Private Middle & High School in St. Louis | Whitfield
Source: https://www.whitfieldschool.org
Archived: 2026-04-23 16:41
Private Middle & High School in St. Louis | Whitfield
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Experiential education for grades 6-12 in St. Louis
The Whitfield School
of Exploration
of Innovation
of Experience
Get to Know Whitfield
What does it mean to learn at a school of
experience
?
At Whitfield, academics are rigorous, teaching is innovative, and learning is something you can wrap your senses around. Here, it’s the experience that counts.
Critical thinking, creative problem solving, clear communication, intellectual dexterity, and personal resilience—we build these skills through hands-on engagement and real-world experiences. Our students learn alongside thinkers of all kinds and collaborate with people who hold different perspectives, all while doing, making, sensing, and feeling.
Learn more
Whitfield educators build strong working relationships, meeting learners where they are and helping them reach further than they believed possible. Each student is seen, known, and valued by teachers who understand their individual strengths, challenges, and passions—and can respond with both deep human empathy and research-informed expertise.
Learn more
Because academic skills and social-emotional skills are intertwined and interdependent, Whitfield offers a strong web of support. From health and wellness programs and our advisory system to academic tutoring and additional learning support, these resources ensure our students are both academically and emotionally prepared for college and beyond.
Learn more
At Whitfield, environment fosters empowerment. We work together to create an encouraging, inspiring community in which our students feel safe to ask harder questions, dive into deeper complexity, rise to greater academic challenge, and form a surer sense of self. We are profoundly proud of our graduates, whose accomplishments and contributions stand as the most powerful possible fulfillment of Whitfield’s mission.
Learn more
At Whitfield, opportunities to lead—big and small, formal and informal—help students grow in confidence, poise, and empathy while embracing a community of enthusiastic participants. Through clubs, affinity groups, athletics, and the arts, students explore new ideas and interests, expressing themselves creatively, solving problems with ingenuity, and striving for excellence. Our rigorous academic and athletic programs work together to foster resilience, teamwork, and personal growth, ensuring students thrive in every arena. Whether leading on the field, in the classroom, or on stage, Whitfield students discover their strengths and pursue their passions in a supportive, dynamic community.
Learn more
We focus on helping students find colleges and universities that will challenge and support their own academic and personal growth. Our individualized process begins informally in sixth grade and becomes more detailed and strategic over time, evolving into a student/parent/counselor partnership in eleventh and twelfth grades.
Learn more
We live out our commitment to character education through the Habits of Mind & Heart curriculum, which addresses six areas of human potential: ethics, scholarship, citizenship, leadership, mindfulness, and cultural competence.
Learn More
Opportunities to lead—big and small, formal and informal, in and beyond the classroom—help each of our students grow in confidence, poise, and empathy in many roles and responsibilities.
Learn More
Enthusiastic, supportive, and engaged, we’re a community of participants We value trying new things, serving our community, and exploring ideas and interests through our wide range of clubs and affinity groups.
Learn More
The Whitfield community is defined by kindness, acceptance, and empathy. Our students form meaningful relationships with educators and peers, while our families partner with the school and with one another to create a community that truly cares.
Learn More
We are a community of
innovation
, collaboration, and trust.
Whitfield is strengthened when we expand access across all socioeconomic and demographic categories, learning styles and zip codes, and backgrounds and beliefs. We all benefit immeasurably when we learn in a rich interplay of perspectives that reflects the vibrance and variety of our remarkable city.
Emma Casado '23
"Whitfield's emphasis on cross-grade relationships and experiences working together in clubs and other activities helped me strengthen my leadership skills, which has helped me in all aspects of my life. Now, being Student Council President, I am able to work with representatives from every grade at Whitfield, and I love being able to gain different perspectives on things we all experience, and working towards common goals."
Jason Chien '26
"Whitfield gave me the opportunity to be a part of many great athletic communities. The athletic communities I'm involved in are cross country, eSports, and track and field. These communities have great coaches and great athletes who strive for further improvement. Along with athletic communities, clubs are another great way to get to know people in the Whitfield community."
Morgan Lee '26
"All Whitfield teachers are truly amazing people. They genuinely care about not just grades, but also their students' well-being and happiness. Teachers at Whitfield make it easy to create bonds and a better school environment."
