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Wakefield Thought Leaders
Welcome to Wakefield Thought Leaders, a dynamic collection of articles showcasing the expertise and innovation within our community. Written by our talented educators and respected voices beyond Wakefield, these insightful pieces cover a wide range of topics. From mental health and wellbeing to pioneering in education, athletics, the arts, and global citizenship, each article reflects the thought leadership, passion, and unique experiences that shape our students into engaged citizens.
Now viewing articles in the category Wakefield Thought Leaders.
In the Spotlight: Wakefield’s The Play That Goes Wrong Featured in Middleburg Life
April 1st, 2026
Published in: Middleburg Life & Hunt Country - April 2026
Middleburg Life spotlights Wakefield’s upcoming production of The Play That Goes Wrong in Diane Helentjaris’ article, “The Play That Goes Wrong”: Dr. Toby Brings the West End Hit to Wakefield, highlighting the direction, student performers, and creative energy behind one of the school’s most ambitious shows. Read the full feature and don’t miss your chance to see one of the most entertaining shows of the year.
Strengthening Leadership to Support Wakefield’s Growing Vision
April 1st, 2026
Wakefield School is strengthening its leadership model to create a more connected, cohesive experience for students from JK through Grade 12. By aligning academic programs, campus life, and strategic growth, this evolution ensures that every part of the Wakefield experience is intentional and future-focused.
New leadership roles across key areas position the school to support students more fully—both in and beyond the classroom.
Posted in: Wakefield Thought LeadersWakefield Awarded National Grant to Advance Faculty Excellence
March 17th, 2026
HELP UNLOCK THE $200,000 FACULTY INVESTMENT
Wakefield School has been awarded a $100,000 grant from the Edward E. Ford Foundation, one of the most respected philanthropic organizations in independent education. This highly competitive national recognition is awarded to a small number of schools each year and reflects those shaping the future of teaching and learning.
Selected as one of only 18 schools nationwide, Wakefield is also among a select few to have received multiple Ford grants in recent years—an extraordinary vote of confidence in our faculty and vision.
Posted in: Wakefield Thought LeadersA New Chapter for Wakefield Squash
March 1st, 2026
Published in: Country Zest & Style - Spring 2026, p. 21
This student-written piece highlights a pivotal season for Wakefield’s squash program—one defined by transition, resilience, and renewed momentum.
Following a championship year and the graduation of most of its varsity roster, the 2026 team entered a rebuilding phase under new head coach Henry Beach and a strategic partnership with Bee Squash. With a young, largely inexperienced lineup, Wakefield rose to the challenge—returning to nationals, developing strong team chemistry, and laying the groundwork for future success.
Written by freshman and team member Zachary M, the article offers an inside look at a program shaped not just by competition, but by leadership, perseverance, and a deep commitment to the sport.
Beyond Awareness: Building Partnership in Protecting Children Online
November 6th, 2025
Wakefield School’s recent Parent Education Night, Navigating Online Safety, brought together parents, educators, and experts from the FBI Washington Field Office for an honest and empowering conversation about keeping children safe in today’s digital world. The evening emphasized that awareness and communication are a parent’s strongest tools.
With practical strategies, shared research, and a spirit of partnership between home and school, the event underscored Wakefield’s commitment to helping parents guide children through technology with confidence, care, and connection.
Posted in: Wakefield Thought Leaders, Parent EducationWakefield’s Senior Kayak Trip: A Tradition of Reflection, Unity, and Stewardship
November 1st, 2025
Published in: Warrenton Lifestyle Magazine - November 2025, p. 10 & Haymarket Gainesville Lifestyle Magazine - November 2025, p. 8
Each fall, Wakefield School’s Senior Kayak Trip launches the graduating class into their final year with intention and heart. Blending reflection, friendship, and environmental stewardship, the multi-day journey on the Shenandoah River invites students to step into leadership and adulthood with gratitude and unity. Through letter-writing, shared storytelling, and time on the water, seniors deepen their connections to each other and to the world around them. The tradition—rooted in two decades of care and community—remains a defining Wakefield experience that sets a mindful tone for the year ahead.
Expert Parenting Insights: Navigating Online Safety
October 21st, 2025
Wakefield School is partnering with the FBI Washington Field Office for a special Parent Education Night focused on navigating the evolving digital world. Experts from the FBI Child Exploitation Human Trafficking Task Force will share timely insights and practical strategies to help families understand online risks, recognize warning signs, and build confidence in guiding their children safely online.
Open to the public, Wakefield invites the greater community to gain valuable insights and practical strategies for navigating the challenges of modern parenting.
