Beginning at the earliest years and building with each grade level, course and extracurricular activity, Barstow students are encouraged to explore their interests, pursue their passions and develop a love for learning.
We offer a rigorous curriculum in a supportive environment. When each student is known, their individual strengths and talents can be recognized and nurtured. We design lessons that are challenging, active and engaging so students gain the confidence they need to take intellectual risks. STEAM principles applied to every subject teach students to think critically, creatively and collaboratively. A Barstow education prepares each student for success — in college, career and life.
From our opening as an all-girls college prep school in 1884 to the acclaimed coeducational institution of today, The Barstow School is known for innovation.
Barstow encourages students to think differently — to explore, research and use all the tools available to them to uncover new information. Focusing on critical thinking, collaboration, communication, creativity and character, we guide students in their acquisition of the 21st century skills they need to become successful, productive global citizens.
Barstow was one of the first schools in the region to offer a 1:1 technology program, develop online course options, incorporate STEAM principles across the curriculum and create cultural exchanges with schools all over the world. Our faculty collaborates across divisions to build a progressive curriculum from early childhood through upper school.
Career-Focused Degree Courses for Motivated Students
We're excited to introduce Pathways, a groundbreaking program designed for upper school students who are ready to pursue their passions and start building skills in a career-focused field right now.
Signature programs at Barstow allow students to explore their interests in an experiential environment. These programs are blended into core competencies, allowing students to master new skills while preparing for college and careers.
No two Barstow students are alike. We foster this diversity by offering signature programs that allow the lead of the upper school musical to also be part of our robotics team — and a varsity soccer player. We embrace “and” instead of “or” in pursuit of our mission to give symmetrical development to mind, body and character.
BTVN, our student-run television station, offers hands-on video production experience in a live environment. Using the latest tools and technology, students produce weekly programming that captures the unique Barstow experience. Watch Most Recent Episode
Barstow's award-winning middle and upper school debate programs do more than teach students critical thinking, reason and research skills. They instill confidence and global awareness that students carry with them into college and beyond.
When students build robots, robots build STEAM-loving students. Just ask any member of FIRST® Robotics Team 1939, which has qualified for seven World Championships and won dozens of awards since 2006. But robotics at Barstow is about much more than competition.
Barstow's STEAM program uses science, technology, engineering, the arts and math as access points to 21st century skills. Students in kindergarten through grade 12 learn to think critically, solve problems, create, communicate and collaborate across the curriculum.
As a cornerstone of our world-class education, The Barstow School is committed to preparing globally competent students who value interaction with people from diverse cultural backgrounds, employ diplomacy and hone leadership skills to adapt to a changing world.
Arts education is as fundamental to a well-rounded student as mathematics, language and science. Barstow's visual and performing arts, music, debate and publication classes are experiential by design, so students deepen their understanding of culture and history, sharpen their analytical abilities and embrace their creative spirit.
The college search and application process is an integral part of the Barstow experience. Our personalized program — built on relationships with students, parents and college representatives — yields impressive results. During the last three years, more than 80% of Barstow seniors were accepted to their first or second choice school.