Discover Barstow

Welcome to The Barstow School, where students from preschool through grade 12 are inspired to be makers, doers and confident leaders.
Barstow combines innovative academics, individualized learning and an emphasis on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, the arts and math) to provide the best independent school education in the region. Forward-looking instruction responds to changing times and the needs of students and families for 140 years.
We begin with rigorous academics and add opportunities to create, compete, perform and lead at every grade level. With so much to offer, Barstow students don’t have to choose one path. Instead, we encourage them to explore every interest—and that's how they find their passions. Start here. Go anywhere.

Barstow Middle School Student

"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."

Mission & Values

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  • Our Mission

    Since 1884, the mission of the school as stated by Mary Louise Barstow remains “to promote sound scholarship and to give symmetrical development to mind, body and character.”

  • Our Vision

    To graduate students who achieve their unique potential, live meaningful lives and significantly impact the world in which they live.

CORE VALUES

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  • Integrity

  • Inclusiveness

  • Imagination

  • Accountability

  • Courage

  • Purpose

  • Trust

  • Lifelong Learning

21ST CENTURY SKILLS

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  • Collaboration

  • Responsible AI Learning

  • Creativity

  • Problem Solving

  • Flexibility

  • Global Awareness

  • Perseverance & Resilience

  • Communication

  • Critical Thinking

  • Civic Participation

  • Leadership

  • Technology Proficiency

Welcome to

Where You Belong.
A school is more than a location for the education of children.
A school that functions at its highest level should be a place where people understand the importance of academic, artistic and athletic achievement, marvel at the wonders of discovery and bask in the warmth of individual acceptance. The Barstow School is founded on these aspects—mind, body and character—and I am humbled to serve as its 18th President.

Barstow provides every student with an excellent educational experience. We look to our families to be positive partners in this journey. And at the center of this shared purpose, our caring and compassionate faculty and staff work together to challenge, engage and encourage students to be their best—and to be part of our innovative, inclusive community.

Welcome to The Barstow School.

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  • Arthur Hall

    President of The Barstow Schools
    Art Hall has 25 years of experience in independent school education and a diverse set of skills and expertise.
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  • Liz Bartow

    Senior Vice President of The Barstow Schools & Chief Operating Officer
    Elizabeth Bartow is a lifelong independent school educator — serving as a teacher, admission director and administrator. 
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  • Sharon McKibben

    Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
    Sharon's experience includes more than 35 years in public accounting and private accounting.
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Faculty & Staff Directory

Board of Trustees

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Leadership Since 1884

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  • Founding and Incorporation

    School Founders, 1884
    A. W. Armour
    T. B. Bullene
    J. V. C. Karnes
    William Rockhill Nelson
    A. R. Meyer
    Gardiner Lathrop
    The Reverend Henry Hopkins
    Colonel C. F. Morse
    General H. F. Devol
    Medill Smith

    Signers of Articles of Incorporation, June 1923
    Fred Fleming
    Heath Moore
    William H. Scarritt
    John H. Lathrop
    Rose Adelaide Witham
    H.M.C. Low
    Otho C. Snider
    Marvin H. Gates
    Samuel W. Sawyer
    J.E. Maxwell
    H.E. Minty
    J.E. Hutt

    Original Board of Trustees
    Fred W. Fleming, President
    Marvin H. Gates, Secretary
    Otho C. Snider, Treasurer
    W. Wyan Goodwin
    Thomas J. Green
    J. E. Hutt
    Irwin R. Kirkwood
    H. M. C. Low
    A. B. H. McGee

  • Heads of School

    Miss Ada Brann1884-1897
    Miss Mary Louise Barstow1884-1922
    Miss Rose Adelaide Witham1923-1927
    Mrs. Helen Burton Williams1927-1934
    Miss M. Mercer Kendig1934-1937
    Miss Winifred Turner1937-1950
    Mr. Richard Sears1950-1965
    Mr. Donald A. Gordon1965-1968
    Mr. Gordon Kent Lenci1968-1975
    Dr. James H. McK. Quinn1975-1979
    Mr. Michael S. B. Churchman1979-1985
    Mr. Deane R. Lanphear1985-1987
    Mr. Thomas M. Reefer1987-1989
    Mr. James E. Achterberg1989-1994
    Mr. Charles H. Sachs1994-2001
    Mr. Arthur N. Atkison2001-2008
    Mr. Shane A. Foster2008-2025
    Mr. Art Hall2025-present

History & Tradition

The oldest independent school west of the Mississippi, Barstow celebrated 140 years of innovative education during the 2024-2025 school year.

