Whitfield Viewbook 2023-2024

Welcome from our Head of School

Dear Families,

At Whitfield, we inspire our students to grow into the best and most authentic version of themselves.

We challenge our students to try new things, to take risks and make mistakes, to grapple with difficult ideas, to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. And we give them the support they need to discover the passions and talents and grit they didn’t know they had.

We prepare our students to confront unforeseen challenges, to explore fields of study that are only now in their infancy, to thrive and succeed in careers that don’t yet exist.

We teach our students to learn with and from each other within a community of trust, learning not only to express their ideas and share their thinking, but also to listen carefully to others and consider a diverse range of perspectives and experiences.

Through our Habits of Mind & Heart curriculum, we encourage our students to think critically and ask questions, to lead lives of integrity, to appreciate and embrace the diversity and complexity of the world in which they live.

We believe in the limitless potential of all students. Whether they are exploring a new subject or diving deeper into a life-long passion, we foster our students’ belief in themselves, and belief in their capacity to grow into the people they want to be.

Won’t you join us?

Chris Cunningham, Ph.D. Head of School

Whitfield School cultivates ethical, confident, successful students in a community of innovation, collaboration, and trust.

Whitfield offers a foundational, liberal arts curriculum that marries college preparatory courses with an emphasis on citizenship, critical thinking, and leadership. Our purpose is to prepare students for success in college and in life, empowering them to discover who they are, what they care about, and how they want to make a difference in the world.

Interactive Classrooms

Our classrooms are collaborative learning spaces. In place of traditional classrooms, where students sit passively while teachers talk, our teachers design activities for students to learn with and from each other, working actively to develop their own skills and understandings. Collaborative, hands-on learning is not only more engaging–it’s also “stickier,” leading to deeper, more enduring learning experiences.

Core Courses: Grades 6-9

Students in grades 6-9 engage in a progression of increasingly rigorous coursework in English, mathematics, social studies, science, fine arts, physical education and wellness, and world languages. All students take core classes in English, social studies, and science, providing the foundational understandings

and skills they will need for success in later courses and in college. In addition, common academic experiences build community and class cohesion, helping to develop and foster the relationships that are essential to our collaborative classrooms. In mathematics and world languages, placement tests will assure that students enter our curriculum at the right place and receive the appropriate level of challenge.

Opportunities for Curiosity and to Pursue Passions: Grades 10-12

Students in grades 10-12 are required to take courses in English, math, social studies, science and world languages and have choices within these subject areas. Students may also elect to continue to pursue coursework in fine arts as an elective, or in some cases, enrich their study of mathematics or science by taking an additional course. Advanced Placement (AP) level courses are available as well.

Enrichment and Support

With an average class size of 14, differentiation is an expectation. Examples of differentiation inside the classroom include a varying complexity of prompts, projects, and rubrics in English and social studies and a varying complexity of word problems in mathematics. If a student needs support, the school offers tutoring services before or after school (for an additional fee). Providing appropriate and timely documentation along with parental partnership is critical to ensuring academic success and college readiness.

Technology and Digital Literacy

Technology and digital literacy are not add-ons at Whitfield, but rather woven into our pedagogy and curriculum.

Our 1:1 laptop program means that students and faculty move seamlessly from working on their computers to seminar discussions and hands-on projects. Our technology team collaborates with our department chairs and grade level coordinators to integrate topics such as algorithmic thinking and digital citizenship into our academic and advisory curricula.

SAMPLE SCHEDULES

Advisory

The Advisory program ensures that all students are well-known and supported academically, socially, and emotionally. The Habits of Mind & Heart curriculum is the foundation of our advisory experience, helping students to understand themselves and others, and to grow into healthy, well-balanced human beings. The program also includes developmentally appropriate, research-based discussions of community norms, social media and mental health, and study strategies. Through this curriculum, students also foster an appreciation for the strengths of others in their advisory group and work throughout the year to build trusting relationships.

