Wakefield School has a remarkable community made of families, faculty, friends, trustees, and alumni. We hope you enjoy learning about the Carey family.
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Joshua, Amber, Piers, and Sophia Carey
Amber and Piers Carey have two children at Wakefield: Joshua (rising second grader), and Sophia (rising first grader)
In what city do you live? Aldie
In what grades are your children? First and second.
How long have you had children at Wakefield? This will be our second year at Wakefield.
What sorts of activities do you enjoy doing as a family? Traveling and exploring new cultures, going to the movies, summer picnics, biking and going to the theatre.
What aspects do you like most about having children at Wakefield? After we decided to explore a new school for our children, we made a list of what we felt was important to us in a school. These areas included small class sizes, a classical education with dedicated teachers, strong values, a safe environment, and the opportunity for extra-curricular activities.
Wakefield not only fulfilled all of this criteria, but offers so much more! As you drive onto the beautiful countryside campus, there is a strong feeling of community that is made up of faculty, students and parents. We couldn't wish for a better setting for our children to grow as individuals.
What do your children like most about Wakefield?
Joshua (second grader) - "I love eating lunch with my friends, computer class, and P.E. I had fun learning instruments for our recital. My favorite part was getting my 'Society of Sums' award!"
Sophia (first grader) - "I love computer class, doing art projects and singing in the Kindergarten play. I also love going on field trips."
Please share an experience or story that demonstrates what makes Wakefield special to you. Each morning I drive towards the school drop-off area and we are greeted by smiling faculty excited about the upcoming school day. These individuals are teachers, Department Heads, and even the Headmaster. They approach the car to say hello and assist in helping the children, should they need it. As I wave goodbye to my young students, I hear the Headmaster yell out "Good morning, Scholars." As a parent you know that your children are in safe hands and are surrounded by encouraging, dedicated educators.
In what ways do you enjoy being involved in the Wakefield Community? I had the opportunity to be a room parent last year as well as assist the teachers during field trips. I also really enjoyed working with the Auction team to organize a fun and successful event.
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Jared, Karen, Hannah, Kevin, and Rachel Cole
Karen and Kevin have three children at Wakefield: Rachel (tenth grade), Hannah (fifth grade), and Jared (third)
Where does your family live?
We live in Nokesville on 15 acres just off of Vint Hill Rd.
What grades are your children in?
Our children are in 10th, 5th and 3rd grades.
How long have you had children at Wakefield?
Rachel is going into her fourth year; Hannah is starting her third year; and Jared is beginning his second year at Wakefield.
What kind of activities does your family enjoy?
We enjoy sailing and traveling as a family. We also enjoy concerts, theatre and sports together.
In what ways do you enjoy being involved in the Wakefield community?
I enjoy being at school as a substitute, room mom, parent
and friend.
What aspects of Wakefield do you like the most?
I guess as my first response when asked "WHY" we are at Wakefield, I would have to say the size. All of our children thrive with the smaller class sizes. But there is so much more. The teachers are dedicated to their students and often go above and beyond the expectations and requirements. They don't hesitate to call or e-mail when something is less than perfect, but they are also quick to acknowledge any triumphs (big or small), exceptionally good behavior, and Wakefield citizenship and courtesies. That means a great deal to our family. All children need positive reinforcements - Wakefield has a way of making each student feel welcome, secure and worthy.
Wakefield is a place where it is COOL to be smart! And it is OK to be average, knowing that the faculty will work hard and expect the same wonderful things from each of the students. The students respect the teachers and faculty while the teachers and faculty have respect for the students.
What do your children like most about being Wakefield students?
I am not sure that our children can tell you what their favorite part about Wakefield is. I don't think that any of them truly grasp how lucky they are to have this wonderful experience. They LOVE their teachers, every single one of them; they adore their friends, and they enjoy all of the time they spend at school. All three of them couldn't wait to return to school this year.
Please share a story or experience that is indicative of your Wakefield experience.
I can't pick just one story or event that could express how grateful we are to have our children at Wakefield. Some of the things that stand out as extraordinary would be: The Medieval Faire, Immigration Day, Grandparents' Day, 8th grade graduation, Field Day, Back-to-School picnic, the annual auction, watching the swim team grow, the fabulous music and theatre productions, watching the Senior class escort the 1st graders to class on the first day of school, and the smiles when the students/faculty/staff acknowledge one another in the hall. It is an extraordinary place full of extraordinary people.
It is hard to believe that Wakefield School is considered a small school. It is almost funny! Everything that they do is BIG! There is nothing small at Wakefield.
The first time that I heard Mr. Quinn speak (more than five years ago) of seeking challenges, making a difference, and leading an extraordinary life, I didn't truly understand the magnitude. Now that we have an Upper School student and two Lower School students at Wakefield, I have discovered that not only is it possible but probable. They live those words every day, not just at school but at home as well.