AI in Education: The Wakefield Way
October 1st, 2025
Published in: Warrenton Lifestyle Magazine - October 2025, p. 10 & Haymarket Gainesville Lifestyle Magazine - October 2025, p. 8
"Students are preparing for a world where AI is as common as calculators, search engines, or word processors. To thrive, they must know not only how to use these tools but also how to question them, verify them, and avoid leaning on them as crutches."
Artificial Intelligence (AI) sits at the crossroads of opportunity and challenge. Its ability to explain concepts, provide instant feedback, and generate ideas makes it a powerful tool for students. Yet, used improperly, it can undermine independent thought and erode academic honesty. Wakefield has taken a deliberate approach to AI, one that prepares students for the future while safeguarding the timeless values that define the school’s culture.
Wakefield Recognized Among the Best Schools in America for 2026
September 30th, 2025
VIEW WAKEFIELD’S FULL NICHE PROFILE AND RANKINGS HERE!
Wakefield School is proud to announce it has been nationally recognized as the #1 Best Private K–12 School in Fauquier County and one of the Best Schools in America by Niche, the leading platform for school and college rankings.
In its 2026 report, Niche awarded Wakefield an overall A+ Grade and ranked us among the Top 20 private schools in Virginia — #17 statewide. Within Fauquier County, Wakefield earned top honors across multiple categories.
Posted in: Wakefield Thought LeadersFrom Curiosity to Confidence: How Wakefield's Inquiry-Based Learning Shapes Lifelong Thinkers
September 1st, 2025
Published in: Warrenton Lifestyle Magazine - September 2025, p. 10 & Haymarket Gainesville Lifestyle Magazine - September 2025, p. 10
"At Wakefield, curiosity is not a phase to be outgrown but a skill to be nurtured for college, career, and a meaningful life."
Whether it’s a kindergartener asking why the seasons change, a middle-schooler exploring the ethics of artificial intelligence, or an upper school student designing a self-directed capstone project, curiosity is the driving force behind the Wakefield experience. An inquiry-based approach to teaching and learning fosters confident, capable thinkers prepared not only for college but for life.
Fun in the Sun: A Summer of Discovery at Wakefield School
May 1st, 2025
Published in: Warrenton Lifestyle Magazine - May 2025, p. 8 & Haymarket Gainesville Lifestyle Magazine - May 2025, p. 10
Wakefield’s small, connected community gives its camps a special edge. With a 12:1 camper-to-counselor ratio and educators who bring engaging lesson plans to life, every child receives thoughtful attention. “That sense of community really shines through.” —Katie Vanderveldt
The end of the school year doesn't mean the end of learning—or fun—at Wakefield School in The Plains. Each summer, Wakefield transforms into a vibrant hub of creativity and adventure, offering a wide range of thoughtfully curated summer camp experiences.
Expert Parenting Insights: A Conversation with Michael G. Thompson, Ph.D.
March 11th, 2025
Wakefield School welcomed renowned clinical psychologist and best-selling author Dr. Michael G. Thompson for an engaging conversation on raising resilient and responsible children in today’s rapidly changing world. Drawing on more than 50 years of experience, Dr. Thompson offered parents research-based strategies to foster emotional resilience, independence, and character. This event is part of Wakefield’s ongoing Parent Education series, bringing meaningful conversations and trusted experts to our school community.
Posted in: Wakefield Thought Leaders, Parent EducationExpert Parenting Insights with Dr. Michael Thompson
February 11th, 2025
This event has passed. Check out our upcoming Parent Education events here.
Wakefield School welcomes clinical psychologist and New York Times best-selling author Michael Thompson, Ph.D., for a special community event on March 4, 2025. In his engaging session, Raising Resilient and Responsible Children: A Balanced Approach, Dr. Thompson will provide parents with research-backed strategies to foster independence, resilience, and moral growth in their children. The following day, he will also meet with Wakefield faculty, Middle School, and Upper School students to extend the conversation throughout the school community.
Open to the public, Wakefield invites the greater community to gain valuable insights and practical strategies for navigating the challenges of modern parenting.
Posted in: Wakefield Thought Leaders, Parent EducationImprovising At Wakefield Teaches Valuable Lessons
February 1st, 2025
Published in: Country Zest & Style - Winter 2025, p. 6
Imagine being live on stage in front of 200 people eagerly anticipating your performance. For most, this alone would be enough to scare them silly. Now, imagine you have no lines and don't even know what the story is yet. The show must be made up in the moment, with everyone watching.
It's called the art of improvisation, performing on the spot without a script, relying only on your fellow actors and the audience to support you. It's more than enough to give even the most seasoned performer a bad case of stage fright.
And yet, "improv" has taught me more about navigating life as a high school student than I ever could imagine. Every new show, like every moment in life, brings new challenges and opportunities to grow.
