravanshis are further subdivided into Four [[Gotra]]s.
#[[Vasishta]]
#[[Dhananjaya]]
#[[Kashyapa]]
#[[Kaundinya]]


===Community Service===
A poem called ''Sri Krishna-vijayam'' dated 1540 A.D. tells of a migration of these four clans to [[Telangana|Telingana]] led by Madhav Varma.<ref>A Manual of the District of Vizagapatam, in the Presidency of Madras By David Freemantle Carmichael[http://books.google.com/books?id=6dBNAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA76&dq=velama&lr=&as_brr=1#PPA277,M1]</ref>
While Rajus of Coastal Andhra and Rajapalayam have above four gotras, the Rajus of Karnataka also have three additional gotras:


The student organizations and each class participate in community service projects. In addition, the seniors participate in “Faith in Action,” a unique program in which they serve in various help agencies throughout the St. Louis community for two hours each Thursday morning of the school year<ref>http://206.196.98.11/upload/07CSG%20.pdf Course Selection for the 2007-2008 Academic Year</ref>.
#[[Pasupati]]
#[[Vishwamitra]]
#[[Atreya]]<ref>Hindu Tribes and Castes By Matthew Atmore Sherring pg 128 [http://books.google.com/books?id=8V4IAAAAQAAJ&dq=]</ref>


*Each Gotra is again sub-divided into hundreds of [[Endogamy|endogamous]] sects based on surnames that are named after villages of origin, a famous member of the clan, personality etc.
*Sage Kaundinya (Kundin) was the son of Vasishtha and nephew of [[Agastya]].<ref>Kshatriya Seva Samiti [http://kshatriyas.org/Aboutus/ReadMore/default.aspx]</ref>
*Dhananjaya is a branch of Vishwamitra.
*Pasupati is a branch of Kashyapa.


To see a list of towns that were the source of the surnames see [[Towns of origin of the Rajus|towns]] and to see the list of common names with Gotra see [[Andhra Kshatriya Surnames|Gotras]].


==Vishnukundina==
==Memberships==


Westminster is a member of the following organizations:
[[Vishnukundina]]s, one of the ancient clans that ruled in Andhra Pradesh during 5th to 7th century. It is believed that Vishnukundina Madhava Varma along with members of the other three gotras conquered the [[Salankayana]]s and established there rule.<ref>Social and Economic Conditions in Eastern Deccan from AD. 1000- AD 1250. A. Vaidehi Krishnamoorthy. 1970. Deccan India, Originally presented as the author’s thesis, Osmania University. Pg. 159</ref> Some of the feudal kingoms of this time were the [[Kota Vamsa|Kotas]], [[Chagi]]s, and [[Pericchedi|Paricchedi]].


*[http://www.moacac.org/ Missouri Association for College Admission Counseling (MOACAC)]
The Paricchedis Kings were ancestors of the [[Pusapati]] royal family who built Bezawada (Modern [[Vijayawada]]) off the river Krishna by 626 AD and another capital in Kollipaka establishing themselves for nine centuries there.<ref>A History of Telugu Literature. Pg. 36[http://books.google.com/books?id=4ZUOAAAAYAAJ&q=&pgis=1]</ref> They were staunch patrons of [[Hindu]] [[Dharma]] in contrast to the [[Chalukya]]s, who initially were patrons of [[Jainism]].<ref>Mediaeval Jainism: With Special Reference to the Vijayanagara Empire By Bhasker Anand Saletore [http://books.google.com/books?id=D71KAAAAMAAJ&q=paricchedi&dq=paricchedi&lr=&pgis=1]</ref> The family name was changed to Pusapati after moving to the coastal region. The name is derived from the Sanskrit ''Pushavat'' (''[[Pushan]]''), meaning of the sun, to highlight their Suryavanshi lineage. They founded the city of [[Vizianagaram]], named after Vijay Rama Raju, spelled with a ''Z'' to differentiate it from the Vijayanagar Dynasty in [[Hampi]]. They obtained the title of ''Gajapathi'', after the battle of Nandapur, in the northern circars in the 16th century.
*[[National Association for College Admission Counseling|National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC)]]
*The [[College Board]]
*[http://www.independentschools.org/ Independent Schools of St. Louis]
*[http://www.csasl.org/ Christian Schools Association of St. Louis]
*[[Christian Schools International|Christian Schools International (CSI)]]
*[[National Association of Independent Schools|National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)]]


==Notable people==
The Raju families of [[Rajapalayam]] are descendents of families led by the brother of the Vizianagaram Maharaja, Pusapati Chinna Raju, who initially settled at ''Kila-raja-kula-raman'' and then moved their settlements to Rajapalayam. The original emigrants served under Chokkanath Nayak, king of [[Madurai]]. They purchased land from Vijay Ranga Chokkanath [[Nayak]] and constructed Rajapalayam in 1885. The word ''palayam'' is frequently used in many Tamil cities as a suffix and it translates roughly to ''Fort''. <ref>History of Rajapalayam. [http://www.rajapalayam.com/about.html]</ref>
===Alumni===
*[[Curtis Francois]], 1982, race car driver in the Indy Racing Infiniti Pro Series<ref>http://www.speedsport-magazine.com/race-driver-database/biography/C-Francois-,2286.html?PHPSESSID=a08e2408b520481fd44c183f6e6e932c http://www.speedsport-magazine.com/race-driver-database/biography/C-Francois-,2286.html?PHPSESSID=a08e2408b520481fd44c183f6e6e932c</ref><ref>[http://206.196.98.11/upload/Summer%202005.pdf Summer 2005.indd<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>.
*[[Michael Gerson]], 1982, former presidential speechwriter for [[George W. Bush]] and one of [[Time Magazine|Time Magazine's]] "25 Most Influential Evangelicals In America"<ref>{{cite news |title=The 25 Most Influential Evangelicals in America |publisher=[[Time (magazine)|TIME]] |url=http://www.time.com/time/covers/1101050207 |date=[[2005-02-07]]}}</ref><ref>[http://www.nndb.com/people/096/000099796/ Michael Gerson<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>.
*[[Stephen Hauser]], 1988, author of screenplay for 1998 movie, [[Sphere (movie)|Sphere]], based on [[Michael Crichton|Michael Crichton's]] 1987 [[Sphere (novel)|novel]] by the same name<ref>[http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0369561/ Stephen Hauser<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><ref>http://www.filmanchor.com/screenplays/S/SPHERE.pdf</ref>.
*[[Mark F. "Thor" Hearne]], 1979, attorney, national counsel to Bush-Cheney 2004 Campaign, 2004 recipient of Missouri Lawyers Weekly Missouri Lawyer of the Year Award<ref>[http://www.lathropgage.com/people/detail.aspx?attorney=1584 Lathrop & Gage L.C. | People | Mark "Thor" Fernlund Hearne, II<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><ref>[http://206.196.98.11/upload/Winter%202004.pdf Winter 2004.indd<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><ref>[http://www.molawyersweekly.com/loty/hearne.htm Missouri Lawyers Weekly: Missouri Lawyers of the Year 2004<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>.
*[[Barth Holohan]], 1991, owner of St. Louis based Continuum and 2007 recipient of St. Louis Business Journal's 40 under 40 award<ref>[http://stlouis.bizjournals.com/stlouis/stories/2007/01/15/focus31.html http://stlouis.bizjournals.com/stlouis/stories/2007/01/15/focus31.html]</ref><ref name=autogenerated2>http://206.196.98.11/upload/Ch2_Spring07.pdf</ref>.
*[[Andrea Mackris]], 1989, [[FOX News]] television producer, allegedly harassed by [[Bill O'Reilly (commentator)|Bill O'Reilly]]<ref>[http://www.nndb.com/people/411/000070201/ Andrea Mackris<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>.
*[[Sandra McCracken]], 1995, singer-songwriter<ref>[http://www.christianguitar.org/forums/showthread.php?t=78372 Sandra McCracken Rocks!!! - CGR Community<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><ref>[http://wcastl.org/upload/47ff9b4942c73.pdf WEST4853_Chimes_spring08-revised.indd<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>.
*[[Jack L. Oliver III]], 1987, Republican strategist, chairman of [[Bryan Cave]] Strategies, LLC and 2007 recipient of St. Louis Business Journal's 40 under 40 award<ref>[[http://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/stories/2007/01/15/focus41.html http://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/stories/2007/01/15/focus41.html]]</ref><ref name=autogenerated2 /><ref>[http://www.bryancave.com/jack/ Bryan Cave | Our People | Jack L. Oliver III<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>.
*[[George Thampy]], valedictorian 2005, [[Scripps National Spelling Bee]] Champion in 2000 while homeschooled, entered Harvard University Fall 2007, featured in the movie [[Spellbound]]<ref>[http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1552259/ George Thampy<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><ref>[http://www.riverfronttimes.com/2003-09-03/news/breakfast-of-champions/ Breakfast of Champions, page 1 - News - Riverfront Times - Riverfront Times<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>.
*[[Marc Van Gilst]]<ref>[[http://myprofile.cos.com/vangilst<!-- Bot generated title-->]</ref>, 1989, Diabetes/Obesity Research Scientist, Affiliate Professor of Biology at University of Washington, and Principal Investigator at [[Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center]], Winner of several scientific awards, including the Helen Hay Whitney Foundation Fellow Award, 1999, and the American Diabetes Association Junior Investigator Award, 2006.