English

Students build character, purpose, and passion in an environment that prioritizes communication, connectivity, and innovative thinking. Students develop an appreciation of the power and beauty of the English language by exploring both traditional and contemporary literature, and through sustained focus on the writing process. Organized around essential questions and thematic literature selections, each English course combines collaborative experiences and

individualized instruction, the hallmark of which is writing as a process. Learner-centered design means that students examine ideas, read critically, make presentations, design media products, and propose arguments using a variety of technological resources, balancing deep thinking and concrete skill acquisition to prepare them for college, careers, and citizenship.

ENGLISH COURSES MIDDLE SCHOOL UPPER SCHOOL

• Building a Community of Readers and Writers

• Discovering the Emerging Self

• Exploring Freedom and Identity

• Encountering the Other

• The Assertion of Self

• The Pursuit of the American Dream

• Advanced Composition and Literature

• AP English Language and Composition

• Journalism

• Public Speaking

• Film Studies

Fine Arts

Students develop language and communications skills, creative problem-solving strategies, confidence, and perseverance through music, performing, and visual arts classes.

In the visual arts, students develop essential studio techniques and skills, gain an understanding of how to approach art-making as a problem-based process, and create themes through visual imagery. They also develop the ability to articulate artistic concepts and use artistic vocabulary to critique work effectively.

In the theater and the performing arts (including band and choir), students discover and develop their skills and talents, working onstage and behind the scenes to imagine, create, and move others.

Math and Computer Science

FINE ARTS COURSES

• Beginning Band

• Concert Band

• Middle School Concert Choir

• Visual Arts

• Theater Arts

• Concert Choir

• Instrumental Ensemble

• Theater

• Design Overview

• 3D Studio Sculpture

• 2D Studio Drawing

• Digital Photography

• 3D Studio Ceramics

• 2D Studio Drawing and Painting

• Graphic Design

• 3D Senior Studio

• 2D Senior Studio

• Digital Senior Studio

• Ceramics: Wheel Throwing

MIDDLE SCHOOL UPPER SCHOOL

The goal of the math program is to provide a strong foundation in mathematics through challenging courses that are appropriate to the ages, abilities, and needs of our students. At all levels, students learn to work collaboratively as well as on their own. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including algebra, geometry, trigonometry, calculus, and statistics. In all courses, emphasis is placed on collaboration, problem-solving, computational thinking, and clearly communicating mathematical ideas and concepts. The computer science program brings practical applications of computer science topics into classrooms to inspire innovative thinking and learning. The program is designed to provide all students at Whitfield with a foundation in technological and computing principles so that they are adequately prepared with both the knowledge and skills to live and meaningfully participate in our increasingly digital society, economy, and culture.

MATH AND COMPUTER SCIENCE COURSES

• MS Math Foundations

• MS Math Skills and Strategies

• Pre-Algebra

• Algebra I

• Geometry

• Algebra I

• Geometry

• Algebra II

• Algebra II/Trigonometry

• Precalculus

• Introduction to Calculus

• AP Calculus AB

• AP Calculus BC

• AP Statistics

• Computer Science Principles

• Computer Science Web Design

• Computer Science Language

MIDDLE SCHOOL UPPER SCHOOL

Physical Education and Health

The Physical Education program provides activities to develop students’ awareness of terms, scoring, rules of play, skill techniques, safety principles and basic offensive and defensive strategies for the sports covered in the instructional program. Activities for students may include the following: field hockey, fleetball, volleyball, basketball, wrestling, net games, hockey, weight training, soccer, lacrosse, track, softball and fitness testing.

The health curriculum gives students the knowledge and tools to make healthy decisions throughout their lives. The curriculum is based upon the three areas of health: physical health, mental/emotional health, and social health. Physical health includes first aid, injury prevention, nutrition, sleep, physical activity, hygiene, body systems, human growth and development, disease prevention, and avoiding the use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. Mental/emotional health includes character development, self-awareness, stress management, mental disorders, and spiritual health (a sense of meaning and purpose in life). Social health includes communication, conflict resolution, peer pressure, and healthy relationships.

