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November 2023 by Kimberly Myers
After attending WCDS for four years, I chose to remove my daughter from this school. I'm deeply disappointed in the inability of WCDS to provide an appropriate environment and proper support for students and their families.There are several specific concerns too complicated to elaborate here. However, I will share one of my most important complaints related to the safety and well being of young people attending this school: my daughter attended a class trip to Spain with WCDS in March 2023. During this time, she was removed from her host family’s home and placed in THE GARAGE of another home (without heat or access to WiFi to reach me) without my consent. I was told to be thankful that the school saved me the cost of flying my daughter home (before their scheduled flight) and this was the only option for my child. I immediately removed my child from WCDS upon their return from Spain.I later spoke with Mr. Larner, the head of school, who did not listen to my concerns, had zero sympathy, and down right refused to acknowledge the school/staff’s wrongdoing.It's infuriating to witness an educational institute demonstrate favoritism and be more invested in turning a profit than students’ progress.(For context, until her final year of enrollment at WCDS, my daughter had no negative history of behavioral or academic issues.)Since the incident with my daughter, I’ve spoke with at least five other parents who have had seriously negative experiences with this school. I do not recommend Wakefield Country Day School.
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July 2023 by C C
I absolutely LOVE WCDS! My daughter started middle school there & I wish we would have started her in kindergarten. The curriculum is challenging, the teachers actually care and everyone is so welcoming. The kids have many opportunities that other schools don't offer; from travelling to internships and more! It's easy to see why WCDS's graduates are so successful after they leave. Would highly recommend!
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June 2022 by Susan J.
We've had the most amazing experience at WCDS. My oldest son is a rising sophomore in college and is majoring in Medical science. I can't emphasize enough how the curriculum and the workload at WCDS has benefited him in college. He finished his first year with A's and his study skills and time management skills are definitely Wakefield!! My youngest is a rising freshman at WCDS and he is thriving. There is just enough competition to keep him interested in academics and sports but not so much that he is stressed. The community is great for parents and kids. The school has been through many ups and downs, but is still resilient and stands strong in the face of many obstacles. No school is perfect and of course no school is perfect for everyone, but our family has found the best school for our boys and we couldn't be more grateful.
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May 2022 by Natalia S.
Bad experience at Wakefield Country Day SchoolI urge you to seek opinions from those who are at this school and those who had decided to depart (and there are many), especially mid-year. It takes courage to post negative experience online, but because it did happen to us and others whom we know, I suggest you look through the veil.My overall opinion of the school is that it is a business first and foremost. You will feel like you are being milked for money every step of the way. Not only is the tuition the highest in the area, but then there are constant requests for school supplies "donations", uniforms, projects that you have to fund, fundraisers, etc. The school is very good at taking money but not refunding it. Wellbeing of a child and family engagement comes second to that. The idea is to take your child and put them in a box, not welcoming family engagement. Your opinion is not taken into consideration. Yes, you will hear what you want to hear but actions are completely different. My child was only 3 years of age and she began to struggle with tantrums and tears not wanting to go to school. I could hardly recognize her. She could not verbalize her experience yet, and the teacher has poor and inconsistent communication flow, so I was left to figure things out for myself. My child's frustration level became progressively worse. This was a loaded issue that had to do with an inexperienced overwhelmed young teacher who did not have the bravery to ask for support from the school; superiors at the school blamed a young child instead of taking responsibility for things they were doing to enable the issue; observation was not allowed; head of the school (no heart or compassion, just a lawyer driven by greed) did not ask a single question about our experience at the school and instead threatened to sue if we did not pay the remainder of the tuition and bus fees, essentially services we did not intend to use after departure. His immediate tone was threatening, without ever having a conversation prior to this. Not professional at all. I was shocked and deeply disappointed. Of course, this type of attitude sets the tone for the school where everything is driven by fear. So you have to ask yourself, is this what you want for your child and for your family?From other parents I have heard stories of bullying, clicks, threats, unkind behavior. We were at this school for about 5 months and I would not wish that on anyone. My suggestion is to read your contract carefully. It protects the school, but how does it protect your interests and your child's?