===Faculty and Staff===
== Chalukya Period ==
*[[L.B. Graham]], Bible teacher, author of [[Binding of the Blade]] epic fantasy series.<ref>http://www.wcastl.org/directory/graham-lb/ http://www.wcastl.org/directory/graham-lb/</ref>.
[[Image:badami-chalukya-empire-map.svg|thumb|right|250px|Badami Chalukya Territories]]
*[[Todd Worrell]], former Major League Baseball pitcher, the current pitching coach for the school's baseball team<ref>http://www.wcastl.org/directory/worrell-todd/ http://www.wcastl.org/directory/worrell-todd/</ref><ref>http://www.baseballcoaches.org/07westminstersunshine.pdf http://www.baseballcoaches.org/07westminstersunshine.pdf</ref>.


==References==
[[Chalukyas]] were a royal dynasty that succeeded the Vishnukundinas and ruled large parts of southern and central India between 550 and 750, and again between 973 and 1190. As early as the first century, they were mentioned as being vassals and chieftains under the Satavahana rule. Historians generally agree that the Chalukyas originated from Karnataka, were led into Andhra by Pulakesin, who appointed his brother Vishnu Vardhana as his Viceroy, after Pulakesin’s death declared independence and referred to as the Eastern Chalukyas. The [[Western Chalukya]]s were the forfathers of the [[Solanki]]s of [[Gujarat]].

*'''Eastern Chalukya'''

The [[Eastern Chalukya]]s, also known as [[Vengi]] Chalukyas parceled out their territory into many small principalities (estates) held by the nobility consisting of collateral branches of the ruling house of Elamanchili, [[Pithapuram]] and Mudigonda, and a few Kshatriya families closely connected by marriage ties (Kona Haihayas ([[Heheya Kingdom|Heheya]], [[Kalachuris]]), Kolanu Saronathas), and other Kshatriya families ([[Kota Vamsa]]s, Chagis, Parichedas etc.), who were raised to high position for their loyalty, valor and statecraft. <ref>The Andhras through the Ages: Kandavalli Balendu Sekharan</ref>

*'''Chedi-Kalachuri-Kona Chodas'''

The [[Matsya Kingdom|Matsyas]], [[Chedi Kingdom|Chedis]], [[Heheya Kingdom| Haihayas]] and [[Kalachuri]]s seem to share a common mythylogical and historical background with possible ancestry links to ancient Matsya Desa. The Chedis (A.K.A. Haihaya, Kalachuri) eventually became the Chodarajus of Kona. Historians such as Dr. [[P.B. Desai]] are emphatic about the central Indian origin of the Karnataka Kalachuris who are also referred to as ''Katachuris'' (shape of a sharp knife), ''Kalanjara-pura-vara-dhis-vara'' (Lord of Kalanjara) and ''Haihaya'' (Heheya). Mount Kalanjara is in north central India, east of the [[Indus Valley]] floodplain.

Historians have also pointed out that several Kalachuri kings were related to Chalukyas and [[Rashtrakutas]] by matrimonial alliances and had ruled from places like [[Tripuri]], [[Gorakhpur]], Ratnapur, [[Rajpur]]. By the time they are mentioned in the Telugu epic ''Battle of [[Palnadu]]'', they are referred to as the Haihaya family of the Kona region ([[Amalapuram]] and Razole taluqs of the present [[East Godavari District]]), and the Haihaya family of Palanadu, feudatories of the Chalukyas. The Kona Chiefs later took the title of Chodas, loyal governors for the newly formed Chola-Chalukya empire. Their gotra is Kasyapa.

*'''Kota Vamsa (Dharanikota)''' (''Fort Dynasty'') <ref>Answers.com[http://www.answers.com/topic/kota-907]</ref>

The [[Kota Vamsa|Kota kings]], Kshatriyas of Dhananjya gotra ruled from [[Dharanikota]] during the 11th and 12th century AD.
Last King of this dynasty was Kota Betaraja.<ref>[http://books.google.com/books?id=430nAMZz8LwC&pg=PA7&lpg=PA7&dq=kota+keta+raja&source=web&ots=_KTwnPrYjw&sig=6oY_2LnEAQcEkD80wVGfjwuaVwc&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=1&ct=result]</ref><ref>V. Ramachandra Rao: Vepachedu Education Foundation[http://indculture0.tripod.com/morekammas2.htm]</ref> The Jampana, Dantuluri, Uppalapati, Pakalapati and Nallaparaju royal families of Dhananjaya Gotra, who were Zamindars of [[Ramachandrapuram, East Godavari|''Rama-Chandra-Puram'']],<ref>Orissa Gov.NIC.IN[http://orissagov.nic.in/e-magazine/Orissareview/Aug2006/engpdf/aug-06.pdf]</ref> ''[[Mogalthur]]'', ''Kotapalli'', ''Ghandavaram'', ''Kuppili,'' ''[[Moida]]'' and ''Mutta Talaga Chirala'', of which the current direct descendent is actor turned politician [[Krishnam Raju|Krishnam Raju Uppalapathi]], uncle of popular Telugu actor [[Prabhas|Prabas Uppalapathi]], all claim descent from this ancient dynasty. <ref>Studies in south India Jainism. M.S. Rama Swami Ayyangar, B. Seshagiri Rao[http://books.google.com/books?id=BBUdAAAAMAAJ&q=kota+dhananjaya&dq=kota+dhananjaya&lr=&pgis=1]</ref>