Foundations

This required course for 9th grade students enhances the Physical Education and Health curriculum. Special emphasis is placed on the practical application of the Habits of Mind & Heart to develop life-long wellness skills.

Neuroscience and Self: This rotation focuses on developing the abilities necessary for recognizing and regulating one’s emotions, thinking, and behavior. Skills explored include adolescent brain development and executive function, emotional agility, self-management, and problem-solving.

Technology and Society: This rotation focuses on the role today’s culture plays in building tomorrow’s tools and communities. Units emphasize social identities, dialogue, privacy, data structures, and implicit bias.

Physiological Awareness: This rotation focuses on topics and trends related to physical development and well-being. Units emphasize nutrition, CPR, sexual health, relationships, and addiction.

Science

The seven-year science program is designed to produce well-rounded, confident individuals who are well-versed in scientific procedure and theory, have an appreciation for the natural world, and who can thrive in a demanding college environment and beyond. The Whitfield science department is dedicated to the development of critical thinking and collaboration skills by immersing students in scientific theory, process, and technique within a challenging laboratory environment. Students are also challenged to attain a sophisticated level of scientific literacy and technical writing ability.

Social Studies

World Languages

• Earth Science

• Life Science

• Physical Science

• Biology

• AP Biology

• Chemistry

• Accelerated Chemistry

• AP Chemistry

• Physics

• Accelerated Physics

• Accelerated Physics II

• Principles of Engineering and Design

• Anatomy and Physiology

• Introduction to Psychology

• Abnormal Psychology

• Neuropsychology

Through the study of history, government, geography, psychology, sociology, and economics, students gain an understanding of the behavior and traditions of societies and cultures of the past and the present. Students explore the experience of diverse historical actors and a range of historical narratives. Students learn to integrate, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate both primary and secondary sources and to develop an understanding of human experience across time and space. They master critical thinking, writing, and research skills, and learn to present their ideas through papers, projects, and oral presentations.

SOCIAL STUDIES COURSES MIDDLE SCHOOL UPPER SCHOOL

• The Story of the U.S.

• World Cultures and Geography

• Civics and U.S. Government

• Early Modern World History until 1800

• Modern World History 1800-Present

• United States History

• Advanced United States History

• Human Rights and Genocide

• Economics

• African American History

The primary emphasis of the world languages program is oral proficiency. Students work toward speaking in the target language and gain confidence to navigate successfully through a culture different than their own. Pair/group speaking activities in the target language involve face-to-face communication, active listening with a focused and conscious engagement with a partner, being respectful, and continually engaging in the learning process. Languages offered are French, Spanish, and Mandarin.

WORLD LANGUAGES COURSES MIDDLE SCHOOL UPPER SCHOOL

• Introduction to Languages

• French (Novice/Beginner, Novice/Mid, Intermediate)

• Spanish (Novice/Beginner, Novice/Mid, Intermediate)

• Mandarin (Novice/Beginner, Novice/Mid, Intermediate)

• French I, French II, French III, French IV, AP French Language

• Spanish I, Spanish II, Spanish III, Spanish IV, Spanish V, AP Spanish Language

• Mandarin I, Mandarin II, Mandarin III, Mandarin IV

We believe that strength of character and self-confidence are critically important to success in life. The Habits of Mind & Heart curriculum encourages critical reflection for academic and personal growth, raises social and emotional intelligence, and shapes the personal strengths of our students so that they have the resilience and moral awareness to become productive citizens and leaders.

Ethical Conduct

We believe in a personal commitment to mindful action. Today’s high-tech students are connected and empowered in ways previously undreamed of, and it matters deeply that they uphold their ethical obligations to self, family, and community.

Cultural Competence

Our student body represents all of the greater St. Louis area and much of the world. This rich diversity deepens the learning experience of every student and the preparation of each for college and beyond.

