Head of School Welcome
Chris Cunningham
Head of School
The Whitfield School experience is centered on growth—fostering strength of character, academic excellence, and engaged citizenship. Our commitment is to provide your child with the skills, resilience, and confidence to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Dear Friends,
At The Whitfield School, we are committed to helping students grow into their best selves by fostering both academic and personal growth. Our students are engaged in an educational experience that encourages exploration, self-discovery, and the development of essential life skills.
In our classrooms, on stage, in the studio, and across our athletic fields, Whitfield students are challenged to understand who they are and to discover the person they want to become. We create an environment where students not only prepare for success in college but also develop the skills necessary to navigate an ever-changing world. At Whitfield, learning goes beyond acquiring knowledge; it’s about fostering creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and communication—skills essential for the 21st century.
We encourage our students to embrace challenges, to take risks, and to find comfort in the process of learning through trial and error. Our experiential approach inspires students to explore new fields, to confront complex ideas, and to become comfortable with the unknown. In doing so, they develop resilience, adaptability, and a lifelong love of learning.
At the heart of our school is a deep understanding that growth happens best when challenge is met with support. Our educators build strong, trusting relationships with students, providing them with the encouragement and guidance they need to persist, even in the face of uncertainty. With this balance of challenge and support, students not only discover new passions but also tap into strengths and grit they didn’t know they had.
We believe in the limitless potential of every student. Whether exploring new subjects or deepening existing passions, we help students believe in their capacity to grow and succeed. Our diverse and inclusive community fosters collaboration and empathy, where students learn alongside peers with different perspectives and experiences, preparing them to thrive in a complex, interconnected world.
Through our Habits of Mind & Heart curriculum, we inspire students to think critically, ask thoughtful questions, engage with the world around them, and lead lives of integrity. Whitfield students learn to weigh evidence, appreciate multiple viewpoints, and embrace the complexity of the world.
I invite you to visit our extraordinary, close-knit community, where students are empowered to grow into the person they want to be and discover the life they want to lead.
How can we help your child grow?
Chris Cunningham, Ph.D.
Head of School