Michael Koman '22
"Throughout my time at Whitfield I have been a part of many leadership teams and programs and looking back, I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to be in those leadership roles. I have met and worked with so many amazing people over the years. Being on the Student Council has allowed me to branch out and get to know my classmates even better. What makes being a leader so fulfilling is getting other people involved and working together to achieve our goals."
Akberet Boykin Farr
Parent of Grace '20
"When I initially enrolled my daughter I felt like the school would accept her for who she was and would help her determine who she wanted to become. Since then, my daughter has found her voice. She is able to share her own values, opinions, beliefs, and perspectives with conviction, and appreciate the perspectives of others."
Andy Bryan
Parent of Whitney '25 and Catherine '28
"The highly personalized learning approach at Whitfield has provided an outstanding platform for my daughters to grow and thrive academically. From the warm community to the broad spectrum of academic and club offerings to arguably the best college counseling team in St. Louis, Whitfield feels like a home for everyone."
Sheila Jones
Parent of Fallon '27 and Taryn '24
"A quality education and diverse community were crucial “must haves” for our family. While there are great choices in the region, we feel no other institution exemplifies the environment in which we want our children to succeed more than Whitfield. "
Alicia Tessler
Parent of Jake '19 and Zach '24
"There are many factors that contributed to the decision to send our kids to Whitfield, including the student-to-teacher ratio, overall school size, and class size. While Whitfield maintains a high expectation for academic achievement, there are lessons learned that go far beyond the textbooks. Kind, caring, accepting. These are life qualities that are a tremendous part of the educational experience at Whitfield."
Mary Schnitzler
Performing Arts
"I love our school community. Whitfield is truly a special place with the most caring and dedicated faculty, parents and students. Our students see the example of our faculty and staff who are lifelong learners and who share their enthusiasm for scholarship every day."
Michał Kwiecień, Ph.D.
Social Studies
"Our school community cultivates trust, professionalism, empathy, collaboration, compassion, and multiculturalism. I especially value working at a school that respects and embraces everyone, and a school that engages in open and civil conversations about human rights, social justice and inclusion, global citizenship, and the need to understand one's role in an increasingly pluralistic and multicultural world."
David Records
English
"I love teaching at Whitfield and the importance placed on ""community"". From the all-school assemblies to the Socratic seminars to the graduation ceremony—attended by the entire student body—the sense of togetherness is palpable and contagious."
Ebony Sistrunk
College Counseling
"Being a member of the Whitfield family has been an incredibly rewarding experience. The supportive community, passionate and dedicated faculty, and curious and eager students create an environment where both personal and professional growth can thrive. It's inspiring to be a part of a school that truly values academic excellence, character development, and a commitment to preparing students for success in all aspects of life. I'm proud to call myself a Warrior."
Morgan Bosman '11
Musician / Nashville
"The small, structured class size fostered an environment for my growth. Throughout high school, I felt the most comfortable and accepted in the arts programs and really enjoyed the opportunity of being involved in band, choir and theater. All of those experiences made an impact on my life."
Seth Williams '05
Veterinarian, Kirkwood Animal Hospital / St. Louis
"Whitfield instilled a strong work ethic in me, both in and out of the classroom. Whitfield allowed me the opportunity to be successful academically while also taking part in athletics and extracurricular activities. Any high school will provide an education. What makes Whitfield unique is how other values are also instilled in students—communication, relationships, respect, trust, and reward for hard work."
Caroline Baer '12
Apple Technical Program Manager / Austin
"Whitfield cultivated the innovator in me: how to face a problem, brainstorm solutions, think creatively, and problem solve effectively-- all skills I used to lead my team today."
Jay Gard '08
Producer / Los Angeles
"Whitfield's focus on constructive classroom communication helped foster my strong participation skills in college — something I saw other students struggle with. Having the confidence and skillset to engage with a professor in class helped bring topics to life and furthered my understanding. Whitfield taught me to bring an analytical eye to college material rather than simply memorizing lessons letter-for-letter."
Chris Cunningham, Ph.D.