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  • Inclusion Diversity + Equity

    The Barstow School is committed to building and sustaining a school community that highly values inclusion and diversity, embraces cultural awareness, supports racial equity and justice, and promotes equal opportunities for all.
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Statement of Neutrality

The Bartow School is committed to maintaining a politically neutral environment that respects the diverse views and perspectives of our students, families, faculty and staff.

IDEA Space KC

Kansas City's future center for Innovation, Discovery, Entrepreneurship and Arts. Now open for after school classes, summer camps and partnerships.

Barstow Global Online

Barstow Global Online meets the growing demand for a non-traditional education and adds the proven value of a degree from The Barstow School.

International Partner Schools

The Barstow School is proud to have partnerships with schools around the world, allowing student and teacher exchanges and academic collaboration.

Global Campuses

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  • The Barstow School

    Kansas City, Missouri

  • The Barstow School – Cixi Campus

    Cixi, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China

  • The Barstow School Ghana

    Accra, Ghana

  • The Barstow School – Haishu Campus

    Haishu, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China

  • The Barstow School — INO Campus

    Istanbul, Türkiye

  • The Barstow School – Ningbo Campus

    Luotuo, Zhenhai, Ningbo, China

Partner Schools

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  • Cloud Forest School

    Monteverde, Puntarenas, Costa Rica
    Partner school

  • Colegio La Merced

    Río Cuarto, Córdoba, Argentina
    Partner school

  • Deutsche Schule Madrid

    Madrid, Spain
    Partner school

  • Groupe Scolaire Chevreul Lestonnac

    Lyon, France
    Partner school

  • Launceston Church Grammar School

    Mowbray, Tasmania, Australia
    Partner school

  • Lycée Anne de Kiev

    Kyiv, Ukraine
    Partner school

  • Man Kwan Pak Kau College

    Tin Shui Wai, Hong Kong
    Partner school

  • Institution Sainte Jeanne D'arc

    Dakar, Senegal
    Partner school

A Barstow Career

Faculty and staff are part of a community that values innovation, collaboration and communication.
Barstow offers educators an independent and collegiate atmosphere in which to teach and grow professionally. Staff members pursue careers in nonprofit administration, marketing and communications, fundraising and support roles. We also have many opportunities for qualified substitute teachers. 

Full-time employee benefits include life and health insurance, short-term disability care, generous sick leave, holiday packages and the Lincoln Financial retirement program. Faculty and staff are encouraged to pursue professional development opportunities.

Apply

Applications are accepted online. Please review our current openings below, select a listing and follow instructions to apply and submit materials.

Current Openings

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  • Athletic Administrative Assistant

    Hours:  Full-time – August 8, 2025 to May 22, 2026
    Qualifications:
    1. High school diploma or GED
    2. Good word processing skills
    3. Knowledge of automated office equipment and efficient office procedures
    4. Ability to communicate professionally and effectively
    Job Goal:  The lead role of Administrative Assistant in Athletics is to carry out all administrative and clerical duties for the smooth and efficient daily operation of the Athletic Department. 
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  • Barstow Global Online Content Creator - Middle School & Upper School - Math, English, Science, History, World Languages and electives

    GENERAL INFORMATION

    The Barstow School is seeking energetic, motivated educators for online course content development.  Duties include: Create content for online, asynchronous courses through Barstow Global Online, following the template provided in the Bartow Global Online Course Development Handbook.
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  • Extended Care Employee

    The Barstow School's before and after school program seeks high-energy employees. Extended Care if offered from 7-8 a.m. and 2:45-6 p.m. and serves students in preschool-grade 8. This is a great way for college students to gain experience and make connections for future employment. If you are pursuing an education degree or have experience working with children, you may qualify for an interview. Employees can expect to work 10-18 hours a week with the opportunity for flexible scheduling. Email Max Williams or call 816-277-0429.

  • Substitute Teachers


    The Barstow School is seeking energetic, communicative, and creative people for substitute teachers.  Substitute positions are available for both elementary and secondary levels.  The ideal candidate will be flexible, energetic and willing to engage with students in a vibrant educational environment.
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Downloads

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  • Notice of Nondiscriminatory Policy as to Students and Employees

    The Barstow School admits students of any race, religion, national or ethnic origin with all the rights, privileges, programs and activities accorded or made available to all students. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability or any other characteristic protected by the law in the administration of its educational and admission policies, financial aid policies, scholarship and loan programs or athletic and other school-administered programs.

    This policy of nondiscrimination governs the hiring of employees as well and includes the administration of all benefits and policies throughout the term of employment.
The Barstow School

Fax: 816-942-3227

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