*'''Chagi'''
The Chagis have been around since the Chalukyas at least and possible the 6th or 7th century. They were mentioned as subordinate Chiefs of the Chalukyas and Kakatiyas. In Yanama-lakud-uru, south of Bezawada and inscription is left in honor of Tulukam Velnadu Sagi Doraya Raju dated 1215 A.D. In 1246 inscriptions describe the reign of Chagi Manma Raju and in 1230 grants by Chagi Pota Raju. An inscription in Gudimetla on a fort dated around 1268 A.D. during the reign of Kakatiya Rudrama Devi Maharaju states that Sagi Pota Raju was her commander in chief. Sagi Gannama was a governor under Vira Pratapa Purushottama Gajapati (AD 1462-1496). He built a hill fort in Vinukonda. This fort was captured by Krishna Deva Raya. Munagalapalle south of Nandigama. <ref> Lists of the Antiquarian Remains in the Presidency of Madras: Robert Sewell pg 43, 56-7[http://books.google.com/books?id=1tU0AAAAIAAJ&q=chagi+sagi&dq=chagi+sagi&lr=&pgis=1]</ref>

The royals of ''Kota Uratla'' and ''Thangedu'' royal families claim to be descendents of the Chagis, with their name changing over time to Sagi.<ref>Historical Sketches of Ancient Dekhan By Kandadai Vaidyanatha Subrahmanya Aiyer[http://books.google.com/books?id=1tU0AAAAIAAJ&q=chagi+sagi&dq=chagi+sagi&lr=&pgis=1]</ref> The founder of [[Peddapuram Kings|Peddapuram]] line of kings was Sagi Potha Raju who participated in the battle of Palnadu in 1178-1182. The family attained the title of Jagapati in the 16th century and changed their surname to Vatsavai in honor of a fort during the times of Vatsavayi Timma Raju 1555-1607.<ref>Andhra Between the Empires. Y. Sudershan Rao Suleka Publishers, Hanamankonda 1991 pg 7</ref>

All these clans were important participants in the battle of Palnadu which turned out to be a battle over social changes. In it a ''Brahma Naidu'' sought the cooperation of all the royal families to bring about social change to do away with caste distinctions and bring about a more egalitarian society. He was opposed by the Chalukyas and especially the Haihayas as well as their loyal supports who wanted to keep the current rigid social system that was being practiced. It was supposedly a very bloody battle in which Brahma Naidu's faction lost but in the long run it brought about the demise of the caste system as it was practiced amongst Telugu royals.

The Eastern Chalukyas through marital alliances merged into the Cholas and ruled from 1076 C.E to 1019 C.E as Chalukya-Cholas and finally lost control to the Kakatiyas. <ref>The Andhras through the Ages: Kandavalli Balendu Sekharan</ref>

== Kshatriyas in Kakatiya Period==

There were few Kshatriya kingdoms in [[Kakatiya]] period. The Chagis, Kota Kings and Paricchedis continued to hold onto their regions albeit as subordinate rulers of Kakatiyas. There are inscriptions during Kakatiya rule mentioning Pericheda Bhimaraju splitting lordship of the [[Guntur]] region with Kota kings,<ref>No. 395. (A. R. No. 94 of 1917.) (Published in the Journal of the Andhra Historical Research Society, Vol. IV, pp. 147-64.) S. 1183. (Durmati)</ref> the Chodarajus were ruling in Narasaraopeta, the Sagis were described as Kshatriyas ruling with Gudimetal as their capital and a Rudraraju was the General of Nathavadi region allied to the Kakatiyas.<ref>[http://www.whatisindia.com/inscriptions/south_indian_inscriptions/volume10/kakatiya_dynasty_1.html South Indian Inscriptions - Volume 10 - Kakatiya Dynasty Inscriptions @ whatisindia.com<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref><ref> No. 257. (A. R. No. 324 of 1915.) On the Garudastambha in the temple of Venugopalasvami, Uppumaguluru, Narasaraopeta Taluk, same District. S. 1133. Damaged and partly illegible. Refers to the gift of an oil-mill and land made by Balli Chodaraju presumably to some temple.</ref><ref>(A. R. No. 138 of 1917.) On a slab lying in front of the temple of Venugopalasvami, Potturu, Guntur Taluk, Guntur District. S. 1168. Incomplete. The portion which describes the actual grant is missing. The portion available refers to what was probably a gift made to a Siva temple by Paricheda Bhimaraja, Tammu Bhimaraju, Devaraju and Ganapa Deva Raju for the merit of their father Komma Raju and mother Surala Devi. Contains the usual Parichedi titles.</ref><ref>No. 373. (A. R. No. 283 of 1924.) On a pillar lying in the temple of Chandramaulisvara, Anumanchipalli, Nandigama Taluk, Krishna District. S. 1182. (Raudri) States that a certain Brahmin Chavali Bhaskara consecrated the image of Sagi-Ganapesvara and that king Sagi Manma endowed the temple with land. Describes the Sagi family as of Kshatriya caste (bahujakula) and gives the donor’s genealogy.</ref><ref>No. 468. (A. R. No. 318 of 1924.) On a pillar lying near a dilapidated mosque among the ruins of the fort at Gudimetta, Nandigama Taluk, Krishna District. S. 1213. States that Dadi Somaya-Sahini and Peddaya-Sahini gave lands to the temple of Visvanatha-Mahadeva who were the officers of Rudraraju.</ref><ref>No. 544. (A. R. No. 270 of 1924.) On a pillar set up in the temple of Anjaneyasvami at Konakanchi, same Taluk and District. Undated. States that, while Sagi Potaraja was ruling the Nathavadi country with Gudimetla as his capital, his kampu Birama’s sons Kassevu-Setti and Kurivi-Setti and the latter’s wife Surama got the temple of Narendresvara plastered, consecrated the images of Narayana Deva and Brahma Deva and also got the temples of attendant gods plastered, and gave two tanks for the naivedya and Patrapagudamu in these temples. Also states that Kurri-Setti of the Teliki thousand tribe of Bejevada presented two lamps to the temples.</ref>

The [[Kakatiya]]s were from the Sudra clan, after Kakatiya King Ganapatideva married his two daughters into two Kshatriya family clans (Chalukyas and Kotas), Kakatiyas started claiming Kshatriya status as evidenced by an inscription found in Guntur District. <ref>Social and Economic Conditions in Eastern Deccan from $A.D. 1000 to A.D. 1250 By A. Vaidehi Krishnamoorthy[http://books.google.com/books?id=YekEAAAAMAAJ&q=kakatiya+chalukya+prince+marriage&dq=kakatiya+chalukya+prince+marriage&pgis=1]</ref><ref>The history of India By Mountstuart Elphinstone[http://books.google.com/books?id=y2UBAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA241&dq=kakatiya+chalukya+prince#PPA242,M1]</ref> Ganapatideva's first daughter Rudramadevi was married to Veerabhadra, Eastern Chalukyan prince of Nidadavolu<ref>History of the Minor Chāḷukya Families in Medieval Āndhradēśa By Kolluru Suryanarayana[http://books.google.com/books?id=f6seAAAAMAAJ&q=kakatiya+chalukya+prince+marriage&dq=kakatiya+chalukya+prince+marriage&pgis=1]</ref> and his second daughter Ganapamba was married to Kota Betaraja.<ref>Annual Report By Archaeological Survey of India, John Hubert Marshall[http://books.google.com/books?id=qhwTAAAAIAAJ&q=kota+kakatiya&dq=kota+kakatiya&pgis=1]</ref><ref>Social and Cultural Life in Medieval Andhra By M. Krishna Kumari[http://books.google.com/books?id=WKtAAAAAMAAJ&q=kota+kakatiya&dq=kota+kakatiya&pgis=1]</ref> But the exact caste affinity of Kakatiyas to any present caste is still unknown.

