Faculty

Faculty member Bridgett Hanks working with a student during math class

Whitfield’s classrooms are dynamic, engaging spaces.  Faculty learn each student's motivators, strengths and learning preferences, and continuously evolve teaching styles and curriculum through research.  Our student-centered approach ensures that individual strengths are known, cultivated, and celebrated.

Whitfield’s demanding academic program coupled with the support of a dedicated, world class faculty prepares graduates for both the college experience and life beyond. But what makes Whitfield unique among its peer schools?  The strong relationships between Whitfield faculty and students; the ways Whitfield faculty members enrich, inspire and cultivate their students to be ethical, confident, successful young people. 

STUDENT-CENTERED APPROACH TO TEACHING

Dr. Heather Lavezzi working with two students as they use a Sphero robot

Strong Relationships

Our faculty are creative, passionate people who meet students where they are and help them reach beyond what they ever thought possible. They do this by developing strong working relationships with students, understanding their individual learning strengths and challenges, researching and applying best practices for instruction, and designing engaging and relevant curriculum.

A faculty member talking with two students after class

Every Student is Known

Whitfield teachers create supportive webs by engaging with students in the classroom, advising students on academics, and collaborating across each grade level to ensure that students are progressing across the curriculum. The small class size, in which every student is known, is essential for this process to be as effective as it is.  

Faculty member reviewing an assignment with a student

Coach & Mentor

Faculty look for ways to engage with students to serve as mentors—both formally and informally. Faculty genuinely want to be meaningful, supportive educators in the lives of our students.  

Faculty member working with a student during math class

Accessible & Available

Whitfield faculty are both accessible and available. The student-to-teacher ratio of 8:1 provides flexibility for faculty to support each student’s academic growth, while also creating opportunities for students to collaborate and problem solve in groups. Additionally, faculty members make themselves available outside of class time to support the academic pursuits of their students. 

ACADEMIC LEADERSHIP

Ruth Greathouse

Principal

Principal Ruth Greathouse

Ruth Greathouse

Principal / Joined Whitfield in 1985

"Whitfield is a vibrant community, populated by dedicated professionals, families who value quality education and enthusiastic students who are willing to embrace their experience with a growth mindset.  As an educator, it is my responsibility to help students work toward independence as learners.  Whitfield’s Habits of Mind & Heart provide a solid foundation for students to understand who they are as scholars, local and global citizens, people of character, and well-balanced leaders of tomorrow."

Matt Di Giulio

Middle School Director

Middle School Director Matt Di Giulio

Matt Di Giulio

Middle School Director / Joined Whitfield in 2011

"We have an extraordinary opportunity to support middle schoolers—and their families—during a time when children experience more physical and cognitive growth than at any point in the lifespan other than infancy. Whitfield's academic programming appropriately challenges middle-grade students to excel in the classroom and navigate social relationships; our community programming connects families to the knowledge and resources they need to support their students during early adolescence."

Sara Ringe

Upper School Director

Sara Ringe

Upper School Director / Joined Whitfield in 2003

"We take college prep to heart. Courses challenge students as thinkers, writers, readers and collaborators. The 9th and 10th grades provide broad and rich experiences that cultivate a shared sense of values and a common set of skills. In the 11th and 12th grade, students explore more specific fields of interest, and dig deeply into topics they may pursue beyond high school. Students graduate with a robust set of academic skills, an understanding of how to practically apply those skills, and a passion for service as they pursue their own goals."