History
The Whitfield School was founded in 1952 by John Barnes and Allan 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.
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, now 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, The Whitfield School is a small, independent school for grades 6–12 where students are known, challenged, and encouraged to become their best selves. Through rigorous academics grounded in experiential learning, students engage deeply, think critically, and apply what they learn beyond the classroom. A vibrant arts program, competitive athletics, leadership opportunities, and meaningful traditions give students many ways to discover their strengths and pursue their interests.
At the heart of Whitfield is a close-knit community built on kindness and trust, where strong relationships with teachers and peers give students the confidence to take risks, embrace challenges, and grow with purpose.
