The school opened in 1942 on land acquired by its founder Mr. M.G.Fleming. It was run as an Anglican Diocesan preparatory  school for boys under the ownership of Ruzawi Schools Ltd., who bought it from Mr. Fleming, and operated successfully for many years.

A sudden decline in enrollment, due mainly to the withdrawal of large numbers of Zambian pupils, brought about the closure of the school in 1975.

In 1978 all movable property was auctioned and the buildings remained empty for partial occupation by pupils and staff of Cyrene Mission during the civil war years.

Whitestone School has been established on 28 hectares of attractive granite kopje countryside in the southern Bulawayo suburb of Burnside. The school site is rich in a wide variety of indigenous flora and fauna and offers endless opportunity for exploration and study. A blend of rocky outcrop and mixed woodlands together with well appointed sports fields makes it a playground paradise for children.

School Objectives

At Whitestone we believe it important not only to teach the children virtues such as honesty, humility, self-discipline, concern for others and good manners, but also to encourage each individual to discover and develop their unique qualities and talents. We do not force children to conform to a stereotyped mould.

The teachers are therefore concerned not only with the academic progress of our pupils but also with their general welfare, happiness and spiritual, social and physical growth. Our teachers are available to talk to children or parents on any matter of concern.
There is a resident school chaplain who has a particular responsibility for pastoral care. He is very willing to talk in complete confidence with parents who would like to see him about any problems their children may be experiencing, and offer help in any way he can. Courses on aspects of parenting are regularly offered to parents, while voluntary Christian activities for children include clubs and holiday camps.

Discipline

A firm and fair system of discipline is part of the Whitestone philosophy and it is considered as a shared responsibility between home and school.

The Curriculum

A strong grounding is established particularly in English and Mathematics and in the range of subjects appropriate to a preparatory school. These include: Environmental Studies, Art & Craft, Computer Studies, Drama and Literature, Music, Handwriting, Religious Education, Ndebele and Physical Education.

At the end of Grade 7, all pupils write the ZIMSEC National Examinations and the Cambridge International Primary Programme Stage 6 Examinations.  Many of the staff at Whitestone School are accredited Markers for this programme.

Environmental Studies form a linking and integral part of our curriculum and include field trips and camps (for senior pupils). Here the children are given the opportunity to experience, explore and become attuned to their environment.

Pupils visit places of industrial, agricultural, historical and aesthetic interest. Senior pupils are frequently involved in educational tours to the United Kingdom.