Head of School
"At Whitfield, we equip our students with the foundational understandings and critical skills they need to thrive in college. But just as important, we teach our students how to learn, fostering the 21st-century skills—creativity and collaboration, critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication—they will need in the century ahead."
Sara Ringe
Assistant Head of School
"Whitfield is a community where every student is seen, known, and valued. Our focus on student-centered learning ensures that each individual is empowered to explore their passions, embrace challenges, and grow in meaningful ways. It’s a privilege to witness the remarkable collaboration among our faculty, staff, and families as we create an environment where students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally."
Zach Schwarz
Upper School Director
“Whitfield’s mission goes beyond a rich intellectual experience. Its qualitative focus on moral courage, forward thinking, curiosity, purpose, and a collective appreciation of differences is an indication of a school that understands that preparing students for meaningful lives goes beyond knowledge and skill acquisition. Whitfield is a community that is pushing to authentically prepare students for an uncertain yet exciting future.”
Trevon Jones, Ph.D.
Middle School Director
"Whitfield's Middle School is committed to creating a student-centered environment that allows the joy to come to life. I know from experience that middle school can be a place that helps children develop as students, and as good humans. The school’s commitment to inspire students to lead lives of curiosity, integrity, and purpose directly aligns with my own beliefs. Beliefs drive behaviors, which drive results."
Ron Fox '74
Chair, Board of Trustees
"Whitfield is a place where today's students benefit from a gifted faculty who are committed to a modern pedagogy. Here, academic rigor is standard and critical thinking is fostered."
What happens here prepares our students for all that awaits them – in college, career, and
life itself
.
Athletes of the Week: Rhys and Lucien
Read Story
about Athletes of the Week: Rhys and Lucien
Thank You for a Wonderful GrandFriends’ Day
Read Story
about Thank You for a Wonderful GrandFriends’ Day
W-Day Engages Students Across Grades on April 14
Read Story
about W-Day Engages Students Across Grades on April 14
Alumni Spotlight: Danielle Argyros LeFever '06
Read Story
about Alumni Spotlight: Danielle Argyros LeFever '06
Model UN Students Compete at Northwestern Conference
Read Story
about Model UN Students Compete at Northwestern Conference
ALL SCHOOL NEWS
Powered by Finalsite
Skip To Main Content
Experiential education for grades 6-12 in St. Louis
The Whitfield School
of Exploration
of Innovation
of Experience
Get to Know Whitfield
What does it mean to learn at a school of
experience
?
At Whitfield, academics are rigorous, teaching is innovative, and learning is something you can wrap your senses around. Here, it’s the experience that counts.
Critical thinking, creative problem solving, clear communication, intellectual dexterity, and personal resilience—we build these skills through hands-on engagement and real-world experiences. Our students learn alongside thinkers of all kinds and collaborate with people who hold different perspectives, all while doing, making, sensing, and feeling.
Learn more
Whitfield educators build strong working relationships, meeting learners where they are and helping them reach further than they believed possible. Each student is seen, known, and valued by teachers who understand their individual strengths, challenges, and passions—and can respond with both deep human empathy and research-informed expertise.
Learn more
Because academic skills and social-emotional skills are intertwined and interdependent, Whitfield offers a strong web of support. From health and wellness programs and our advisory system to academic tutoring and additional learning support, these resources ensure our students are both academically and emotionally prepared for college and beyond.
Learn more
At Whitfield, environment fosters empowerment. We work together to create an encouraging, inspiring community in which our students feel safe to ask harder questions, dive into deeper complexity, rise to greater academic challenge, and form a surer sense of self. We are profoundly proud of our graduates, whose accomplishments and contributions stand as the most powerful possible fulfillment of Whitfield’s mission.
Learn more
At Whitfield, opportunities to lead—big and small, formal and informal—help students grow in confidence, poise, and empathy while embracing a community of enthusiastic participants. Through clubs, affinity groups, athletics, and the arts, students explore new ideas and interests, expressing themselves creatively, solving problems with ingenuity, and striving for excellence. Our rigorous academic and athletic programs work together to foster resilience, teamwork, and personal growth, ensuring students thrive in every arena. Whether leading on the field, in the classroom, or on stage, Whitfield students discover their strengths and pursue their passions in a supportive, dynamic community.
