ABOUT FIELD SCHOOL
OUR MISSION
To develop well-rounded boys of character and accomplishment
OUR MOTTO
Every boy known,
every boy a brother
Field School at a Glance
12:1
average student-to-teacher ratio
80%
of students return to public school in 9th grade
over
50%
of faculty are male
90+
minutes of physical activity per day
We Focus on the Whole Boy
Balancing rigorous academics, physical activity, the arts, and their individual interests
Developing boys of character, focusing on honesty, respect, responsibility, compassion, kindness and courage
Understanding their unique learning styles and meeting them where they’re at
Building important social skills, focusing on teamwork, sportsmanship, inclusion and belonging
Fostering independence and accountability in a structured environment
The Benefits of a Small, All-Boys Middle School
A Focus on the Whole Boy
Focusing on the academic, social, physical, creative, ethical, and personal development of each boy and exposing them to a variety of interests and service opportunities
Academics That Inspire
Offering a rigorous, regular, and engaging academic curriculum that inspires our boys to become lifelong learners
Diversity and Inclusion
Attracting and supporting a student body which reflects the diversity of our local community, both ethnically and socioeconomically
Supportive Faculty
Developing our school around a strong, well-educated, hard-working, involved faculty that participates in the school’s activities and coaching, and models and mirrors the school’s philosophy
Physical Education
Offering daily team sports participation and physical fitness to emphasize teamwork, fair play, and sportsmanship
Learning Experiences
Understanding the needs and learning styles of boys and expanding the classroom with regular field trips to increase the vitality of learning experiences
Personal Attention
Maintaining an average class size of 12 to ensure your son is getting the personal attention he deserves from teachers and mentors who know him well and can teach to his strengths
Understanding Middle-School Boys
Specializing in teaching middle-school boys, we understand their needs and learning styles and have developed a curriculum and staff to help them maximize their potential
Daily Schedule
Embracing the active learner, students work on a rotating schedule of 50-minute core classes. Each day consists of five classes, recess, a study hall and an hour of sports. A fresh lunch is prepared daily by our chef (included in tuition).
HISTORY
Todd Barnett founded Field School in September 2007 with a mission to “develop well-rounded boys of character and accomplishment.” The school opened its doors with 22 boys in the 5th and 6th grades and added 7th and 8th grades in the following two years. The school has been an academically ambitious school with high expectations of its students. It has also been remarkable for its dynamic and highly capable faculty, one that has been genuinely dedicated to the welfare and mission of the school.
The school started in the Activities Building at Claudius Crozet Park in Crozet, Virginia, and after two years there, moved to the “Old Crozet School,” a 13,000-square foot space in a school building owned by Albemarle County and built in 1923. Field School’s leadership has always intended to have a home closer to Charlottesville, and in 2019, purchased a 25-acre Barracks Road lot for this purpose. The new site is ideal: centrally located, with government approval for a school, abundant space for buildings and fields, and a 3-acre pond. The new campus project is currently in Phase I of development, and we hope to be on the property in 2-3 years.
Todd Barnett founded and led the school from 2007 until 2020. Under his leadership and vision, the school grew and was established as a place where middle school boys thrive as engaged learners, are seen and heard, and are challenged to be their best selves. He was committed to the school motto: to develop boys of character and accomplishment. He currently serves on the Board of Directors and will always be a valued member of the Field School Family.
Charlie Skipper joined Field School in 2020 as the transitional head and shepherded the school through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. He successfully led the school through VAIS Accreditation and the selection of our current Head of School. Charlie continues to support the school as a friend and resource.
Our current Head of School, Bo Perriello, joined the school in 2023 after a celebrated tenure at St. Anne’s Belfield. His vast experience in the classroom, on the lacrosse field, and in school administration has prepared him to lead Field School as it grows and transitions to its new home on the Barracks Road property.
Todd Barnett, Founder and Head of School
2007 - 2020
Dr. Charles Skipper, Head of School
2020 - 2023
“We were very happy with Field School and believe it was an excellent investment in our son’s education, confidence, and character. He’s now making a seamless transition back to public high school. We see the benefits of his four years at Field School every day and in everything he does. Thank you!”