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January 2022 by Terry S.
Not a good experience - we had to pull our kid out due to general incompetence. The guy they hired a few years ago to run the school is a lawyer, if that tells you anything.
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January 2022 by Mason S.
School has the worst sportsmanship in basketball. We're cussing at a level that was unnecessary to their opponent. If you are looking to book a game against them I would not recommend it.
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July 2021 by Sarah C.
We are COVID Refugees - starting at Wakefield Country as they were the only school brave enough to offer in-person learning during the 2020-2021 academic year. Our kids were 3rd and 5th grade.Their dedication to student learning and experience is well above anything we could have hoped for. They took every reasonable measure to ensure the health of the teachers and students while refusing to compromise on quality of education. They had NO issues last year and my kids absolutely blossomed at WCDS. Not only are the teachers and staff outstanding at their jobs, you can tell they actually enjoy them. The community of families is welcoming, diverse and supportive. We thought we'd just be here for the year, but having seen first hand the positive impact of what truly great school can do for my kids - we are lifers.
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January 2020 by Alexander Zheltov
Love the School
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January 2020 by Alanna Mensing
After touring many schools for my children to attend, I knew I had found a home at Wakefield. The curriculum on the website was attractive, but it was the feel of the school that was the perfect fit. Students here are polite, genuine, and happy. I took three tours of this school before our first day, and it was the same every time. The staff not only know the students by name, they know these students as family.My son's first day of school was a huge deal for me, but I never doubted our choice. I was afraid of how he would react when I picked him up that first day. But when I saw him, he gave me a huge smile and said he loved his new school. I look forward to continuing here for many years!
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January 2019 by Veronica Porterfield
I have always had a sense of how special this school is because, from the beginning, it was one of a very few places outside of our house in which our daughter has felt at home. As an intelligent and curious but also highly sensitive and empathetic person, she might have found it challenging to have both her intellectual and emotional needs met in an academic environment. And as you know, as a former homeschooling mother, I had a high bar for a school for my kids: it was very important to me that the environment foster a love of learning, establish a strong academic foundation through a rigorous classical education, encourage students to pursue their interests, encourage creativity and critical thinking, but most of all take an interest in – and help to develop – them as people. Wakefield has done all of those things for my kids, and more. I have seen this through my daughter's middle and high school years at Wakefield, and in the few short months that my son has been there this year. In a magical intersection of small class sizes, smart teachers who are invested in their subjects and students, and faculty and staff who care about the kids as individuals, Wakefield is a place where students can grow intellectually, emotionally and morally with the support and encouragement of the adults around them. My son, who attended public school for several years and started as an honor student but towards the end was struggling with attendance and grades, has been thriving at Wakefield. When I asked him why, he said, “It’s easier to do well at Wakefield, not because classes or tests are easier, but because teachers actually know the material they’re teaching rather than just teaching / reading out of a book. They actually explain things, so I understand my subjects now. That’s a big part of it. Also, the other kids want to learn, and for the most part are trying to do what’s right. It’s just a better environment.” It’s also been enormously helpful for him to have personal relationships with his teachers rather than just being an anonymous kid in a sea of students.Anyway, I’ve known all of this about Wakefield for some time, but it particularly struck me during the graduation ceremony last June when the time came for diplomas to be presented. I’ll admit that part of me expected the ceremony to be quite short because there were fewer than 30 students in the graduating class – how long could it take to award diplomas? But as each name was called, a faculty member gave a short tribute to that student: unique contributions, special interests, funny memories – in short, the ways in which the student had touched the school community and would be remembered. It was clear to me that each student at Wakefield is seen and appreciated for the person that they are, and that they each have an impact on the community just as the school community plays a significant role in their development. So I was filled with gratitude that day that my daughter (and now my son) have been part of the Wakefield family and have experienced this, that they’ve been prepared academically and nurtured personally at a school that is interested not only in cultivating minds, but also hearts.