See [[Inscriptional records of Andhra Kshatriyas|Inscriptions]], to see some of the many archived inscriptions click this link.<ref>[http://www.whatisindia.com/inscriptions/south_indian_inscriptions/volume_9/chalukyas_of_kalyani_149.html]</ref>

==Gajapatis of [[Kalinga]]/[[Orissa]]==

The region between [[Cuttack]] and [[Vijayawada]] was known as [[Kalinga]] (ancient [[Orissa]]), and was controlled often by the [[Oriya]] rulers the Eastern Gangas of the Vashistha gotra. The early [[Eastern Ganga Dynasty|Eastern Gangas]] ruled from Kalinga-nagara (Mukhalingam near [[Srikakulam]] Andhra Pradesh). They shifted their capital to [[Cuttack]] in the 12th century. The Eastern Gangas were succeeded by the Suryavanshi Gajapati rulers.

The Bhoi and Suryavanshi Gajapatis of [[Orissa]], on the height of their power in the 15th century, ruled over a kingdom extending from the [[Ganga river]] in the north to the [[Kaveri]] in the south under Gajapati Kapilendra Deva. But by the early 16th century, the [[Gajapati]]s lost great portions of their southern dominion to [[Vijayanagar]] and [[Golconda]]. During the Gajapathi reign an inscription mentions a Bhupathiraju Vallabha Raju Mahapatra in Chodavaram. <ref> No. 741. (A. R. No. 54 of 1912.) On a pillar in the temple of Kesavasvami at Chodavaram, Viravalli Taluk, Vizagapatam District. Saka year not given (Kalayukti) Records the consecration of the image of Garutmanta by Bondu Mallayya for the prosperity etc. of Bhupatiraju Vallabha Raju-Mahapatra.</ref>

It was common for the Zamindari families of the border region of Orissa and Andhra to have alliances. Early on they actually sided with the Gajapathis against the [[Vijayanagar Empire]]. There was a notable exception with inscriptional confirmation of two Kshatriya generals fighting on the side of Krishna Deva Raya. Of the modern clans, the Virycharla royals of ''[[Kurupam]]'' <ref>KURUPAM (Zamindari)[http://www.uq.net.au/~zzhsoszy/ips/k/kurupam.html]</ref> and the Satrucharla clan of ''Salur'' have more in common with the Orissa royals, who claim descent from the Gajapathi and Ganga Dynasties, then they do with the [[Godavari]] clans.<ref>CHINNA MERANGI (Zamindari)[http://www.uq.net.au/~zzhsoszy/ips/c/chinnamerangi.html]</ref>

The Rajas of Kurupam are related through marriage to Jeypore Royal family, Bhanj dynasty of Daspalla princely state,[[Parmar]] dynasty of [[Gangpur]] princely state of Orissa and Kacchawa dynasty of Talcher princely state of Orissa founded in the 12th century.

== Vijayanagara Period ==

Out of the four clans that ruled the [[Vijayanagara]] empire, two clans Saluva Dynasty and Aravidu Dynasty claimed to be of the Kshatriya Varna. <ref>Journal of the Andhra Historical Society By Andhra Historical Research Society pg 61[http://books.google.com/books?id=gVNdhHtG134C&q=aravidu+kshatriya&dq]</ref> Raja Achutya Deva Raya was extensively interviewed by Robert Sewell in order to help him in research for his book,<ref>Robert Sewell: Vijayanagar: A forgotten Empire [http://www.eng.utah.edu/~banerjee/Ebooks/Vijayanagar.pdf]</ref> and is acknowledged by the Government of Karnataka as the direct descendant of this line. In his royal biography he takes on the title of ''Zamindar of Anegundi, Senior Representative of the Royal House of Vijayanagar, born 4th August 1936, adoptive son of Rani Lal Kumari, Guru (Religious Head) of the Hindu Kshatriya Community, enjoys the customary privileges and honors at Hampi Temple and at Anegondi Temple, during all religious functions as well as Muslim festivals.''<ref>Aenegondi [http://www.uq.net.au/~zzhsoszy/ips/a/anegundi.html]</ref> His family states they are of the Kshatriya Raju caste and marry among Telugu speaking Kshatriya Rajus settled in this area.

Raju families such as the Chodarajus, Nandyalas, Madirajus, Tirumalarajus, Gobburis, Saluvas (Bommarajus) of Karvetinagar, the Rajas of [[Owk]] and Matla Chiefs were all at one time or other, relatives of the Aravidu dynasty. All of these families still live in and around the [[Hampi]] area.