Learn more
We focus on helping students find colleges and universities that will challenge and support their own academic and personal growth. Our individualized process begins informally in sixth grade and becomes more detailed and strategic over time, evolving into a student/parent/counselor partnership in eleventh and twelfth grades.
Learn more
We live out our commitment to character education through the Habits of Mind & Heart curriculum, which addresses six areas of human potential: ethics, scholarship, citizenship, leadership, mindfulness, and cultural competence.
Learn More
Opportunities to lead—big and small, formal and informal, in and beyond the classroom—help each of our students grow in confidence, poise, and empathy in many roles and responsibilities.
Learn More
Enthusiastic, supportive, and engaged, we’re a community of participants We value trying new things, serving our community, and exploring ideas and interests through our wide range of clubs and affinity groups.
Learn More
The Whitfield community is defined by kindness, acceptance, and empathy. Our students form meaningful relationships with educators and peers, while our families partner with the school and with one another to create a community that truly cares.
Learn More
We are a community of
innovation
, collaboration, and trust.
Whitfield is strengthened when we expand access across all socioeconomic and demographic categories, learning styles and zip codes, and backgrounds and beliefs. We all benefit immeasurably when we learn in a rich interplay of perspectives that reflects the vibrance and variety of our remarkable city.
Emma Casado '23
"Whitfield's emphasis on cross-grade relationships and experiences working together in clubs and other activities helped me strengthen my leadership skills, which has helped me in all aspects of my life. Now, being Student Council President, I am able to work with representatives from every grade at Whitfield, and I love being able to gain different perspectives on things we all experience, and working towards common goals."
Jason Chien '26
"Whitfield gave me the opportunity to be a part of many great athletic communities. The athletic communities I'm involved in are cross country, eSports, and track and field. These communities have great coaches and great athletes who strive for further improvement. Along with athletic communities, clubs are another great way to get to know people in the Whitfield community."
Morgan Lee '26
"All Whitfield teachers are truly amazing people. They genuinely care about not just grades, but also their students' well-being and happiness. Teachers at Whitfield make it easy to create bonds and a better school environment."
Michael Koman '22
"Throughout my time at Whitfield I have been a part of many leadership teams and programs and looking back, I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to be in those leadership roles. I have met and worked with so many amazing people over the years. Being on the Student Council has allowed me to branch out and get to know my classmates even better. What makes being a leader so fulfilling is getting other people involved and working together to achieve our goals."
Akberet Boykin Farr
Parent of Grace '20
"When I initially enrolled my daughter I felt like the school would accept her for who she was and would help her determine who she wanted to become. Since then, my daughter has found her voice. She is able to share her own values, opinions, beliefs, and perspectives with conviction, and appreciate the perspectives of others."
Andy Bryan
Parent of Whitney '25 and Catherine '28
"The highly personalized learning approach at Whitfield has provided an outstanding platform for my daughters to grow and thrive academically. From the warm community to the broad spectrum of academic and club offerings to arguably the best college counseling team in St. Louis, Whitfield feels like a home for everyone."
Sheila Jones
Parent of Fallon '27 and Taryn '24
"A quality education and diverse community were crucial “must haves” for our family. While there are great choices in the region, we feel no other institution exemplifies the environment in which we want our children to succeed more than Whitfield. "
Alicia Tessler
Parent of Jake '19 and Zach '24
"There are many factors that contributed to the decision to send our kids to Whitfield, including the student-to-teacher ratio, overall school size, and class size. While Whitfield maintains a high expectation for academic achievement, there are lessons learned that go far beyond the textbooks. Kind, caring, accepting. These are life qualities that are a tremendous part of the educational experience at Whitfield."
Mary Schnitzler
Performing Arts
"I love our school community. Whitfield is truly a special place with the most caring and dedicated faculty, parents and students. Our students see the example of our faculty and staff who are lifelong learners and who share their enthusiasm for scholarship every day."
Michał Kwiecień, Ph.D.
Social Studies
"Our school community cultivates trust, professionalism, empathy, collaboration, compassion, and multiculturalism. I especially value working at a school that respects and embraces everyone, and a school that engages in open and civil conversations about human rights, social justice and inclusion, global citizenship, and the need to understand one's role in an increasingly pluralistic and multicultural world."
