A Community Where Every Student is Known and Valued
Welcome to Barstow's middle & upper school. Barstow is recognized as one of the best independent schools in the country for our commitment to academic excellence, innovation — and the educational and personal growth of every student. From the first day of sixth grade to the day your student receives a diploma, we create a seamless progression of learning that challenges, engages and prepares our graduates for success.
"I am grateful for The Barstow School because this school really helped me build my character and be proud of my accomplishments and who I am as a person."
Middle & Upper School
At a Glance
400
students in grades 6–12
3 Levels
of rigor in upper school course selection — college prep, honors, and AP®/Honors College
70
AP®, Honors & Honors College courses
53
Congressional Award Gold Medal Winners, 2015-2024
32+
Middle & upper school teams in 11 sports
12+
AP® and Honors STEAM courses offered at the Dan & Cassidy Towriss IDEA Space KC
8
consecutive middle school city debate championships
1
The only Missouri school on the National Policy Debate circuit
100+
BTVN shows produced by middle and upper school students annually
Our Curriculum
Middle & upper school curriculum is designed to guide students with a purposeful progression of learning from grade 6 through grade 12. Students master critical skills first, then move forward to build new ones.
This intentional structure promotes the transition from concrete operations to complex thinking processes in a supportive academic environment. A Barstow education fosters self-awareness and supports emerging interests, talents and goals.
Barstow’s middle school meets the unique educational and developmental needs of students in grades six through eight. Students take risks that strengthen them academically and interpersonally. They consider diverse ideas, develop respect for their peers, and through community service and global education program, they cultivate sensitivity to the needs of the larger community.
Upper school provides a challenging and rigorous academic program. Combined with meaningful service learning, extracurricular clubs and activities and robust arts and athletics programs, Barstow graduates confident and well-rounded students.