*The founding brothers of the Aravidu dynasty were the son-in-laws of Krishna Deva Raya of the Tuluva Dynasty and were also related previously through marriage with the Saluva Dynasty. Gobburi Narasaraju was the nephew of Aliya Ramaraju and<ref>Questioning Ramayanas: A South Asian tradition by Paula Richman[http://books.google.com/books?id=7RW6MrAiJ-0C&pg=PA166&dq=gobburi&lr=&as_brr=3&sig=-Nr_AGktoqU82jw1_zSlycjz8ck#PPA166,M1]</ref> Emperor Venkatapthi Raju was married to Gobburi Kondama,<ref>The Madras tercentenary commemoration volume. by Madras Tercentenary Celebration Committee. [http://books.google.com/books?id=pwMk4FIcpuUC&pg=PA41&dq=gobburi&lr=&as_brr=3&sig=b4zOcWfZzrzWHBQ9GFrEmKPI6wY]</ref>the sister of the Raja of Srisailam, Gobburi Giriappa.<ref>Cyclic tables of Hindu and Mahomedan chronology, regarding the history of the Telugu and Kannadi countries to which are added the genealogies of particular Hindu families, with essays on various matters of enquiry by Charles Philip Brown [http://books.google.com/books?id=V5khtVz0yIgC&pg=PT30&dq=gobburi&lr=&as_brr=3&sig=VwABeSlfq0a18LFHLxCqlGnpa3A]</ref> After the death of Venkatapathi Raju, from 1614-1616 there was a great war of succession. Amongst the claimants to the throne was Gobburi Jaga Deva Raju, the brother-in-law of the emperor and also a relative of the Raja of Karvetinagar, Saluva Makaraju.<ref>Gazetteer of the Nellore District : brought upto 1938. Pg 61[http://books.google.com/books?id=2qx-smrZLyUC&pg=PA61&dq=gobburi&lr=&as_brr=3&sig=CCUy9YUjhvNyMa17bKMCNsFDCbI#PPA61,M1]</ref><ref>The Nayaks of Tanjore. by V Vriddhagirisan
[http://books.google.com/books?id=GD_6ka-aYuQC&pg=PA57&dq=gobburi&lr=&as_brr=3&sig=2xG9G5tYvWWa8rHCN8aMqzrNb0o]</ref> The Matla Chiefs fought against the Gobburis.<ref>Tidings of the king a translation and ethnohistorical analysis of the Rāyavācakamu by Phillip B Wagoner; NetLibrary, Inc.
[http://books.google.com/books?id=nLYPejP-iE8C&pg=PA205&dq=gobburi&lr=&as_brr=3&sig=xuxv1x6RXQTsFFFqOo9FoaNw6bY]</ref>
*The Matli-Matla chiefs were Ellamrajus who gained the territory after defeating the Tirupatirajus in battle in 1604 AD.<ref>244 Siddhavatam (Siddhavatam Taluk) On the east wall near the entrance of the old fort. Saka 1527; Visvasu The inscriptions refers itself to the reign of Venkatapati Raya and enumerates the achievements of the Matli Chiefs Ellama Raju and his son Ananta Raju. The latter is stated to have built the radiant and extensive stone wall at Siddhavatam which his father had acquired in the battle of Utukuru. In the telugu portion, which is a stsamalika, it is stated that while Vira Venkata Raya was ruling the empire from Chandragiri-sima, Anata Raju constructed the tank, Ananta Raju-cheruvu at Siddhavatam which his father had acquired at the point of his sword after defeating Konda Raju Tirupati Raju in battle and built a wall around the town so that it might protect the temple of Siddhavatesvara. His is also said to be the author of Kakutstha-vijayamu and of the Kavyas. (Published in Epigraphia Indica xxxxvii. pp. 103-112, by Dr. N. Venkata Ramanayya)</ref>
*The Chodaraju's gotra was given as Kasyapa and the Nandyala's gotra was given as atreya and were described as belonging to Chandravanshi, both were related through marriage and both were appointed Mahamandaleswars during the start of the 16th century.<ref>97 (No. 201 of 1967) Chidipiralla (Kamalapuram Taluk) On a stone near the Anjaneya temple. S. 1501; Bhadhanya, (A.D. 1578) It records the digging of irrigation canals at Chadupurella as the old ones became out of use, by Mahamandal-eswara Katta Mama Singa Raya Deva Choda Maharaja, who is said to be holding the Nayamkara of Chadupurala n the Ghandikota sima (as a subordinate chief) under his son-in-law Mahamandal-eswara Nandyala Narashim-ayya Deva Maharaja.</ref><ref>No. 73. (A.R. No. 353 of 1915.) Kundurru, Narasarowpet Taluk, Guntur District. 1522 A.D., May 13 (Tuesday). It registers the grant of a piece of land in the village of Konudortta...by Maha Mandalesvara Sarvayya Deva Chodaraju, son of Alamandala Yarayya Deva Chodaraju of Kasyapa-gotra. Vinikondasima is said to have been given to the donor as nayankara by Maha Pradhana Saluva Timmarasayya.</ref><ref>No. 129. (A.R. No. 690 of 1917.) Kovelakuntla, Koilkuntla Taluk, Kurnool District. 1543 A.D., August 25 (Saturday). It registers the grant of income derived from svamyatas in his nayankara territory of Kovila Kuntlasima....by Maha Mandalesvara Nandyala Avubhalesvara Deva Maharaju, son of Singa Raju Deva Maharaju and the grandson of Narasingayya Deva Maharaju of the lunar race.</ref><ref>No. 139. (A.R. No. 498 of 1906.) Mopuru, Pulivendla Taluk, Cuddapah District. 1545 A.D., January 19, ’50. It records the remission of all taxes like Durga Vartana, Danayani Vartana, bedige, kanika and others in favour of the Vidvan mahajanas of the villages belonging to temples and to agraharas in Ghandikota Sakalisima obtained by the donor, Timmaya Deva Maharaju, son of Narasingaya Deva Maharaju and grandson of Maha Mandalesvara Nandyala Avubhala Deva Maharaju as Nayankara from the king. A similar remission of these taxes in the villages granted to the Bhai Ravesvara temple of Mopura is also recorded with the stipulation that the amount accrued was to be utilized for the daily worship and the rathosvava of the god.</ref>
*The Madiraju's gotra was given as Kasyapa and Suryavanshi and related to the Thirumalarajus, both appointed Mahamandeleswars of Guntur area and happened to be the grandchildren of Aravidu Rama Raya.<ref>No. 191. (A.R. No. 584 of 1909.) Macherla, Palnadu Taluk, Guntur District. On a slab set up in the courtyard of the Virabhadresvara temple. Sadasiva, 1554 A.D. The record is dated in Chronogram ‘rasa-saila-veda..’ and the numerals 76, Ananda, Ashadha, su. 15, Friday, lunar eclipse. The word for the numeral 1 is apparently lost. The details of the date correspond to 1554 A.D., June 15, ’51, if the month was Adhika Ashadha. The inscription which is damaged, records a grant of 14 putti and 10 tumu of land constituting it into a village by name Lingapuram, by Ling Amma, wife of Veligoti Komara Timma Nayaka to the gods Ishta Kamesvara and Viresvara of Macherla situated to the north of Macherla and west of the Chandra Bhaga river, in Nagarjuna-konda-sima which Komara Timma Nayaka is said to have obtained as nayankara from Maha Mandalesvara Rama Raju Thirumalaraju Deva Maharaju.</ref><ref>No. 201. (A.R. No. 161 of 1905.) Markapur, Markapur Taluk, Kurnool District. On the east wall, left of entrance, of the antarala-mandapa in the Chenna-kesava-svamin temple. Sadasiva, 1555 A.D. This is dated Saka 1476, Ananda, Magha su. 7, corresponding to 1555 A.D., January 29. It records a gift of the various toll incomes due from the 18 villages, viz., Marakarapuram, Channavaram, Konddapuram, Yachavaram, Rayavaram, Gonguladinna, Tarnumbadu, Surepalli, Vanalapuram, Chanareddipalle, Gangireddipalle, Korevanipalle, Medisettipalle, Gollapalle, Jammuladinna, Tellambadu, Kamalpuram and Kondapalli to god Chennakesava by Maha Mandalesvara Madiraju Narappadeva Maharaju, son of Aubhalayya Deva Maharaju, grandson of Maha Mandalesvara Madiraju Singa Raju Deva Maharaju, of Kasyapa-gotra and Surya-vamsa, and nephew of Maha Mandalesvara Rama Raju Thirumalaraju. The gift villages are said to be situated in Kochcherla Kotasima which was held by the donor as Nayankara from the king. Records in addition that the lanjasunkham (levy on prostitutes) collected during the festivals at Marakapuram was also made over to the temple and that fie out of every six dishes of offerings to the deity, were to be made over to the satra (feeding house) for feeding paradesi Brahmanas of the smartha sect, the sixth dish being the share of the sthanikas, the adhikaris and the karanas.</ref><ref>No. 228. (A.R. No. 411 of 1911.) Vontimitta, Sidhavatam Taluk, Cuddapah District. On a slab set up near the eastern gopura of the Kodanda Rama Swamy temple. Sadasiva, 1558 A.D. This is dated Saka 1480, Kalayukt, and Ashadha su. 12, Monday, corresponding to 1558 A.D. June 27. The inscription records a gift of the village Vontimetta with its hamlets in Sidhavatam-sima of Udayagiri Rajya to god Raghu Nayaka of the same village said to have been consecrated by Jambavanta, by Naga Raja Deva Maharaju of Kasyapa-gotra, and Surya-Vamsa and the son-in-law of Rama Raju and Gutti Yara Thirumalaraju Deva Maharaju of Kasyapa-gotra, and Surya-Vamsa and the sons of Sri Ranga Raju and the grandsons of Aravidu Rama Raju of Atreya-gotra and Soma-Vamsa. The gift village was situated in Siddhavatamsima which the donor appears to have held as his nayankara</ref>
*Madhava Varma Bejawada was mentioned in 1509 AD. as of the Vasishtha gotra and Suryavansi.<ref>No. 45. (A.R. No. 491 of 1906.) Pulivendla, Pulivendla Taluk, Cuddapah District. 1509 A.D., October 24. It records a gift of the village Kunddal Kundu...by Narasayya Deva Maharaju, brother of Basava Raju, son of Tamma Raju, grandson of Valla Bharaya and great-grandson of Bejawada Madhava Varma of Vasishtha-gotra and Surya-vamsa.</ref>
*Krishna Deva Raya defeated among others Rachi Raju Pusapati, Srinatha Raju and Lakshmipati Raju on his way to defeating Pratapa Rudra Gajapati Raju of the Gajapathi Dynasty. He immediately reinstated these rulers as his vassals and married the daughter of Pratapa Rudra as a truce offering. All this occurred between 1514-1517 AD.<ref>No. 52. (A.R. No. 18 of 1915.) Srisailam, Nandikotkur Taluk, Kurnool District. 1515 A.D., July 25. The record is important for the historical information contained in it. The king, it is stated, started out from Vijayanagara on a campaign of conquest towards the east, conquered at a stretch Udayagiri, Addanki, Vinukonda, Bellamkonda, Nagarjunikonda, Tangedu, Ketavaram and other hill-forts and land-forts and captured Tirumala Kataraya Mahapatra. Having taken Kondavidu, he captured alive Virabhadra Raya, Nara Hari Deva, Rachuri Mallukhanu, Uddandakhanu, Jannala Kasavapatra, Pusapati Rachiraju, Srinatha Raju, Lakshmipati Raju, Paschima Balachandra Mahapatra and others. Later he reinstated the captives in their places, visited Amaresvara at Dharanikota and performed the Tulapurusha ceremony in the presence of the god on the banks of the river Krishnaveni. </ref><ref>No. 57. (A.R. No. 474 of 1919.) Little Kanchipuram, Kanchipuram Taluk, Chingleput District. 1517 A.D., January 14. States that the king, having conquered Udayagiri, captured Ravutaraya-mahapatra, and having taken the hill fortresses of Addanki, Vinikonda, Bellamkonda, Tangeda, Ketavaram, etc., captured alive Vira Bhadra Raya, son of Pratapa Rudra Gajapati Raju. Narahari Deva, son of Kumara Hamvira and others, performed Tulapurusha at Amaresvara in Dharanikota, returned to Vijayanagara and started out again on a campaign of conquest towards Kalinga, reached Bejawada, conquered Kondapalli, captured Praha Raju Siras Chandra Mahapatra, Bodajana Mahapatra, Bujilikhanu and others, took at a stretch all the fortresses of Telangana such as Anantagiri, Udrakonda, Urlugonda, Aruvapalli, Jallipalli, Kandikonda, Kappaluvayi, Nalgonda, Kambhammettu, Kanakagiri, Samkkaragiri, etc., installed the jayastambha at Simhadri Potnuru and performed the mahadana there, returned to Rajamahendra and desiring to have the mahadanas performed by his queens Chinna Devi and Tirumala Devi, returned to Vijayanagara...</ref>
*Ganapathirajus were described as of the Suryavanshi and Kasyapa gotra and were Mahamandaleswars in 1555 AD.<ref>No. 205. (A.R. No. 59 of 1915.) Chinna Ahobalam, Sirvel Taluk, Kurnool District. On the west wall of the Narasimha-svamin shrine in the Narasimha-svamin temple. Sadasiva, 1555 A.D. This is dated Saka 1478 (current), Rakshasa, Sravana ba. 7 corresponding to 1555 A.D., August 9 (Friday). The record is damaged and fragmentary. It seems to register a gift (of land) to god Ahobala Narasimha by Ganapatiraju who belonged to the Kasyapa-gotra Apastamba-sutra and Yajus-sakha and was the son of Nandi Raju and the grandson of Maha Mandalesvara Krishna Raju of the solar race.</ref>