Citizenship

Through the practice of dialogue, equity, and justice, we help students become engaged members of our school community as well as the other communities to which they belong.

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Areas of Human Potential

Mindfulness

We practice a willingness to see things as they are, not as we want them to be, as well as a willingness to be curious and accepting.

Leadership

We create opportunities for all students to develop as leaders, allowing them to make a difference, take a stand and become role models for others.

Scholarship

We challenge our students to seek deeper understanding, to make connections and draw conclusions, and to learn the discipline of a scholar. Teachers serve as facilitators of the learning process, while students engage in the pursuit, application, and creation of knowledge.

college counseling

Recognized locally and nationally for its exceptional program, Whitfield's college counseling team mirrors the school's studentcentered approach by offering a tailor-made experience for students and their families. Like all departments at Whitfield, the college counseling program uses a spiraling curriculum with an emphasis on individualization. The college counseling program begins informally in sixth grade, becomes more detailed and strategic in the ninth and tenth grades, and evolves into a oneon-one student/parent/counselor partnership in eleventh and twelfth grades. Our families value the personalization, professionalism, and low-stress approach of Whitfield’s college choice process which distinguishes it from all other schools in the region.

Class of 2023

• 86 graduates will be attending 69 different schools

• 85% of students chose out-of-state or international colleges

• 17 graduates committed to play collegiate athletics

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Middle School

• Awareness of college selection process begins for students and parents

Freshman Year

• Understanding the Whitfield transcript

• The importance of getting involved

• Introduction to Naviance

• Setting SMART goals

Sophomore Year

A selection of the schools Whitfield graduates have chosen to attend over the last five years:

American University

Bates College

Boston College

Boston University

Butler University

Case Western

Reserve University

Chapman University

Colorado College

Dartmouth College

Davidson College

University of Denver

DePauw University

Duke University

Grinnell College

Howard University

Indiana UniversityBloomington

Kalamazoo College

Loyola Marymount University

Macalester College

University of Miami

Miami University, Oxford

University of Missouri-Columbia

University of North Carolina at

Chapel Hill

Northeastern University

Northwestern University

University of Notre Dame

University of Pennsylvania

Pepperdine University

Purdue University

Rhodes College

University of Rochester

Rose-Hulman

Institute of Technology

Saint Louis University

Savannah College of Art and Design

Scripps College

University of Southern California

Southern Methodist University

Spelman College

Stanford University

Syracuse University

Tufts University

Tulane University

University of Tulsa

United States

Naval Academy

Vanderbilt University

Villanova University

Washington

University in St. Louis

University of Washington, Seattle

William & Mary

• Revisiting SMART goals

• Standardized testing and college admission

• Practice ACT & SAT testing

• Career & Major Exploration Program begins

• Alumni conversations

• University field trip

• Establish a one-on-one connection with your college counselor

Junior Year

• Standardized testing and college admission continues

• Practice ACT & SAT testing

• Career & Major Exploration Program continues

• Alumni conversations

• University field trip

• Visiting colleges

• College Knowledge coursework begins, with a special emphasis on:

y Researching colleges

y Crafting an activity list

y Brainstorming and drafting a personal statement

y Beginning work on the Common Application

Senior Year

• Application logistics

• Selective college admission: how it works and demonstrated interest

• Letters of recommendation

• Financial aid & Scholarships

• Application completion workshops

• Line-by-line review of all application materials

• Mindfulness and stress management workshops

• Making a final decision

• Transition to College Workshops:

y What to pack for a dorm room

y Understanding college lingo

y Self-care

y The difference between high school & college academics

Grades 9-12

• College Counseling Speaker Series:

y Athletics and the College Choice Experience

y International Students and the College Choice Experience

y Navigating the Ever-Changing Standardized Testing Landscape

y Financial Aid

y Portfolio-Based Programs (Musical Theater, Fine Arts, Music, Dance, Theater)

y First Generation College Students

y Summer Programming

• Curated kit of Resources:

y Scholarship lists

y Summer program opportunities

y Need-based financial aid resources

y Free ACT prep (strategy videos and practice exams)

