Now is an exciting time at The Whitfield School. The independent coeducational college preparatory day school in Creve Coeur is preparing to launch a new chapter for its students, faculty and families. Beginning in January, it will commence construction on a series of major capital projects. “This is the biggest physical transformation Whitfield has undergone in more than 20 years,” head of school Chris Cunningham, Ph.D., says. “And there are even more new initiatives and programs to look forward to on the horizon. This is a special moment. As a school community, we’re dreaming big and making those dreams a reality.”
Whitfield will be transformed through three facilities projects that will impact every part of campus life. The initiative was made possible thanks to the support of alumni. The school received the largest philanthropic investment in its history: $5 million from the Rhodes family and $2 million from Jane Piper Gleason (’70). “The generosity of families and alumni have been essential to our success,” Cunningham notes. “Jane Piper Gleason has been supporting the school for decades, and the second generation of the Rhodes family is currently attending Whitfield, so they’re helping the community thrive as both parents and alumni.”
At the core of the campus revitalization is the development of The Rhodes Center for Academic Success. The new facility will include a library and research center, study zones, collaborative learning spaces, a new home for campus IT services, dedicated office and meeting spaces for the academic support team, and enhanced offices for the college counseling team. “The center will offer all the resources our students need to thrive as well as offering support as they prepare for their next steps,” Cunningham says. “The goal is to serve the whole range of student experiences, from supporting those who learn differently to accommodating those who desire more academic challenges.”
To further enhance the campus environment, Piper Courtyard also will be transformed from an exterior courtyard to an enclosed atrium for students to gather year-round. “Jane Piper Gleason originally envisioned the courtyard as a place for students to escape the stresses of the academic environment, and we’re thrilled she is continuing to support Whitfield in reimagining it,” Cunningham notes. “It’s going to be a beautiful place for students to spend time together and relax.” In addition to serving as a quiet space for students, the new Piper Courtyard also will provide the school with a beautiful event venue.
The final piece of the enhancement plan is updated athletic facilities. The new multi-purpose space will meet the changing needs of students, including offering on-campus training space for the school’s rock climbing club and serving as a home for its champion wrestling program. The entire campus revitalization project is part of Whitfield’s dedication to providing students with a unique and personalized academic experience. “We don’t have a cookie cutter approach to education,” Cunningham says. “Whitfield is a place where students discover their individual strengths, talents and passions, and we empower them to grow into their best selves.”
The Whitfield School is an independent, coeducational college preparatory day school for grades six to 12. It endeavors to cultivate ethical, confident and successful students in a community of innovation, collaboration and trust. Pictured on the cover: The new Rhodes Center for Academic Success. For more information, call 314.434.5141
or visit whitfieldschool.org.
Cover design by Julie Streiler
Cover photo courtesy of The Whitfield School
Pictured at the top: Whitfield’s new multi-purpose athletic facility
Photo courtesy of The Whitfield School