*'''Karvetinagar'''

The current Bommaraju family of Karvetinagar are of Kshatriya Raju caste and trace their origins back to an ancestor who migrated from the [[Pithapuram]] area of the [[Godavari]] [[Delta]] about the 8th or 9th century. One ancestor obtained the favor of the [[Eastern Chalukya]] King, Vimala Aditya and Saluva Narasa was appointed the Chief of the region around Tirupati, where he founded a town called Narasapuram. The founder of the family Narasa was granted permission by his patron, the Chalukyas, to use the royal seal and boar-signet of the Chalukyas, a proud distinction still kept up. The family became feudatories of Vijayanagar, and had marriage alliances with the Saluva and loyalties to the Aravidu dynasties over the next two hundred years. Around the 16th century the family changed their name to the current Bommaraju, retaining Saluva as a title.<ref> A Sketch of the Dynasties of Southern India By Robert Sewell pg 44-45</ref>

==Nizam/Colonial Period==

The [[Sultan]]s, Nizams and British all employed Rajus and other prominent castes of Andhra as the governors of estates with the responsibility of collecting taxes. In 1857 the British broke up the estates and realigned the bigger brigands into ''[[Princely states]]'' and the lesser ones as ''[[Zamindar]]s'' or ''Jagirdars''. These zamindars were abolished after the formation of the Indian Union in 1947.