Imagination Cast Through Creativity: Wakefield School Visual Arts
December 1st, 2024
Published in: Warrenton Lifestyle Magazine - December 2024, pg. 10 & Haymarket Gainesville Lifestyle Magazine - December 2024, p. 8
“A day without art is a day of lost potential.” —Gary Genther
The Visual Arts stand as a pillar of academic excellence at Wakefield School, deeply intertwined with the school’s mission of fostering “character, curiosity, and clear voices.” Upper School Fine Arts teacher Gary Genther, a monumental presence at Wakefield since 1986, has been instrumental in shaping this program. “A day without art is a day of lost potential,” he emphasizes, underscoring his belief that every student possesses an “artistic personality” worth developing.
On Building—On Stage and Off: Tethering the Joys of Performance Arts to the Joys of Self-Confidence
November 1st, 2024
Published in: Warrenton Lifestyle Magazine - November 2024, pg. 12 & Haymarket Gainesville Lifestyle Magazine - November 2024, p. 10
“Sixth graders built functional stairs for our Addams Family set. Were they perfectly square? No. But they were square and plumb enough…and after the show, those sixth graders brought their parents on stage and said, ‘Dad, I built this!’” —Michael “Jonz” Jones
Wakefield School in The Plains has a long history of celebrating the performing arts and their invaluable role in education, but for many years, one of the key lessons was, Hey, who needs a fancy facility? Great theater can be made ANYWHERE!...
With the completion nearly three years ago of its new state-of-the-art theater and auditorium, though, Wakefield has had the opportunity to expand the experiences it can offer its students...
Playing by Ear: How the Freedom to Explore Grows Confident Musicians–and Confident Kids
November 1st, 2024
Published in: Warrenton Lifestyle Magazine - November 2024, pg. 14 & Haymarket Gainesville Lifestyle Magazine - November 2024, p. 12
“If I asked the faculty to come in my classroom and do even half of what I ask the kids to do, they’d fight me all day! But the kids? They just come in and do it!” —Bess Putnam
Bess Putnam, the second-year Lower School music teacher at Wakefield School who was named Lower School Educator of the Year last spring, has designed a classroom environment so inviting as to make anyone want to start singing, dancing, and playing some music–all of which her students are invited to do each class period. Gazing around her room filled with color, texture, soft light, and especially, musical instruments, she says, “Most children are ready to jump in!”
Global Citizenship: World Language Study as a Pathway to Broad Horizons
October 1st, 2024
Published in: Warrenton Lifestyle Magazine - October 2024, pg. 10 & Haymarket Gainesville Lifestyle Magazine - October 2024, p. 8
“The most important thing that we do is offer two languages, starting at age four! The earlier you start, the easier it is to learn a language—and not just learn, but develop a love and connection to language and to what it opens up for them.” —Connie Lalonde
Many were shocked last year when some universities began to announce the slashing or even the elimination of their world languages departments—but the trend is broader than just those headlines...
At Wakefield School, a mission-based commitment to the cultivation of global citizens drives a robust and vibrant World Languages (WL) Department that begins at the beginning: JK students enjoy twice-weekly world languages experience in both Spanish and French, continuing through Grade 7. In Grade 8, students choose either Spanish, French, or Latin for their required Upper School studies—two years of the same language required, four years recommended.
Mental Health and Wellbeing in the School Setting
September 1st, 2024
Published in: Warrenton Lifestyle Magazine - September 2024, p. 12 & Haymarket Gainesville Lifestyle Magazine - September 2024, p. 10
“We can all help our students develop the skills and tools that help them become well-rounded, warm-hearted adults.” —Dr. Amrit Daryanani
Schools are associated first and foremost with academic preparation—but in both schools and families, an increasingly examined subject today is how we balance the changing world, a college-prep academic program, and the mental and emotional wellbeing of our students. Where and how does student wellbeing intersect with other components of a contemporary and whole education?
For Dr. Amrit Daryanani, Director of Student Services and Wellness at Wakefield School in The Plains and known there as “Dr. D,” the role for wellbeing is not to intersect with other components, but to surround them.
“Leave Those Kids Alone”: Trusting in the Power of Curiosity-Driven, Self-Directed Learning
May 1st, 2024
Published in: Warrenton Lifestyle Magazine - May 2024, p. 10 & Haymarket Gainesville Lifestyle Magazine - May 2024, p. 14
“While I don’t plan on going into a career focused on my independent-study topic, I have thoroughly enjoyed this process and I hope to bring this work into my future interests.” —Wakefield Junior Hayden Faulkner
High school students, it turns out, can be not so very different from pre-schoolers in this wonderful way. In other words, fill a school with the right environment, the right tools and resources, and the opportunity to explore, and you will quickly see that high schoolers, too, want to know! Often the best thing we adults can do is get out of their way, too. And the perfect opportunity to see this phenomenon at work is for a school to make a robust independent study option available to its high school students.
