The Whitfield School Experience Impresses in Recent Press Coverage
The Whitfield School has garnered attention in two prominent local publications—Ladue News Magazine and Town & Style Magazine—highlighting innovative educational initiatives that enhance student engagement and learning in STEM disciplines.
In an article by Maggie Peters in Ladue News, the focus is on an inventive project by math teacher Maria Ahern, titled "Geometry of Superhero Comics." This creative approach replaces traditional tests with opportunities for students to explore mathematical concepts through the lens of comic book storytelling. Ahern explains that this method allows students to apply what they’ve learned in a practical, engaging way, noting that hands-on activities significantly improve information retention compared to lectures. Students like Kamiyah Jones '27 embraced this project, using their favorite superheroes to illustrate mathematical transformations, from Spiderman battling Kingpin to Taylor Swift as a superhero navigating her different eras.
Ahern emphasizes the importance of experiential learning at Whitfield, stating, “These students can create in a way that best suits them, and it makes them so much more engaged.” This philosophy aligns with the school’s commitment to fostering creativity alongside academic rigor, showcasing how projects like these prepare students for real-world applications of their learning.
Meanwhile, Town & Style highlights Whitfield’s robust STEM curriculum in an article by Stephanie Wallace. The piece focuses on the Accelerated Physics program, where veteran teacher Andrew Asikainen, who has been at Whitfield for 25 years, notes that this program goes beyond standard A.P. offerings, enabling students to delve deeply into complex concepts such as fluidics, thermodynamics, and magnetism. One of the standout projects involves students designing and building trebuchets, culminating in a launch day where they must accurately send a water balloon 50 meters.
Asikainen explains that these hands-on experiences not only reinforce essential scientific principles but also cultivate crucial skills such as creative thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork. The increase in enrollment for the Accelerated Physics class this year highlights the success of this engaging, practical approach to learning. “When students are excited about learning, it energizes them to take on challenges and think creatively,” he says.
Both articles underscore Whitfield's commitment to nurturing a dynamic educational environment that values innovation, collaboration, and student agency.