=== Zamindaris of Rajus ===
Zamindars and the families that controlled them in parenthesis.
<div class="references-mediuml">
{{col-begin}}
{{Col-1-of-2}}
#[[Anegundi]]
#Ankapilli (originally Pusapadi)
#Adhanki
#[[Andra, Vizianagaram|Andra]]
#Belgaum
#[[Chemudu]] (Vyricharla)
#Charmahal (Kalidindi)
#[[Chinchinada]] (Alluri)
#Darlapudi (Chintalpati)<ref>History in Modern Indian Literature By Siba Pada Sen pg 188[http://books.google.com/books?id=n_gQAAAAMAAJ&q=pusapati&dq=pusapati&lr=&as_brr=0&pgis=1]</ref>
#Dimili (Pusapati)
#Domabal
#[[Ellore]] (Thirupathiraju)
#East Godhavari(Alluri)
#Gandhavaram(Pakalapati)
#Ganzcolara (Thirupathiraju)
#Golgonda (Bhupathiraju)
#Godicharla (Vatsavai)
#Godilanka (Alluri)
#[[Ichchapuram]]
#[[Karvetinagar]]
#Kasipuram (Pusapati)
#Katrenikuna (Dantuluri)
#Kumili (Pusapati)
#Kuppili (Jampana)
#Kimmidi
#Kondagandedu
#Kottakota (Pinnamraju)
#Kotapalli
#Kota Uratla (Raja Sagi)
#Thangedu (Raja Sagi)
#Kondakirla (Sagi)
#[[Kurupam]] (Vyricharla)
#[[Korukonda]] (Thirupathiraju)
#Kottur (Sagi)
#Koppuram (Nallaparaju)
#Madgole (Chintalapati) Claim descent from Matsya desa. <ref>A Manual of the District of Vizagapatam, in the Presidency of Madras By David Freemantle Carmichael pg 309[http://books.google.com/books?id=6dBNAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA309&dq=inuganti#PPA293,M1]</ref>
{{Col-2-of-2}}
#[[Matli]]
#[[Merangi]] (Satrucharla)
#[[Mogalthur]] (Kalidindi)
#Mutta Talaga Chirala (Uppalapati)
#[[Moida]] (Penumatcha)
#Nakkapilli (Kakarlapudi)
#[[Owk]]
#[[Ongole]]
#[[Pachipenta]]
#[[Polavaram]]
#[[Palakonda]]
#[[Parvatipuram]]
#[[Peddapuram]] (Vatsavai)
#Ponamanda (Mandapathi)
#[[Rajamundry]] (Pusapati)
#[[Ramachandrapuram]] Kota royal family S.R.K. Raja Gopal Narasa Raju.
#Rayagarh
#Rayavaram (Sagi)
#Rajala (Sagi)
#Sarvasiddhi (Sagi)
#Srirampuram (Kakarlapudi)
#[[Salur]] (Satrucharla)
#Sangam Valsa
#Satyavaram
#[[Tuni]] (Vatsavai)
#[[Vizianagaram]] (Pusapati)
#Uppada (Pusapati)
#Vemalapudi (Sagi)
#Velchur Kodur (Sagi)
#Wurutla (Dantuluri)
#[[Jeypore]] In 1768, Viziaram Raju had granted the Jeypore country as a jagir.
{{col-end}}

=Modern community=
Rajus of Andhra are designated as forward caste.<ref>Caste, Class and Social Articulation In Andhra Pradesh. Mapping Differential Regional Tragectories. K. Srinivasulu Pg 6, 11, 51 [http://www.odi.org.uk/publications/working_papers/wp179.pdf]</ref>. Most of Rajus are doing well in Education, Information Technology and other fields. While few Rajus are economically backward, Rajus are one of the few communities who never asked for Reservation. <ref> http://indculture0.tripod.com/rajus.htm </ref>

=References=
{{reflist|2}}
{{reflist|2}}
[http://www.krepublishers.com/02-Journals/IJHG/IJHG-08-0-000-000-2008-Web/IJHG-08-1-2-001-256-2007-Abst-PDF/IJHG-08-1-2-097-08-349-Trivedi-R/IJHG-08-1&2-097-08-349-Trivedi-R-Tt.pdf]


==External links==
=Other Sources=
*[http://www.wcastl.org Westminster Christian Academy]
<div class="references-mediuml">
{{col-begin}}
{{Col-1-of-2}}
*Andhra Zamindars:[http://www.vepachedu.org/andhra-kingdoms.html]
*Karvetnagar [http://www.chennaimuseum.org/draft/gallery/03/01/013/tradi1.htm]
*Andhra Kingdoms[http://www.vepachedu.org/andhra-kingdoms.html]
*Indian Intelligence Report: Inscriptions:[http://www.whatisindia.com/inscriptions/south_indian_inscriptions/volume_9/chalukyas_of_kalyani_149.html]
*History of the Andhras [http://202.41.85.234:8000/gw_44_5/hi-res/hcu_images/G2.pdf]
*Caste system: [http://www.vepachedu.org/castemore.htm]
*Caste politics In the North, West, and South India Before Mandal.[http://www.nd.edu/~kellogg/events/pdfs/Jaffrelot.pdf]
*V. Ramesam, K. Mahadevan. Andhra Chronology (90-1800 A.C):[http://www.openlibrary.org/details/andrachronology035467mbp]
*Caste Transformation (Winners and Losers) [http://www.odi.org.uk/Livelihoodoptions/ppts/Caste%20Transformation%20part1.ppt#1]
{{Col-2-of-2}}
*The Andhras through the ages: Kandavalli Balendu Sekharan
*Class-study of the History and Cultue of the Andhras: Kandavalli
*Precolonial India in Practice: Cynthia Talbot
*A study of the history and culture of the Andhras: Kambhampati Satyanarayana
*Inscriptions:[http://www.whatisindia.com/inscriptions/south_indian_inscriptions/volume_9/chalukyas_of_kalyani_149.html]
* Dharani Priya, B: A study of genetic demography of the Kshatriyas, Ph.D. Thesis, Andhra University (2001)
{{col-end}}


{{St. Louis Metro Area High Schools}}
[[Category:Noble titles]]
[[Category:Titles in India]]
[[Category:Indian castes]]
[[Category:Ruling clans of India]]
[[Category:Social groups of India]]
[[Category:Indian society]]
[[Category:Ruling Hindu clans]]
[[Category:Telugu society]]
[[Category:Tamil society]]
[[Category:Karnataka society]]
[[Category:Kshatriya]]


[[Category:Blue Ribbon schools in Missouri]]
[[de:Kshatriya]]
[[Category:High schools in St. Louis County, Missouri]]
[[es:Chatria]]
[[Category:Middle schools in St. Louis County, Missouri]]
[[fr:Kshatriya]]
[[Category:Private schools in St. Louis County, Missouri]]
[[hi:क्षत्रिय]]
[[Category:Preparatory schools in St. Louis County, Missouri]]
[[mr:क्षत्रिय]]
[[Category:Nondenominational Christian schools]]
[[nl:Kshattriya]]
[[Category:Educational institutions established in 1976]]
[[ja:クシャトリヤ]]
[[pl:Kszatria]]
[[pt:Xátria]]
[[ro:Casta Kşatriya]]
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[[zh:刹帝利]]

Revision as of 09:00, 10 October 2008

Westminster Christian Academy
The archway in front of the main entrance of Westminster Christian Academy
Location
Map
St. Louis, MO, USA
Information
TypePrivate
Established1976
Faculty73 Full Time / 5 Part Time
Jim Marsh, Headmaster
Dr. James Sefrit, US Principal
Steve Hall, MS Principal
Tim Hall, Dean of Students
Scott Holley, Dean of Academics
Enrollmentapprox. 865
Colors
Mascot		Blue and white
Wildcat
Websitehttp://www.wcastl.org

Westminster Christian Academy (WCA) is a private,Christian school, 7-12 grade secondary school located in St. Louis County, Missouri, United States.