• Personalized college tour itineraries

• Guidance on all elements of the college choice experience

athletics

Fall UPPER SCHOOL

Cross Country - Boys, Girls

Field Hockey - Girls

Football (co-op with Principia)

Soccer - Boys

Tennis - Girls

Volleyball - Girls

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Cross Country - Boys, Girls

Field Hockey - Girls

Soccer - Boys

Volleyball - Girls

Winter

UPPER SCHOOL

Basketball - Girls

Basketball - Boys

Cheerleading - Co-ed

Dance - Co-ed

Wrestling - Boys

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Basketball - Girls

Basketball - Boys

Wrestling - Boys

Spring

UPPER SCHOOL

Baseball

Golf - Boys, Girls

Lacrosse - Girls

Soccer - Girls

Tennis - Boys

Track & Field - Boys, Girls

Volleyball - Boys

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Baseball - Boys

Lacrosse - Girls

Soccer - Girls

Volleyball - Boys

Whitfield has one of the most successful athletic programs in the area, claiming 38 state championships, earning multiple coach- and player-of-the-year awards, and sending numerous alumni to play at the collegiate level. The school emphasizes teamwork, timemanagement, personal growth, sportsmanship, health and fitness, and the development of leadership. Our student-athletes compete to the best of their abilities, grow as people, and strengthen school spirit within our close-knit Whitfield community. In June of 2022, Whitfield was named the Small Schools Program of the Year by

A Team for Everyone

Team sports allows young people to further develop athletic skills, improve communication skills, feel a sense of community, and make lasting friendships. Our no-cut policy allows all students to explore new athletic activities based on their interest, regardless of prior experience. 80% of upper school students choose to play a sport.

Student Clubs

100% Clubs led by Students

Admissions Club

Book Clubs

Affinity Groups

Student clubs provide an opportunity for students to explore their interests and passions outside the classroom, develop leadership skills, and contribute to the Whitfield community.

Business and Entrepreneurship Club

Chess Club

Climbing Club

College Counseling Crew

Community Service Club

Debate Club

Diversity Council

Esports

Fashion Club

Film Club

Garden Club

Green Scene (spirit club)

Library Advisory Council

Math Club

Mindfulness and Meditation Club

Model UN

Ping Pong Club

Perspectives (literary magazine)

STEM Team

Student Council

Students Demand Action

Technology Student Association (TSA)

Thespian Society

Yearbook

Please note that clubs change based on student interest. Have an idea for a club you don't see on our list? Start a new one! New clubs form each year!

Scan code to visit www.whitfieldschool.org/athletics

Affinity group meetings provide a facilitated, affirming space for students who share an identity, background, or affiliation–or who want to support their friends and classmates. Students in these groups explore and reflect upon their own identity, celebrate shared culture and traditions, and discuss common experiences, needs, and challenges. Affinity spaces also offer an opportunity for mentorship, support, community-building, and leadership.

Asian Student Union (ASU)

Black Student Union (BSU)

Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA)

Gender & Sexuality Alliance (GSA)

International Student Union (ISU)

Jewish Student Union (JSU)

Mixed Student Association

Muslim Student Union (MSU)

Women’s Alliance

Scan code to visit www.whitfieldschool.org/student-life/clubs-and-organizations

1952-1976

John Barnes and Allan Cole

For almost 75 years, Whitfield School has served students in the St. Louis area by providing a coeducational, college preparatory education that cultivates ethical, confident, and successful students in a community of innovation, collaboration, and trust.

Whitfield School was founded in 1952 by John Barnes and Allen Cole. In the 1980s Whitfield blossomed: by the end of the decade, the school had grown to serve more than 200 students, completed several major facilities updates, and become a nationally-recognized leader in the progressive education movement.