The People’s Choice: Student Interest Brings Niche High School Sports into the Mainstream
April 1st, 2024
Published in: Warrenton Lifestyle Magazine - April 2024, p. 18 & Haymarket Gainesville Lifestyle Magazine - April 2024, p. 18
In keeping with the value Wakefield places on student voice and initiative, it was student and prospective-student interest that provided the initial push towards both sports [Squash & Equestrian]...
Just as student voice and agency brought these two off-the-beaten-path varsity sports to Wakefield, student passion now keeps them thriving, to the benefit not only of experienced athletes pleased to find them available, but also of the many who have discovered them as beginners and never left.
Purpose-Driven Travel: Expanding Students' Access to the World
March 1st, 2024
Published in: Warrenton Lifestyle Magazine - March 2024, p. 14 & Haymarket Gainesville Lifestyle Magazine - March 2024, p. 10
“The idea [is] not just traveling to be a tourist, but traveling to say, ‘What can we learn about this? and What can we learn about our world around us?’” —Casey Carter
According to Casey Carter, faculty member and international studies leader at Wakefield School in The Plains, one of the many changes to which schools have had to adjust in a post-COVID world is the drop in international students seeking to attend secondary school abroad. And that, he says, has an effect on students here: How to ensure that our students continue to “have the opportunity to interact with other cultures, other parts of the world, other perspectives?”
As is often the case, his search for solutions is yielding ideas for Wakefield that go well beyond the previous status quo.
"Try Something New!": The Surprising Rewards of "No-Cuts" Athletics
December 1st, 2023
Published in: Warrenton Lifestyle Magazine - December 2023, p. 10 & Haymarket Gainesville Lifestyle Magazine - December 2023, p. 10
Wakefield’s mission is “to foster the character, curiosity, and clear voices the world needs.” The bold sense of adventure involved in confidently trying out a new sport, and knowing you will be supported, is an integral part of the Wakefield Way.
At Wakefield School in The Plains, learning to take risks in an environment of safety and support is a core element of becoming capable, confident, and independent—in the classroom and beyond. This belief underpins the “Try something new!” ethos of Wakefield’s Middle School athletics program, in which every student participates in a sport each season of 6th, 7th, and 8th grades.
2023 Face of Independent School: John Pennisi
December 1st, 2023
Published in: Virginia Living Magazine - December 2023 Issue
Now in his sixth year at Wakefield School in The Plains, Virginia, and his 18th overall year of teaching, John Pennisi has seen things come full circle. Many of his current senior thesis students know him very well; that’s because he taught a lot of them in the 7th and 8th grades.
“I remember them fondly from Middle School,” he says, “and they’ve grown into such mature and passionate young men and women who challenge me and make me better.”
Posted in: Virginia Living Magazine, Wakefield Thought Leaders"Hands On the Book": Parent Support for Early Literacy
November 1st, 2023
Published in: Warrenton Lifestyle Magazine - November 2023, p. 16 & Haymarket Gainesville Lifestyle Magazine - November 2023, p. 18
“Put down the electronics and go old-fashioned: read a book together and have a conversation! I want us to not lose the beauty of connection that can happen when you have hands on the book in front of you, on the couch, with your child.” —Mrs. Sabrina Finn
According to Mrs. Sabrina Finn, one of two first-grade teachers at Wakefield School in The Plains, Virginia, “We don’t call them ‘sight words’ anymore—we don’t want students to look at a word and try to memorize what it is. We are breaking down the sounds!”
Like her fellow first-grade teacher Ms. Kathryn Mullett, Mrs. Finn spends a lot of time talking about and playing with sounds as part of her students’ earliest literacy lessons.
Literacy Begins At Birth: Supporting Early Literacy
October 1st, 2023
Published in: Warrenton Lifestyle Magazine - October 2023, p. 12 & Haymarket Gainesville Lifestyle Magazine - October 2023, p. 12
“What we want in the end is for students to, first, develop curiosity; then to know how to find out more on what they want to know about; and then to be able to do something meaningful with what they’ve learned. This is not just for Wakefield—this is for everyone. And what a beautiful world it will be when every kid has that chance!” —Kathryn Mullett
Decades of research show that a child’s earliest experiences with books and language are predictive of future reading and learning successes. While formally instructing ever-younger children in reading is not developmentally appropriate, Ms. Mullett says the teaching of “early literacy” should begin at birth.
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