David Records
English
"I love teaching at Whitfield and the importance placed on ""community"". From the all-school assemblies to the Socratic seminars to the graduation ceremony—attended by the entire student body—the sense of togetherness is palpable and contagious."
Ebony Sistrunk
College Counseling
"Being a member of the Whitfield family has been an incredibly rewarding experience. The supportive community, passionate and dedicated faculty, and curious and eager students create an environment where both personal and professional growth can thrive. It's inspiring to be a part of a school that truly values academic excellence, character development, and a commitment to preparing students for success in all aspects of life. I'm proud to call myself a Warrior."
Morgan Bosman '11
Musician / Nashville
"The small, structured class size fostered an environment for my growth. Throughout high school, I felt the most comfortable and accepted in the arts programs and really enjoyed the opportunity of being involved in band, choir and theater. All of those experiences made an impact on my life."
Seth Williams '05
Veterinarian, Kirkwood Animal Hospital / St. Louis
"Whitfield instilled a strong work ethic in me, both in and out of the classroom. Whitfield allowed me the opportunity to be successful academically while also taking part in athletics and extracurricular activities. Any high school will provide an education. What makes Whitfield unique is how other values are also instilled in students—communication, relationships, respect, trust, and reward for hard work."
Caroline Baer '12
Apple Technical Program Manager / Austin
"Whitfield cultivated the innovator in me: how to face a problem, brainstorm solutions, think creatively, and problem solve effectively-- all skills I used to lead my team today."
Jay Gard '08
Producer / Los Angeles
"Whitfield's focus on constructive classroom communication helped foster my strong participation skills in college — something I saw other students struggle with. Having the confidence and skillset to engage with a professor in class helped bring topics to life and furthered my understanding. Whitfield taught me to bring an analytical eye to college material rather than simply memorizing lessons letter-for-letter."
Chris Cunningham, Ph.D.
Head of School
"At Whitfield, we equip our students with the foundational understandings and critical skills they need to thrive in college. But just as important, we teach our students how to learn, fostering the 21st-century skills—creativity and collaboration, critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication—they will need in the century ahead."
Sara Ringe
Assistant Head of School
"Whitfield is a community where every student is seen, known, and valued. Our focus on student-centered learning ensures that each individual is empowered to explore their passions, embrace challenges, and grow in meaningful ways. It’s a privilege to witness the remarkable collaboration among our faculty, staff, and families as we create an environment where students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally."
Zach Schwarz
Upper School Director
“Whitfield’s mission goes beyond a rich intellectual experience. Its qualitative focus on moral courage, forward thinking, curiosity, purpose, and a collective appreciation of differences is an indication of a school that understands that preparing students for meaningful lives goes beyond knowledge and skill acquisition. Whitfield is a community that is pushing to authentically prepare students for an uncertain yet exciting future.”
Trevon Jones, Ph.D.
Middle School Director
"Whitfield's Middle School is committed to creating a student-centered environment that allows the joy to come to life. I know from experience that middle school can be a place that helps children develop as students, and as good humans. The school’s commitment to inspire students to lead lives of curiosity, integrity, and purpose directly aligns with my own beliefs. Beliefs drive behaviors, which drive results."
Ron Fox '74
Chair, Board of Trustees
"Whitfield is a place where today's students benefit from a gifted faculty who are committed to a modern pedagogy. Here, academic rigor is standard and critical thinking is fostered."
What happens here prepares our students for all that awaits them – in college, career, and
life itself
.
Athletes of the Week: Rhys and Lucien
Read Story
about Athletes of the Week: Rhys and Lucien
Thank You for a Wonderful GrandFriends’ Day
Read Story
about Thank You for a Wonderful GrandFriends’ Day
W-Day Engages Students Across Grades on April 14
Read Story
about W-Day Engages Students Across Grades on April 14
Alumni Spotlight: Danielle Argyros LeFever '06
Read Story
about Alumni Spotlight: Danielle Argyros LeFever '06
Model UN Students Compete at Northwestern Conference
Read Story
about Model UN Students Compete at Northwestern Conference
ALL SCHOOL NEWS
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