The school currently has an enrollment of approximately 865 students in grades 7 through 12. It is further divided into an Upper School (9-12) of approximately 611 students and a Middle School (7-8) of approximately 254 students.[1] Tuition for the 2008-2009 school year is $11,050USD regardless of grade.[2]

History

Westminster Christian Academy opened on September 7, 1976 to 72 students. In the first two years, Westminster operated out of rented classrooms from Missouri Baptist University. For the first two years, Nolan Vander Ark was headmaster of the school. Before joining Westminster, Mr. Vander Ark served as a Christian Reformed Missionary in Africa.[3][4] After two years of renting space, the administration purchased a campus known as the "Des Peres School" in Kirkwood, Missouri. Once Westminster moved to the new campus, Evelyn Downs stepped up as headmistress. She remained headmistress until 1981. In four years after moving to that campus, the student body had quadrupled, and it was obvious that Westminster had to move to a bigger campus. At this point, Arlen Dykstra became headmaster so he oversaw the relocation of the school to the current location and the accredidation of the school through Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS).[5] In 1982, they purchased the Creve Couer campus, where they are at today. In 1984, the school faced another dilemma as they were without a headmaster once more. Larry Birchler, the registrar for the school, stepped up as interim Headmaster until they could find a new one. In 1985, Jim Marsh became headmaster who is the current one today. [6]

Campuses

Creve Coeur Campus

Purchased in 1984, the 30 acre Creve Coeur Campus serves as the primary campus for the school.

In 1999, the school started an $11 million construction and renovation project. With the money, the school added a new gymnasium, new student commons, new senior and 8th grade hallway wings, a new weightlifting facility and locker rooms, a new bookstore, and new offices. Dubbed the "Creve Coeur Campus", the building has over 150,000 square feet, a 25 yard indoor pool, library, two gymnasiums, cafeteria, academic and administrative rooms, and outdoor sports facilities.

Town and Country Campus

In 2002, Westminster purchased the campus of the West County Vocational Technical School in Town and Country with plans to renovate the space to serve for future growth of the school. Currently, the property is being rented out to unaffiliated associations and is also used for various school activities. The school has recently announced plans to move the school to this location in the fall of 2011. Additionally, an adjacent parcel of land was purchased from Central Presbyterian Church. The purchase was made possible by a donation to Westminster by an anonymous supporter[7]. Plans are underway for a total of $50 million in renovations of the property in anticipation of the school moving to this new campus in 2011. The current site plan contemplates the addition of a multitude of fields for both practicing on and hosting games, 2-3 gymnasiums, 1 theater that seats 1000, black box theatre, a football stadium, soccer field, 2-4 practice fields, ice rink, swimming pool, and many storage facilities and locker rooms[8].

Academics

Westminster is strong academically -- during the 1990-1991 school year, it was recognized as a Blue Ribbon School by the United States Department of Education[9]. 65% of the faculty have advanced degrees, including 6 doctorates[10]. 98% of the 2008 graduates went on to college. The school also offers a Special Services program to address the educational needs of those families who have students with diagnosed disabilities[11]. Westminster was the first Christian school to be accredited by the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS)[12], an accredidation which the school maintains to this day[13]. The school is also accredited by Christian Schools International[14].

Activities

Athletics

Westminster Christian Academy has a large and successful athletic program. In June 2007, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch ranked Westminster Christian Academy as the number one athletics program among small schools in the St. Louis metro region[15][16]. The upper school fields 9 men's teams, 11 women's teams, and 2 co-ed teams that compete as part of the Missouri State High School Activities Association.

In 2006 in the Missouri state Class 4, both the men's and women's basketball teams were ranked in the top ten in the state. The men were ranked #9 and the women were ranked #4.

In 2005, Westminster Christian's Academic Competition team (coached by Bob Vass) won the MSHSAA state championship, which is the only MSHSAA title that Westminster has to date. However, many other teams have earned "Final Four" honors at the state level.

Wrestlers have continued to put more wrestlers in the state competition year after year.

Community Service

The student organizations and each class participate in community service projects. In addition, the seniors participate in “Faith in Action,” a unique program in which they serve in various help agencies throughout the St. Louis community for two hours each Thursday morning of the school year[17].


Memberships

Westminster is a member of the following organizations:

Notable people

Alumni

Faculty and Staff

References

  1. ^ Westminster Christian Academy: At a Glance
  2. ^ Westminster Christian Academy: Tuition & Fees
  3. ^ http://www.wcastl.org/about/history/headmasters.php
  4. ^ [http://www.wcastl.org/about/history/complete.php Westminster Christian Academy: Complete History
  5. ^ Arlen Dykstra - A Man of Principle
  6. ^ [http://wcastl.com/about/history/complete.php Westminster Christian Academy: Complete History
  7. ^ Westminster Christian Academy: Latest News
  8. ^ http://206.196.98.11/upload/47878ea4a85a2.pdf
  9. ^ http://www.ed.gov/programs/nclbbrs/list-1982.pdf
  10. ^ http://www.wcastl.org/admissions/ataglance/ Westminster at a Glance
  11. ^ http://www.wcastl.org/upper/academics/specialservices.php Westminster Christian Academy: Special Services
  12. ^ Westminster Christian Academy: Complete History
  13. ^ ISACS
  14. ^ http://www.csionline.org/schools/listing/westminster_christian_academy_st_louis_mo/
  15. ^ STLtoday - Home
  16. ^ http://206.196.98.11/upload/47a24e333dfdf.pdf
  17. ^ http://206.196.98.11/upload/07CSG%20.pdf Course Selection for the 2007-2008 Academic Year
  18. ^ http://www.speedsport-magazine.com/race-driver-database/biography/C-Francois-,2286.html?PHPSESSID=a08e2408b520481fd44c183f6e6e932c http://www.speedsport-magazine.com/race-driver-database/biography/C-Francois-,2286.html?PHPSESSID=a08e2408b520481fd44c183f6e6e932c
  19. ^ Summer 2005.indd
  20. ^ "The 25 Most Influential Evangelicals in America". TIME. 2005-02-07. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  21. ^ Michael Gerson
  22. ^ Stephen Hauser
  23. ^ http://www.filmanchor.com/screenplays/S/SPHERE.pdf
  24. ^ Lathrop & Gage L.C. | People | Mark "Thor" Fernlund Hearne, II
  25. ^ Winter 2004.indd
  26. ^ Missouri Lawyers Weekly: Missouri Lawyers of the Year 2004
  27. ^ http://stlouis.bizjournals.com/stlouis/stories/2007/01/15/focus31.html
  28. ^ a b http://206.196.98.11/upload/Ch2_Spring07.pdf
  29. ^ Andrea Mackris
  30. ^ Sandra McCracken Rocks!!! - CGR Community
  31. ^ WEST4853_Chimes_spring08-revised.indd
  32. ^ [http://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/stories/2007/01/15/focus41.html]
  33. ^ Bryan Cave | Our People | Jack L. Oliver III
  34. ^ George Thampy
  35. ^ Breakfast of Champions, page 1 - News - Riverfront Times - Riverfront Times
  36. ^ [[1]
  37. ^ http://www.wcastl.org/directory/graham-lb/ http://www.wcastl.org/directory/graham-lb/
  38. ^ http://www.wcastl.org/directory/worrell-todd/ http://www.wcastl.org/directory/worrell-todd/
  39. ^ http://www.baseballcoaches.org/07westminstersunshine.pdf http://www.baseballcoaches.org/07westminstersunshine.pdf

External links

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