In 2002, The Field School opened the doors on its new campus, the 10.5 acre former home of the Cafritz family —complete with its first gymnasium and playing field, brand new science labs, and studio spaces. Though the quirks of "the old campus" were difficult to leave behind, Field students and teachers made sure that the new campus would be distinctive and unique.
Elizabeth Ely retired in 2006, and the ideals she established continue to guide a Field education: "A key aspect of Field's success is the mutual respect among teachers and students. The exchange of dialogue with teachers and other adults builds students' confidence, particularly when teachers reach out and talk personally and sincerely to the students and learn who they are.
After Elizabeth's retirement, Dale Johnson was appointed as Head of School by the Board of Trustees in 2004.
After celebrating the school’s 40th year, an ambitious Field Forward Capital Campaign allowed the school to grow and enhance its physical plant. The Middle School was expanded, adding a 6th grade; and the overall student body grew to the 360 students it now serves.
As a nod to the Quaker Meeting House in Dupont Circle where all school meetings were previously held, the Elizabeth Ely Meeting House was constructed, which gives the community the opportunity to gather together in one space, whether that be for an assembly, a performance or a celebration. In addition, new state-of-the-art facilities were added to the campus, including a science lab, a music and recording studio, and a strength and movement room.
Following Dale's tenure, Anne Foley '96 served as Interim Head of School for the 2019-2020 school year. Field welcomed Lori Strauss, our third Head of School, in July 2020.
Field continues to be guided by its motto, Aude Sapere, or "Dare to Be Wise." We hold strongly to our mission statement:
Students discover their authentic selves and distinctive paths to become empathetic, creative thinkers who act boldly to shape our shared future.Those ideals live in our classrooms every day, and they continue to guide our alumni, whose transformational educational experience as young people helped to shape them into active citizens, good neighbors and leaders in their chosen professions.