Welcome
In the fall of 1961, visionary educator Mary Dunbar and a group of passionate teachers welcomed the first students through the doors of a leased house on Forsyth Boulevard. The families who entrusted their precious children to this new school firmly believed that elementary education should be challenging, engaging, and transformational.
More than 60 years later, Forsyth has grown from a single house to a stunning, one-of-a-kind campus anchored by six historic homes. While the footprint of our campus has changed, our founding principles remain.
At Forsyth, we put children first. In every situation and with every decision, large or small, we do what is best for our students.
Here, we create an atmosphere that develops compassionate, confident, courageous, and resilient students. We foster an environment where every child is known, from the two-year-old learning how to independently transition between activities in the classroom to the sixth grader designing, prototyping, and constructing their own fully functioning lantern to use on an overnight camping trip.
Moreover, we are deeply committed to the critical, ongoing work of creating and maintaining a diverse, equitable community that celebrates its rich tapestry of unique identities and stories.
The world has also changed significantly since 1961. But the flame first ignited by Forsyth’s founder shines brightly today in our dedicated teachers who inspire our students to embrace challenges joyfully and confidently. I invite you to explore our website and learn how our approach prepares students for success in secondary school and beyond. And I encourage you to visit us and experience the unique environment and warm community that make Forsyth a special place.
Rob Butler, Head of School
About
Rob Butler
Head of School
Forsyth welcomed Robert Butler, Jr., as Head of School on July 1, 2021. Rob came to Forsyth from University Liggett School in Michigan, where he was the Assistant Head of School and Head of the Middle School since 2017. Before that, he worked at Whitfield School in St. Louis for seven years in various teaching, coaching, and administrative roles, ending his tenure there as the Middle School Director.
Rob holds a Master of Arts in English from Oklahoma State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Northeastern State University. He currently serves on the board of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) and Independent Schools of St. Louis (ISSL) and previously served on the board of the Independent Schools Association of the Central States (ISACS).