Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Experiential Education for Grades 6-12 in St. Louis
At Whitfield School, we believe education is an immersive experience that engages both mind and heart. Founded in 1952, our institution has consistently prioritized rigorous academics combined with hands-on learning to cultivate intellectual, social, and emotional growth. Our faculty, 76% of whom hold advanced degrees, build strong relationships with students, meeting them where they are and guiding them toward their full potential. We emphasize critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration, preparing students not just for college, but for meaningful lives in a rapidly evolving world. Our close-knit community fosters trust, encouraging students to take academic risks while supporting their personal development. With a 9:1 student-to-teacher ratio and 100% college acceptance, we provide personalized pathways to success.Our strategic location in St. Louis allows us to serve a diverse student body from 141 feeder schools, with 38% students of color. Through athletics, arts, and leadership opportunities, we nurture resilience, teamwork, and self-discovery. Our alumni consistently credit Whitfield with instilling essential life skills, including communication, problem-solving, and ethical decision-making. We maintain a 26-acre campus equipped with modern facilities, including a 1:1 laptop program, to support innovative teaching methods. Our commitment to character education through the Habits of Mind & Heart curriculum ensures students develop as thoughtful citizens. With 80% student participation in athletics and 23 student-led clubs, we create a dynamic environment where every individual is seen, known, and valued.
Services
College Counseling
Experiential Learning
Athletics Programs
Arts Education
Student Support Services
Details
- Year established: 1952
Highlights and features
- We offer experiential learning that combines academic rigor with real-world engagement.
- Our faculty build strong relationships and provide personalized academic support.
- We maintain a 9:1 student-to-teacher ratio for individualized attention.
- Our college counseling program achieves 100% college acceptance for graduates.
- We foster a diverse, inclusive community with 141 feeder schools represented.
What people say
Supportive community
Dedicated faculty
College preparation
Diverse environment
Leadership opportunities
Services
College Counseling
Our comprehensive college counseling program begins in sixth grade and evolves into personalized student-parent-counselor partnerships by eleventh and twelfth grades. We help students identify institutions matching their academic and personal growth goals while maintaining rigorous academic standards. Our counselors provide strategic guidance through application processes, essay writing, and interview preparation.
Experiential Learning
We integrate real-world experiences with academic instruction through project-based learning and interdisciplinary studies. This approach develops critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and practical application of knowledge. Students engage in collaborative projects that connect classroom concepts with tangible outcomes and community impact.
Athletics Programs
Our athletic programs emphasize teamwork, discipline, and personal growth through 32 competitive teams and 80% student participation. We offer state championship-caliber training while prioritizing sportsmanship and character development. Facilities and coaching staff support skill development across multiple sports disciplines for middle and upper school students.
Arts Education
We provide comprehensive arts programming including theater, visual arts, instrumental and vocal music. Our programs emphasize creative expression, technical skill development, and performance opportunities. Students participate in productions, exhibitions, and ensemble performances that build confidence and artistic proficiency.
Student Support Services
Our support network includes health and wellness programs, academic tutoring, and advisory systems. We provide individualized learning support and social-emotional development through structured programs. Services ensure students receive comprehensive support for both academic challenges and personal growth needs.
People
Chris Cunningham, Ph.D.
Head of School
Dr. Cunningham leads Whitfield's educational vision, focusing on 21st-century skills development and college preparation. He emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and character education while maintaining academic excellence.
Sara Ringe
Assistant Head of School
Ms. Ringe oversees student-centered learning initiatives, ensuring personalized educational experiences. She coordinates faculty efforts to create an environment where students thrive academically and emotionally through tailored support programs.
Zach Schwarz
Upper School Director
Mr. Schwarz directs upper school programming, focusing on moral development and future readiness. He implements curricula that emphasize curiosity, integrity, and purpose while maintaining academic rigor and forward-thinking pedagogy.
Trevon Jones, Ph.D.
Middle School Director
Dr. Jones leads middle school initiatives centered on student development and joyful learning. He creates programs that balance academic growth with character formation, fostering environments where students build foundational skills and positive identities.
Ron Fox
Board of Trustees Chair
Mr. Fox provides governance leadership, ensuring academic excellence and modern pedagogy implementation. He oversees strategic planning while maintaining the school's commitment to critical thinking and college preparation standards.
Questions
What grades does Whitfield School serve?
Whitfield School serves students in grades 6 through 12, providing a continuous college preparatory education for middle and high school students.
What makes Whitfield's educational approach unique?
Our experiential learning model combines rigorous academics with hands-on projects and community engagement, emphasizing critical thinking, creativity, and character development in a student-centered environment.
How does Whitfield support college preparation?
We offer comprehensive college counseling starting in sixth grade, personalized student-parent-counselor partnerships, and strategic guidance through application processes with 100% college acceptance rates.
What extracurricular opportunities are available?
Students can participate in 32 athletic teams, 23 student-led clubs, 10 affinity groups, and comprehensive arts programs including theater, music, and visual arts.
What is the student-teacher ratio?
Whitfield maintains a 9:1 student-to-teacher ratio with an average class size of 12.5, ensuring personalized attention and meaningful faculty-student relationships.
Is Whitfield School diverse?
Yes, our student body represents 141 feeder schools with 38% students of color and 2% international students, creating a richly diverse learning environment.
