Wakefield Elementary School

Thankfully we have a new opportunity with a new Principle to turn things around by increase testing acores, changing this to a traditional calendar school and implenment a zero tolerance policy along with uniforms. As a parent with 2 children currently attending WES, I think these changes would increase scores and entice more Wakefield families who have moved their children to private shcools to return to Wakefield Elementary. If we make this more of a "Neighborhood school" as it was origionally intended to be, we will see an increase in participation in the PTA as well as more parent volunteers in the classroom. Wakelfield Elementary employees some of the most amazing teaching staff who will help Wakefield Elementary become one of the top performing schools again. I have spent many hours voluteering at this school and realize that some significant changes need to be made in order to bring it back to a top performing school. I think the opportunity is NOW and we should make every effort to voice our oppinionso can reach its potentiial - the best elementary school in North Raleigh/ Wake Forest.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter has been at Wakefield for 3 years, and I could not be happier. The staff is warm and nurturing, and the kids on her grade level are wonderful. It makes me excited about her future in the Wakefield Schools.I don't understand what the parent was saying about a bad student community. That is one instance that could be found anywhere. Overall, the school is top notch. We need more technology, but it is expensive, and we need more money from the county. It is hard to compare with the newer schools, who can spend their start up money on it.
—Submitted by a parent

We have been at WES since 2006. I am very comfortable with the staff at this school. The overcrowding is no longer an issue. The AG teacher is very good, and I feel the program provides a good challenge for both the strong and moderate AG students. I have volunteered in the classroom and the thing I love most is the homey atmosphere. At the end of the day when waiting in the carpool line, the kids all seem happy. One thing I think that has hurt the school is the year round nature, it is not as unified as in the past, though I do like the year round in other ways, as it gives the kids breaks throughout the year. I also like the closeness of the Wakefield schools to each other and the area in general.
—Submitted by a parent

Tax dollars would have no effect on indulgent, aggressive parental influences. Even the excellent faculty and administration at Wakefield Elementary can not override years of social manipulation tactics learned at home.

Unlike the parent who previously posted two reviews about her child's social experiences, I have personally experienced a positive social situation at WES. The teachers are quite good and the students are all part of a normalized public school environment. North Carolina as a whole could do better in terms of tax dollars allocated to public school education.
—Submitted by a parent

We left Wakefield Elementary after my child endured a very difficult social environment for 18 months.
—Submitted by a parent

The social environment at Wakefield Elementary was intolerable. My child was pushed down during PE, excluded from companionship at lunch for winning a Bingo game, and harassed for excelling academically.
—Submitted by a parent

I have a kindergartener. Small class size approx 20 children. She is very happy, learning, and really seems to be enjoying herself. I am extremely pleased w/the teacher and TA. Very organized, caring, and nurturing.
—Submitted by a parent

Great school and wonderful subdivision! I have two children attending the school and they are learning well.
—Submitted by a parent

Great School with caring teachers and great community. Moved here from NJ and love it!
—Submitted by a parent

I have had 2 children go through Wakefield, and have been very impressed with the teaching staff. Committed, knowledgeable, and inspiring has been my experience. They have made a point of challenging my AG children - I could not be more pleased.
—Submitted by a parent

Wakefield Elementary has done an amazing job at differentiating instruction for my AG daughter. She is appropriately challenged based on her academic abilities, yet they keep in mind her actual age and make sure instruction is appropriate. We researched private schools in the area and found nowhere as adaptable to her particular needs. The overcrowding mentioned in other reviews is no longer a problem: the school is under-populated. In one kindergarten class, there are only 17 students with a teacher and an assistant. I couldn't have asked for a better school.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been extremely impressed with the teachers and staff at WES. I definitely feel my sons are learning at or above their age level. I would recommend this school to anyone! Kep up the great work!
—Submitted by a parent

Although I like the school as does my son, I don't think I have any choice but to find alternative schooling for him. The teachers are exceptional. It would be nice if they got more support from the principle. I also am concerned with the disparity within the classroom. Some students are more advanced than others yet because of the track system it isn't possible to separate the children according to skill level.
—Submitted by a parent

My son is in 1st grade and loves the staff! Car pooling is in need of some work and the principle should make more of an appearance from her office. The kids seem to be smiling as they enter every morning and the staff does care about the students! Very happy with school!
—Submitted by a parent

I love WES. Since the changes last year they are working soo hard to get this year-round thing working. My son is striving in this school and all concerns have always been addressed. AG program needs a little work- very tenatious at times. A 4th grade parent.
—Submitted by a parent

This school was okay. The overcrowding is a huge problem. One playground is repeatedly unsuable due to inadequate drainage and the other playground is overrun by children and portable buildings. It's not my first choice for my children.
—Submitted by a teacher

This is a great school, with a bit of overcrowding at the moment. The County is working toward alleviating the problem, but in the interim there are cottages-which most of the children love ! The staff is wonderful, and the kids have an awesome experience here. Much much much parent involvement. Great place for kids to be !
—Submitted by a parent

Wakefield Elementary is an excellent school with very heavy parent involvement. Enrollment is higher than posted on the website here - it is over 1,000 this year alone but then again the entire Wake district is over crowded due to huge growth because the schools and the greater Raleigh area are so nice. Despite the need for cottages (trailers) for 2 whole grades, the educational experience cannot be beat! The principal and teachers are first rate and the school extremely well run. The chorus is great - for 3rd to 5th graders, Arts program first class, and wonderful specialty programs and teachers. We are moving and HATE leaving this amazing school behind.
—Submitted by Wakefield Mom, a parent