Wakefield School

As headmaster at Wakefield for the past 15 years, I am concerned because recent reviews about the social situation at the school do not align with either my recollection of parent concerns expressed to me, or with what I observe at Wakefield, nor what the Wakefield culture in general is known for. Certainly, Wakefield students are not saints; they are bright capable kids who sometimes make mistakes, and sometimes have to be disciplined. However, we aim to be as racially diverse as the counties in which we operate, and our students are uniformly praised for their manners, kindness, and good behavior by adults who do not know them (museum guides, bus drivers, visiting lecturers, etc. - people who have no reason to withhold criticism from me). I would welcome the opportunity to schedule a time to discuss this with anyone interested in learning more about the school.
--Submitted by a teacher

There are a couple of problems in this school. There is an over abundance of parents who teach and are in the business office/administration. What this means is a lot of favoritism and conflict of interest. Naturally, the parents who work there are attracted by the tuition discount for their kid and work their connections. Even though people are asked to fill out forms that ask for things about other students and, or their parents, to be kept under folks just can't keep things to themselves. Yes, he who pays the big donations gets preferential treatment whether it's academics or otherwise. That said, the elementary school has an excellent head who takes her job super seriously. However, when it comes to Middle school, they have had a revolving door of heads, and the current head seems to be biding his time till the next job, or so that is what we all think. There are a bunch of issues. For example teachers tend to be absent, often, and when you have a porblem with a teacher, it doesn't get dealt with in a timely manner

As a student, I have excelled in my performance. I'm still in Middle School, but this is what I have accomplished in just one year: High Honors, Johns Hopkins program, high PSAT scores, and currently I am working on my history project, (which I will be competing in at Maryland University). Academically, I would say the homework hours are worth it if you are committed to class. Socially on the other hand is more of a failure. But school isn't about friends, since this is a college-prep school. Wakefield has stretched to accommodate the needs of individual students, and only needs to improve on social life. The teachers are fantastic and I feel I can talk to them comfortably. Advisory should change up a bit so that we can learn more about each other, as our advisors seem lacking. If I could choose any school in the world, I would pick Wakefield.

Thank you for commenting on your experience at Wakefield School. We are disappointed to learn that you did not have an exemplary experience here. Please contact us to set up an appointment to discuss your concerns so that we may address the issue.
--Submitted by a teacher

Great community of parents, caring teachers, great physical environment. Unfortunately, school leadership is out of touch, particularly in the upper school. Bullying is pervasive and consequence free. Upper School leadership ignores emails and phone calls from parents. Your children will need therapy, avoid this school.
--Submitted by a parent

We have to agree with previous reviews. There is an apparent caste system at Wakefield, especially in the upper school. The rules are enforced differently depending on who you are, there is a startling lack of diversity, and school leadership is not only unresponsive to reports of bullying, they seem to become retaliatory against victims. It's an embarassment to the great teaching staff the school leadership is so poor.
--Submitted by a parent

My children have been at Wakefield since PreK and we they have had am amazing experience.
--Submitted by a parent

This school's bottom line is money. The more you have and give to the school, the better your kid will be treated. My son was bullied on the bus. After repeatedly informing the office and headmaster, nothing was ever done. My son endured more than a year of this. The bullies came from a rich family with four kids (aka 4X tuition). As my son was an only child, you do the math. We did think his teachers were great, but not worth starting every day with tripping, name-calling, backpack stealing, isolation, arm-twisting, etc. and no enforcement. So while I admit that Wakefield is strong academically, we finally transferred my son to a public "gifted center" school, where he's thrived. There is now more opportunity for him to do things he likes: band, chess club, a strong boy scout troop, etc. Also, Wakefield is 98 percent white. We wanted our son to meet/work with kids from other cultures and races, since America is made up of more than just white people. But if you like to be coerced into a million fundraisers, play lacrosse, isolate yourself from other cultures and write over your life savings to your school, this may be a good place for your kids.
--Submitted by a parent

Wakefield has so much to offer children. In sending my daughter to Wakefield, I truly feel that I am doing all I can for my daughter. She is challenged in many different ways everyday. The faculty is wonderful. It has been a great experience.
--Submitted by a parent

Wakefield is a fine school for people who are looking for a classical education with some pretty clear and ambitious standards. Our children have been challenged and supported in their classes, and in their activities, and by their advisors. I don't think Wakefield is for everyone because children and parents need to be committed to the things Wakefield talks about in their mission statement. I have watched the places where their kids go to college, and I know from talking to several of their graduates that the alumni feel they were exceptionally well prepared for college at Wakefield.
--Submitted by a parent