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January 2018 by Tearyn Loving
We could not be more pleased with or enthusiastic about Wakefield Country Day School. Last fall WCDS embraced our then 3-year old and he has thrived in an environment that he feels safe in, is loved, and has so many friends of all ages. The school's new Summer Bridge program was exactly what our now 4-year old needed to help him stay engaged during the summer and we are confident that he will have a great start to the upcoming school year thanks to the program and its instructor, Ashlyn. The Summer Bridge program and Ashlyn have been invaluable for our 2-year old's introduction to structured learning and helping him feel comfortable, safe, and most importantly - happy, away from home. Ashlyn has provided the perfect balance of play and learning in the most caring way and we could not be more grateful to her and the other members of WCDS's staff.
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January 2017 by Leslie T Fidburn
I have been a Wakefield Country Day School parent for six years. In that time I have observed the WCDS community quietly and humbly obeying the (Christian) First and Second Commandments. It is a loving community that cares deeply for its children.High expectations (in behavior, academics, service, sports, arts) and diversity are the norms; if error occurs there are consequences; forgiveness follows. The college application process is carefully customized for each senior. Staff turnover is minimal. Seasoned teachers are wise and joyous; new teachers are well qualified and enthusiastic. The school’s facilities are modest; it operates debt free and is steadily increasing its fundraising abilities.If your child is college bound I highly recommend WCDS. You will respect the process; there are ample opportunities for parent participation. Most importantly your child will bloom and eventually graduate, prepared for college success.
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January 2017 by David Calderon
I want to express my joy and gratitude for both the exceptional education, and virtues taught to my daughter over the years. My wife and I had the opportunity to see her compete in this year’s YouthCon scholarship award headed by AASuccess in Arlington. While our aim was to allow her to become familiar with the scholarship application process, we were able measure her ability to perform alongside junior and senior students from the region. The two-step process involved writing an essay to qualify for an oral presentation round, which involved presenting to a panel 6 judges before being selected as a finalist. My daughter was the only 9th grader to qualify to the final round and was the overall 2nd place award recipient. We were incredibly proud to see all the years of preparation and educational development she has received at Wakefield put in display. There has never been any doubt in my mind that Wakefield provides a top-notch education, but it was incredibly gratifying to be able to see it in person. I felt compelled to share with all just how fortunate we feel to be part of the Wakefield family, and to thank all her teachers for everything they do for our children.
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January 2016 by Christi Hendricks
I don't normally write reviews but I have seen a review recently and thought that it would be good for people reading reviews to see the other side. WCDS is a wonderful school providing a safe, nurturing environment for the children and young adults that attend. WCDS is not a religious school yet they do offer Catholic education classes if the parents choose to have their child attend. WCDS does heavily value morals. No child is persecuted for their religious belief. I saw a review stating "taking the Lord's name in vain" is frowned upon and yes, it is, but if you honor all religious beliefs those of us that are Christian do find this offensive so rather than saying this is a bad thing, it should be commended that WCDS is protecting Christians along with all other religions. We had a small problem (not even certain problem is the right word) with a Religion teacher, Mrs. Lindstrom and staff handled the problem appropriately and professionally from start to finish.Our son left a private school in Springfield, VA withering and strongly disliking school to come to WCDS. In this academic year that he has attended WCDS he has thrived emotionally and academically. He has been given encouragement and treated with respect. They have treated my husband and I with the same respect. Our son is getting a top notch education and loving it.Please keep in mind that reviews written in anger over an incident can be harsh and also that I, writing this review, have no idea of the circumstances surrounding the harsh reviews. The people that have written less than stellar reviews have an absolute right to publish their reviews just as people that are writing wonderful reviews. I can only speak about our own experience at WCDS and we love it. There is always going to be a problem somewhere (work, school, home), but it is how we work through these problems that make us shine and teach our children how to become functioning, well adjusted members of an ever changing society.
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January 2015 by Kathleen Elar
WCDS provides an atmosphere for all students to achieve their goals for the future. The director, Mrs. Lindstrom has brought successful educational concepts and new ideas and continues to promote the Wakefield Philosophy and one the best Classical Educations in Virginia. Every teacher gives so much to every student and goes the extra mile to help them achieve their best. My son has thrived at WCDS as he's been there for 14 years. This combination has resulted in our graduates attending the very best colleges in America.
