FAQs
What are the criteria for admission?
Admission decisions are made by an admission committee, which is comprised of experienced teachers and administrators.
Students who complete the application process will have their applications reviewed by the committee. Those steps are outlined in Admission Process.
Admission decisions are based on the following criteria:
1. The family interview, for Whitfield is enrolling the entire family, not just the student, and the admission committee must ensure that there will be a successful, cooperative relationship between each family and the school.
2. The student's performance on the Whitfield admission test and in school indicates the inherent ability to complete a rigorous college preparatory program.
3. The family's support of education and the good, moral character necessary to be a part of the Whitfield School community as indicated through the family interview, the Common Recommendation, school records and character references.
Whitfield values the contributions our families and our alumni make to the growth of our school and enjoys the benefits to the School community of enrolling the entire family. Therefore, the School makes every effort to enroll siblings and alumni children, all of whom receive preference in the admission process.
Whitfield strives to create a school community that reflects the diversity of the St. Louis metropolitan area. The School seeks to maintain a student body balanced by gender and diverse in geographic, economic, racial and religious backgrounds. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, disability or gender in administering its academic policies, admission policies, athletic policies, financial aid program or other school activities.
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What does it cost to attend Whitfield?
For the 2009-2010 school year, tuition is $20,800, which includes lunch and the use of a laptop. Families need to bear in mind that tuition is not their only fiscal responsibility. Each month, a student bill is sent home. In addition to textbooks and supplies, items such as the yearbook, Parents' Council dues and field trips are part of this bill, which averages $900-$1000 a year. Beyond tuition and these other expenses, Whitfield's programs are supported by a vibrant culture of giving. Every year, parents, alumni, faculty, staff and friends of the School participate in annual giving, which bridges the gap between tuition and actual program costs, helping to keep tuition competitive and the School's programs strong.
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What does Whitfield's entrance exam cover? Why does Whitfield offer its own entrance exam?
With Whitfield's emphasis on reading, writing and critical thinking, the Admission Committee offers a test that allows students to demonstrate the depth of their academic skills. Four sub-tests (social studies, math, science and English) combine short answer and essay questions with an array of math problems. The tests are customized for each grade level and, when coupled with the other portions of students' applications, give the Admission Committee a clear picture of students' readiness for Whitfield's appropriately challenging program.
Students needing testing accommodations will, by submitting the appropriate document with the admission office, receive the necessary accommodations.
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How do we apply for need-based financial aid?
Families seeking a Whitfield education must recognize that parents have the primary responsibility for financing their children's schooling. Whitfield's financial aid program is based on demonstrated financial need. The School offers neither athletic nor talent scholarships. To be eligible for need-based financial aid, a student must have a good academic record, be a positive addition to the student body in character and attitude, demonstrate leadership skills and be involved in extracurricular activities in addition to demonstrating financial need.
Families wishing to apply for need-based financial aid must complete and return the School and Student Service for Financial Aid forms, available online at https://sss.ets.org or from Whitfield, for analysis. In addition, families must submit the most current Federal Tax Return (Form 1040 and all supplemental forms) and W-2s to Whitfield.
Approximately eleven percent of Whitfield students receive need-based financial aid.
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Where do Whitfield students attend college?
See College Counseling.
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