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Experiential education for grades 6-12 in St. Louis

A DESTINATION FOR GROWTH, NOT A BRIDGE TO ELSEWHERE.

The middle school years represent one of the most explosive periods of human development, second only to early childhood. At The Whitfield School, we do not view this time as merely a bridge to high school, but as a vital destination in itself. In close partnership with families, we honor adolescence by cultivating a culture rooted in trust, curiosity, and joy.

Our educators are experts in the art of companioning—walking alongside students as they develop ownership of their learning, a strong sense of self, and the skills and character needed not just to survive adolescence, but to thrive in it.

This work is anchored by a robust advisory program grounded in Whitfield’s Habits of Mind & Heart. Advisory ensures that every student is deeply known, supported, and challenged to grow as a learner, leader, and community member.

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING & EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING

At Whitfield, learning is most enduring when it is inquiry-driven and students are actively engaged in the real work of thinking, questioning, and creating. Teachers design experiences that invite students to take risks, wrestle with complexity, and learn through productive struggle—resulting in authentic artifacts of understanding rather than passive completion.

To support this rigor, we explicitly teach executive functioning skills, helping students understand how their brains work while developing practical strategies for organization, time management, reflection, and self-advocacy. These skills are embedded across classrooms and disciplines, empowering students to take increasing ownership of their learning and grow with confidence and purpose.

SIXTH GRADE | BELONGING & FOUNDATIONS

Sixth grade is a year of joyful transition and discovery. As students navigate a new school environment, the focus is on building a cohesive, supportive community where they feel safe to take risks and find their voice. Students develop essential “school skills”—organization, collaboration, and advocacy—while cultivating a strong sense of belonging.

Academically, students build a community of readers and writers, explore early American history through multiple perspectives, and apply the scientific method to the study of Earth’s systems and weather. A signature course, Middle School 101, supports the transition with explicit instruction in executive functioning, responsible technology use, and the neuroscience of learning. The year begins with a three-day outdoor adventure at Trout Lodge, focused on problem-solving, resilience, and deep peer connection.

7TH GRADE | PERSPECTIVE & EXPLORATION

Seventh grade is a time of expanding horizons. As students gain confidence, the curriculum challenges them to look outward—connecting their emerging identities to a broader, interconnected world. Humanities courses span mythology to contemporary literature while exploring the cultures and geography of the Eastern Hemisphere.

Math and science deepen algebraic reasoning and investigate living systems, ecosystems, and genetic variation. Quarter-long rotations in STEM and the Arts encourage creative risk-taking, while immersive field experiences, including a visit to the St. Louis Kaplan Feldman Holocaust Museum and high-ropes courses, deepen real-world understanding. The year again begins with a community-building Trout Lodge experience.

8TH GRADE | LEADERSHIP & VOICE

Eighth grade is a defining year of leadership, autonomy, and self-discovery. As the leaders of the division, students grapple with complex ideas and are given greater responsibility to drive their own learning. Humanities coursework explores freedom, identity, justice, and civic responsibility, while math and science include activity-based studies of motion, force, chemistry, and advanced mathematical thinking.

Eighth graders model the Habits of Mind & Heart and culminate their middle school experience with a Capstone Project focused on character, leadership, and community contribution. A Chicago travel experience serves as a powerful conclusion to Middle School, bringing learning into a real-world urban setting and marking the transition to Upper School.

“We practice the art of companioning: walking alongside students as they learn to own their growth.”
Middle School Director Dr. Trevon Jones

FAQs About Whitfield's Middle School Program

Academic Leadership Team

Sara Ringe
Sara Ringe

Assistant Head of School

Zach Schwarz
Zach Schwarz

Upper School Director

Trevon Jones, Ph.D.
Trevon Jones, Ph.D.

Middle School Director