Born in Jerusalem, New York, Schofield graduated from the United States Naval Academy on June 6, 1890, and was commissioned ensign in 1892.

During the Spanish–American War, he served as executive officer of the Hawk,[2] participating in the blockade of Cuban ports and in the capture of four enemy ships.

Awarded the Navy Cross for his World War I and Peace Commission service, he was detached from the Naval Advisory Staff in May 1919 and, in July, returned to sea duty as commanding officer of the battleship, Texas.

During the 1920s, he served on the General Board from 1921 to 1923; was promoted to Rear Admiral in 1924; commanded Destroyer Squadrons, Battle Fleet, from 1924 to 1926; headed the War Plans Division of the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations from 1926 to 1929; was a member of the Naval Advisory Staff, Geneva Conference in 1927; and commanded Battleship Division 4, Battle Fleet in 1929.

In 1930, he was commissioned Commander in Chief, Battle Force, with the accompanying rank of admiral; and in 1933, after 47 years of service, he retired.