Wakefield High School

My child is a Sophomore, and is doing extremely well. Of course every child is different so I can only speak for mine. It is true that it's usually the same parents involved in PTSA, and the same ones in each sport, but that's no different than any other school I've seen. There are many Honors & AP classes to choose from, many electives, many sports. We live nearby just so my child can attend; did not like other schools in the area (not as good or very expensive).
—Submitted by a parent

Two of my three children have graduated from Wakefield High School . My youngest is in 7th grade. One in 2009 and the other in 2011. Like all schools there are great. engaging, motivated teachers and some who are putting in their time. The current principal is the 3rd in 7 years. The first one we met retired in 2006. The second was transferred to a brand new WCPSS high school to start it up. The current one is okay. Not a dynamo but not awful. There are many AP courses to choose from starting in 10th grade. The music program is fantastic. Athletics have waxed and waned in quality. Not uncommon in a school this size. Is it a "perfect school?" No. Having lived in several states and Europe, I've yet to find one including the snooty little town in grew up in in CT. 5? to average opinions over an 8 year period, including a special ed parent's opinion, seems a but ridiculous. Parental involvement could be improved. I felt like i saw the same parents at every event managing activities. JMHO: you get out of WHS what you put into it. If your child chooses to be engaged and involved, it should be a positive experience.
—Submitted by a parent

We are looking to move to this area, please send any updated reviews/comments. Would like to hear about the woman experience from Texas.

When we moved here from Texas 5 years ago my daughter was 9 years old so we started looking around for the best school in the Raleigh area. We were pleased to see that Wakefield High School was at the top of the list with a 10 rating. But now that my daughter is old enough for high school Wakefield has a 5 rating? What happened to this school? either way, we choose another school to send our daughter to you should check into this as well..
—Submitted by a parent

We moved into Wakefield Plantation just to be able to send our 3 children to the Wonderful Wakefield Schools Campus'. We have been very pleased with the positive attitude teachers have at The High School. The staff is very friendly and down to earth with both students and parents, I believe this is why the students enjoy this school so much and do so well. I cannot say enough about any other High School in Wake County Wakefield Experience motivates your children want to learn. The school has very creative teachers who make learning fun and a challenge. Athletics at Wakefield are awesome. So many sports to choose from and high parent involvement also. Wakefield students are like a team, everyone works together to make everything in the school run great. Great School No others compare in our book.
—Submitted by a parent

I love Wakefield High School. I started as a sophomore from Kansas. I didn't know what to expect and did not like my former school. The atmosphere here tends to be crowded, though orderly; There are almost 3000 students in this school (second large in NC), but I love it, it only creates an outlet to meet more people and there is SO MUCH DIVERSITY! You can definitely find your niche here. When I first went to Wakefield orientation, there was a student panel and each the students had a impressive and long list of experience in school activities. It's funny because I never thought I'd be one of those students. There are SO MANY OPPORTUNITIES HERE! I love the classes I've taken here too and I don't feel like I've wasted my time here!
—Submitted by a student

We moved here last year from Florida and my son was a highly gifted underachiever. He has really blossomed into an amzing student and athlete thanks to Wakefield. The ninth grade center segregates the young kids from the older ones and I think that is amazing and helpful. I don't think 14yr. olds should be with 18yr. olds. He is happy and well adjusted and the education is awesome. I have had a wonderful experience my sons first year at Wakefield High. There is a caring staff and invloved principal. The standards are high and the staffis helpful and they want our children to succeed.
—Submitted by a parent

I was apprehensive about putting my daughter in a public school when we moved from Austin, TX, to Raleigh. (It was like stepping back in time 20 years). But, I have been very impressed with the quality of education Wakefield has provided. The academic program is above average for Raleigh, as is the selection of extracurricular activities. Those parents complaining would most likely complain regardless where they put their child.
—Submitted by a parent

My son attended this high school for three years. He is developmentally delayed and has learning disabilities. During the three years he was there, I have never been more frustrated with the lack of commitment to the program that addresses children with special needs. The program needs an over haul along with many of the teachers who are following the I.E.P's (individual eduacation plan). But then of course, Wakefield focuses so much on the students who don't have disabilities, that those that do, easily slip through the cracks. Thank god my son finally graduated from such a pompus, self centered environment, with students that have such poor morals and values.
—Submitted by a parent

I have been pleasantly surprised with Wakefield. The teachers, administrators and coaches are all top notch. They have inspired my 9th grade son to become a more mature and serious student athlete. The communication between the school and parents is by far the best that I have ever experienced.
—Submitted by a parent

The only reason this school has the number of resources it does is because it is situated in one of the richest areas in the county. Wahoo NCLB funding! But for all the money the parents throw at it, what it manages to get done is less than stellar.
—Submitted by a student

This school is the best school in Wake County. The teachers are Awesome and the students are great. The school offers all kinds of activities and always keep the students involved. Great School!
—Submitted by a parent

We have an excellent first impression. Our freshman was previously homeschooled, and we've been pleasantly surprised by all the faculty and staff at Wakefield. Our son has been motivated by most of his teachers, and all have been courteous and responsive. We have attended various sports events, and find the students well behaved, especially by today's standards! The athletic program is outstanding, producing state champions in its first five years of existence. Given the challenges faces by all public schools, Wakefield appears to be surpassing most.
—Submitted by Steve, a parent

Programs are mediocre, sadly the extracurricular activities are limited due to new school budget. I wish there was more parent involvement. This school does need improved supervision. Seems many students leave without having permission during lunch, etc. As with many highschools I believe the drug use, and/or alcohol use is common. Still going through growing pains is my summarization.
—Submitted by a parent

Newer school in an affluent neighborhood. We have seen it mature in the past four years to a school with excellent teachers and support for the students.
—Submitted by a parent