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Three Landmark Projects. One Bold Vision.
Delivering on the Promise of Whitfield 2030
Powered by vision. Sustained by generosity.
Advancing excellence across campus.
The Whitfield School has long held that education is not merely preparation for life—it is life itself. Through intellectually rigorous coursework, collaborative learning, and real-world experiences, students sharpen their skills, clarify their values, and prepare to lead with integrity. The Whitfield experience equips students to thrive in a complex, rapidly changing world.
Thanks to the bold vision of the school’s strategic plan, Whitfield 2030 and the extraordinary generosity of the alumni community, that foundation is being built upon in transformational ways.
Vision in Action: A Campus Transformed
Beginning in January 2026, construction will commence on a series of major capital projects that will enhance nearly every aspect of campus life. A groundbreaking ceremony is anticipated for mid-March 2026.
These projects will deliver modernized facilities for Whitfield’s college counseling and learning programs, IT and library services, and athletics—including a new home for the school’s celebrated wrestling program. At the heart of campus, reimagined spaces will foster academic engagement, community connection, and institutional excellence.
Thanks to two historic leadership gifts from The Rhodes Family and Jane Piper Gleason ’70, these projects will expand the school’s capacity to serve students at the highest level.
The Rhodes Center for Academic Success: A Legacy of Learning
At the core of this initiative is the creation of The Rhodes Center for Academic Success, made possible by a $5 million gift from the Rhodes family—the largest in the school’s history.
For Scott ’98 and Kristen ’99 Rhodes, this moment represents both legacy and leadership. Their children—J.R. ’24, Tate ’26, and Hale ’28— are proud Whitfield students. Scott’s sister, Dorothy ’92, is also a current parent to David ’26 and Topher ’28, while his brother, Lee ’94, is the father of Fritz ’26. For the Rhodes family, Whitfield is more than a school—it’s a shared investment in generational excellence.
Reflecting on their own experience, Scott and Kristen describe a school where faculty challenged students to reach their full potential through individualized attention and high expectations. “That’s what we experienced, and that’s what we hoped for our kids,” they shared. “And it’s exactly what they’ve received.”
As Whitfield embarks on the most ambitious strategic plan in its history, the Rhodes family felt moved to match that momentum. “We believe in this vision, and we believe in this school,” they said. “We hope our fellow alumni will recognize the strategic momentum underway—and lend their leadership to shaping Whitfield’s next chapter.”
The Rhodes family also owns Dr. Brown’s, a nationally recognized baby products company headquartered in St. Louis. Their commitment to functionality, care, and long-term well-being mirrors the impact they hope to make at Whitfield through this investment.
The Rhodes Center will serve as an academic hub at the center of campus. Plans include:
• A reimagined library and research center
• Quiet study zones and collaborative learning spaces
• Enhanced offices for the College Counseling team
• A new home for IT services and the school librarian
• Dedicated office and meeting spaces for our academic support team
Our academic support program is designed to challenge and support high-ability learners. Its presence in the Rhodes Center reflects a commitment to academic excellence for all students, as faculty hone new instructional strategies and raise expectations across the board.
“The Rhodes Center isn’t just about modern space,” said Head of School Chris Cunningham. “It’s about ensuring every student has access to the resources, support, and challenge they need to thrive. The Rhodes family is setting the standard for philanthropic leadership at Whitfield.”
Piper Courtyard: A Lasting Gift from a St. Louis Icon
Thanks to an extraordinary $2 million gift from Jane Piper Gleason ’70, Piper Courtyard will soon be transformed from an exterior courtyard into a year-round, enclosed atrium—a signature gathering space at the center of campus life.
Jane’s name already graces this beloved space, which she originally helped design to give students a place to relax, reflect, and—her word—“flop.” The redesigned Piper Courtyard will preserve that spirit of comfort while embracing modern design and materials that bring the outdoors in. In addition to being a quiet space for students, the new Piper Courtyard will provide a much-needed large meeting space—and function as a beautiful event venue. Natural light, flexible seating, and garden-inspired features will invite community and collaboration—while honoring the woman whose vision made the space possible.
Importantly, this project is also dedicated to Jane’s mother, Marion K. Piper, who served on the Board of Trustees at The Whitfield School. Marion and her husband, Vernon, are builders and namesakes of the Piper Palm House in
Tower Grove Park, where Jane later served as Emeritus Commissioner and helped lead its historic restoration. This project continues a powerful family legacy of civic leadership and architectural preservation in St. Louis.
A native St. Louisan and one of the region’s most dedicated civic leaders, Jane Piper Gleason has spent more than 50 years at the center of historic preservation. She served with the St. Louis County Historic Buildings Commission, including as Chair, and played a leading role in the preservation and restoration of key sites across the region.
She has also served on the boards of the St. Louis Mercantile Library, the Campbell House Museum (where she began as a docent at age 20), and the Field House Museum, and volunteers at the Richardson Library in the St. Louis Art Museum. Her family’s 1867 country home, Greystone, sits on the bluffs of the Mississippi in Pevely, Missouri, and has been in the family since 1965. In 2000, Jane and her family received the Outstanding Philanthropist Award and in 2001, the Rozier Award for contributions to historic preservation in Missouri.
Jane credits The Whitfield School with providing a strong academic foundation, and she has demonstrated her gratitude through decades of sustained involvement in the life of the school.
“Whitfield has always been a place where you belong—where teachers know you, and where friendships last a lifetime,” she said.
“This project honors that spirit while preparing Whitfield for generations to come.”
Her contributions to the preservation and cultural heritage of St. Louis are both distinguished and enduring—and now, she is extending that impact to Whitfield, ensuring students have a space of focus, collaboration, and connection for decades to come.
Multipurpose Athletic Facility: Building Strength, Ensuring Safety
The Whitfield School’s commitment to whole-student growth includes a new Multipurpose Athletic Facility, designed to meet the evolving needs of student-athletes and promote campus-wide wellness.
In the winter, the facility will serve as the new home for Whitfield’s wrestling program, which has built a tradition of excellence over more than 30 years. With 11 state championships, 18 Final Four appearances, 61 individual state champions, and multiple collegiate and national competitors, the program exemplifies Whitfield’s athletic strength and competitive discipline.
In addition to wrestling, the facility will house a wide range of athletic activities, including volleyball, indoor fitness, and rock climbing— a competitive club that trains off-campus and has earned impressive results in regional bouldering and climbing competitions. This new space will give students access to on-campus climbing opportunities for the first time.
Importantly, the facility will include a fully equipped storm shelter, reinforcing the school’s long-term commitment to safety, stewardship, and preparedness.
“Whitfield athletics develops character as much as skill,” said Athletic Director Mike Roth. “This facility will enhance every dimension of our program—from physical preparation to safety, from team camaraderie to individual growth.”
A Vision Realized, A Future Secured
These projects are the result of strategic collaboration among the Board of Trustees, Buildings & Grounds Committee, faculty, staff, and school leadership. Construction will begin in March 2026, with new spaces opening in phases.
While these buildings will reshape the physical campus, their deeper purpose remains constant: to deliver an exceptional education for students of curiosity, integrity, and purpose, fully preparing them for the challenges of the future.
"The Whitfield School is building more than buildings. We’re building the next generation of leaders— one student at a time."
