Since its founding, Whitfield has been committed to meeting its students where they are—in propria persona—fostering the individual talents and passions of young people.

propia

persona

" This strategic plan offers a bold, ambitious roadmap for Whitfield through the end of this decade. "

- Dr. Chris Cunningham, Head of School

Drawing on the best of the School’s traditions, our new strategic plan provides a forward-looking and ambitious vision for Whitfield’s future and for continuing to reach, enrich, and empower learners.

I

EXPERIENTIAL TEACHING & LEARNING

We will reimagine and refine our core academic approaches and offerings to ensure Whitfield students will benefit in ever-evolving and expanded ways from active, interdisciplinary, forward-looking, and enduring experiences—preparing them for lifelong success in a changing world.

A. Expand experiential learning in all our classrooms.

B. Cultivate real-world learning beyond our campus.

C. Create a robust experiential environmental science program, including environmental sustainability initiatives, ecology, conservation, and technology.

D. Enrich our advisory experience to foster developmentally appropriate social and emotional learning, academic competencies, and cross-grade level connections.

II

AUTHENTIC ACCESS & INCLUSION

We will fulfill the promise of community, preserving and enhancing Whitfield’s distinctively welcoming climate and culture. This plan empowers us to cultivate an even stronger sense of belonging, protect the health and well-being of one another, and ensure that all members of our community can participate fully in the Whitfield experience.

A. ‎Provide an equitable experience for our socioeconomically diverse student body, ensuring that all students can have the full Whitfield experience.

B. Build a team of educators and professionals that reflects our community.

C. Create accessible spaces that all members of the community can use and enjoy.

D. Extend equity and inclusion initiatives and develop our community’s cultural competence.

E. Protect the well-being of all with a comprehensive health and wellness program and an environment of caring and support.

III

CLEAR IDENTITY & CAPACITY

We will better articulate the unique value and impact of a Whitfield education, in ways that will speak powerfully—to mission-aligned families, to our city, and to the region as a whole.

A. Speak powerfully to prospective families with accurate, resonant messaging about who we are and what we offer.

B. Articulate academic identity and develop a community-wide sense of the “Whitfield graduate” and the “Whitfield educator.”

C. Continue our commitment to supporting a range of learners—neurotypical, neurodiverse, and gifted—and communicate Whitfield’s capacities clearly with current and prospective families.

D. Appeal to families from around the world with a strategy for recruiting and supporting international families.

IV

LASTING STABILITY & STEWARDSHIP

We will create the physical and financial infrastructure, from transformative giving to transformative learning spaces, that will guarantee Whitfield’s financial sustainability in the 21st century.

A. Fund transformative spaces and the construction, expansion, or transformation of key facilities, including: an expanded and transformed STEAM wing; an expanded and reimagined Intellectual Commons and Piper Courtyard; a multipurpose athletic facility; and a vitally important storm shelter.

B. Prioritize environmental sustainability on our campus.

C. Optimize income and outflow with a sustainable revenue model to support financial aid, facility operations, faculty support, and other essential organizational operating costs.

D. Nurture a culture of giving and increase internal community involvement in philanthropic endeavors.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD A PDF VERSION OF OUR STRATEGIC PLAN

OUR MISSION & VISION

Our Mission is who we are and what we do:

A small school community committed to kindness and trust, Whitfield inspires a diverse student body to lead lives of curiosity, integrity, and purpose.

Our Vision is why we do it:

To empower young people to discover and become their best selves.

Together, these two statements reaffirm touchstone Whitfield School values: community and trust, kindness and integrity. These words and ideas are at the heart of what we do, and they clarify that the Whitfield experience is about discovery, transformation, inspiration, and empowerment.

For further information about this Strategic Plan, please contact Kathleen Kelly, our Director of Development at development@whitfieldschool.org or 314-434-5141.

175 S. Mason Road I St. Louis, MO 63141
314-434-5141 I www.whitfieldschool.org