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.

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.

The Fall 2025 edition of From the Owl’s Nest: Wakefield Alumni Newsletter launches a new year of alumni engagement with fresh energy and a renewed focus on connection. Highlights include new leadership, Homecoming reflections, and a look ahead to Wakefield’s 30th anniversary celebrations.

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.

Part of our Scenes from School series, this story offers a glimpse inside Mrs. Enloe’s Drones and Robotics class, where—behind the steady hum of gears and code—Wakefield students are discovering what it means to learn through trial, error, and teamwork… and having a little fun with a hacksaw along the way.

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.

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.

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.

From homemade crêpes to Mardi Gras celebrations, Madame Connie Lalonde has filled Wakefield with energy, culture, and laughter for more than two decades. As she retires after 26 years, we celebrate the beloved teacher who turned language into connection—and every class into a celebration.

For more than two decades, Mrs. Michelle Redabaugh has been the heart of Wakefield’s kindergarten—greeting each new class with patience, laughter, and love. As she retires after 21 years, we celebrate the teacher who helped countless children discover the joy of learning and belonging.