Our Mission
To empower each of our students to find their voice and to help them develop the necessary skills to express it respectfully to effect positive change in the world.
We believe strongly in the value of deep, process-driven learning.
Kids are naturally curious. They’re jumping to engage with the complexity that’s all around them. All they need are teachers who believe in their ability to handle challenging subjects and a community of peers who are willing to argue about them. Westfield gives them that chance.
“I’m amazed by the Westfield program. Its depth and varied opportunities have opened a whole new world to my son”
“What you are offering is so much more valuable to me than ANYTHING my child has at school. And it’s a highly rated school!”
“My son had such a wonderful time today. He turned to me this afternoon and said, ‘I can hardly wait until next class.’”
“Thank you, thank you, thank you for the love, learning, and love of learning you’ve offered me. ”
We teach skills, not facts.
Our programming provides students with an intellectual toolbox they’ll use again and again throughout their lives. In our programs, kids engage with an issue from multiple perspectives, do their own research to achieve a close understanding of complex current issues, organize their voice to powerful and persuasive effect and learn to respectfully engage across difference. Westfield students emerge with the abilities they need to engage their world.
“My son is doing great at college, he loves it. He mentioned to me just the other day that his experience with Westfield has helped him significantly with his philosophy class and his essay writing.”
— S.F.
"It seemed like just another class at first but it's amazing to watch the progress over the years. It's more than confidence in public speaking, it's learning how to think and communicate. We have some pretty interesting discussions around the supper table."
— R.W.
Community matters.
Westfield believes that a supportive and tight-knit community is essential for real growth. For almost two decades, we have worked to make Westfield a space that is welcoming to all and accurately reflects the diversity of our world. Our students are comfortable enough in their roots to grow and change as people. This isn’t a byproduct; it’s central to all that we do.
“I am so glad my son has the opportunity to interact, learn from and be surrounded by such wonderful people! He loves debate class and I have seen his overall confidence grow and that is quite a gift, so thank you!”
“Thank you for welcoming me as part of the Westfield family, which has helped me evolve both as a debater and person in such a short span of time. ”
Get to know our community.
We believe that the voice of a single student can change the world.
We firmly believe that Westfield students are the leaders and activists of tomorrow. We are committed to helping them develop the skills, experience, and compassion they need to become confident change-makers and articulate leaders. Our fearless and brilliant students make us hopeful about the future.
“I always walk away from Westfield more hopeful about the future of humanity. I have the utmost respect for everything you are doing." — N.M.
"No longer do I have a child who accepts things at face value, is overwhelmed by global issues or believes a history book tells the whole story. No longer are events a dot on a time line—instead they are multifaceted diamonds with lots of sides to be explored and challenged. Thanks for an amazing and empowering year." — K.G.
"Thank you for all the work you put into this - it is a truly valuable way to change the world!" — J.B.
Ready to join us? Take a look at our signature programs.