Whitfield School graduates consistently report being well-prepared for college and beyond citing their foundational preparation in the liberal arts coupled with an emphasis in building skills in critical thinking, leadership, cultural competency, and digital literacy. As graduates, students matriculate into the Whitfield professional network giving them access to individuals and corporations spanning a multitude of professions including physician, attorney, comic book writer, inventor, serial entrepreneur, urban designer, finance professional, and educator.

1976-1980

Joe Patterson

1980-1984

Ed Ames

In 2003, the school completed its first major capital campaign, raising $16 million to support Whitfield’s facilities, operations, and endowment. In 2009, the acquisition of a 1.5-acre property adjacent to the school, the Head’s Residence, marked the first physical addition to the campus since the 1960s. In 2018 the school completed its most recent campaign, raising over $10 million in support of faculty & staff salaries and benefits, financial aid, and debt retirement.

Today, Whitfield delivers a robust liberal-arts curriculum embedded in a foundational character education program. In a small school community built on kindness and trust, Whitfield inspires a diverse student body to live lives of curiosity, integrity, and purpose. The school endeavors to empower young people to be thoughtful, principled citizens of the world.

1984-2004

Dr. Mary Burke

‘‘My technical preparation at Whitfield was excellent - from Spanish to science, reading to writing, and everything in between - but I feel like my education went beyond academics. During my two years at Whitfield, I grew as a person even more than I did as a student. Through my classes, I developed my problemsolving ability, became a better communicator, and felt empowered to think for myself.’’

2004-2010

Mark Anderson

2010-2011

Ruth Greathouse (interim)

2011-2022

John Delautre

2022-Present

Dr. Chris Cunningham

Alumnus Will Macon '10 speaks with the juniors and seniors about service, leadership, and pursuing what fulfills you and brings you joy. Will is the Tennessee State Director of Best Buddies International, a non-profit that runs programs that help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) form meaningful friendships with their peers, secure successful jobs, live independently, and develop self-advocacy and communication skills.

-Will Macon

'10

application

Many pieces of the application can be completed using the STANDARD APPLICATION ONLINE (SAO) (ssat.org/sao):

o Student Profile, Parent Statement and Student Essays

o Student Records Request

o Teacher Recommendation Request

o Personal Reference Request

o $50 Application Fee

Financial Aid

Each family's financial situation is unique. Whitfield prides itself on creating a diverse school community, inclusive of economic diversity. Therefore, Whitfield endeavors to offer financial aid to those who qualify.

To be considered for financial aid, please navigate to the following link and complete the application; www.whitfieldschool.org/admission/

tuition-and-affordability

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SSAT EXAM: To register for the SSAT, please visit ssat.org. Whitfield’s school code is 8196. Questions?

Please call 609.683.4440. or

ISEE Exam: To register for the ISEE, please visit erblearn.org/families/ isee-by-erb. Whitfield’s school code is 263774. Questions?

Please call 866.683.2335.

Applying for financial aid does not impact admission decisions. However, the financial aid application is due at the same time as the application for admission. It is imperative that families seeking financial aid adhere to the deadlines outlined below as funds are limited.

Visit Days

Please join us for an in-person campus Visit Day to experience Whitfield in action! You will meet students and teachers, tour our facilities and learn about our curriculum. www.whitfieldschool.org/admission/ visit-whitfield

2023-2024 Important Dates

FAMILY INTERVIEW: The family interview, which includes you and your student, will be conducted either virtually or in person. We look forward to getting to know you, hearing what you seek in a secondary school, and answering your questions about Whitfield. To help us have a more informed conversation, please submit the Student Profile, Parent Statement, and Student Essays prior to the interview.

Oct. 12 Secondary School Night

Oct.14 SSAT at Whitfield School

Nov. 5 Open House

Dec. 8 9th gr applications due

Dec. 9 Saturday Interview Day

Jan. 9 6-8th & 10-12th gr applications due

Jan.18 Whitfield Night (parents)

Feb. 2 9th gr decisions mailed

Feb. 23 9th gr contracts due

Mar. 8 6-8th & 10-12th gr decisions mailed