Whitfield Appoints Zach Schwarz as the New Upper School Director

Dear Friends,

It is my pleasure to welcome Zach Schwarz as the new upper school director at Whitfield School, effective July 1, 2024. Zach brings with him a wealth of experience and a passion for education that will enrich our school community.

Zach earned his bachelor’s in History from Princeton University, where he played on the Varsity soccer team, and a master’s in educational leadership from George Mason University. For the past seventeen years, Zach has worked at Episcopal High School (EHS) in Houston, Texas, where he has served in a variety of roles, from assistant dean of faculty and director of summer programs to history teacher and soccer coach. 

As assistant dean of faculty at EHS, Zach assisted in the hiring process, led the mentorship program for new teachers, oversaw the faculty feedback and growth process, and created professional development programs to foster rich and collaborative classroom experiences for students. As director of summer programs, Zach oversaw all aspects of EHS’s summer offerings, from staffing to curriculum, expanding the school’s offerings during his tenure. A popular teacher and coach, Zach is admired by his students and players for his humor and his high expectations. During his visit, Zach impressed us all with his energy, his curiosity and desire to understand Whitfield, his authentic and comfortable way with people, and his clear passion for working with students and faculty alike. 

Zach will be relocating to St. Louis with his wife, Leslie, and 10-month old daughter, Lily, and we are excited to welcome him and his family to the Whitfield community. When asked about his decision to join Whitfield, Zach shared, “Whitfield’s mission goes beyond a rich intellectual experience. Its qualitative focus on moral courage, forward thinking, curiosity, purpose, and a collective appreciation of differences is an indication of a school that understands that preparing students for meaningful lives goes beyond knowledge and skill acquisition. Whitfield is a community that is pushing to authentically prepare students for an uncertain yet exciting future, and I want to be a part of a place like that.”

Please join me in extending a warm welcome to Zach as our new upper school director. I am confident that his leadership will inspire and empower our students and our faculty, and I am excited to see the many ways he will help us continue to grow.

Thank you for your continued support and commitment to our school community.

Warmly,
 

Chris Cunningham, Ph.D.
Head of School