Wakefield School

Wakefield School is an independent, college-preparatory school whose primary goal is to provide a rigorous, liberal arts education. We believe that such an education trains the intellect while fostering self-discipline, independence, creativity, and curiosity. We encourage students at every level to think about and with the knowledge they are working to master. Finally, we aim to cultivate strong and ethical character through guidance in and out of the classroom committed to training the spirit as well as the mind. This concept is embodied in the School’s motto, Virtus et Sapientia, or “Virtue and Wisdom.”

The cornerstone of our curriculum is our emphasis on effective and disciplined communication, as exemplified by our intensive composition program. This emphasis grows out of the knowledge that every other course of study – indeed, virtually every life skill – is predicated on the ability to think and communicate clearly, and is consistent with the balance provided by our focus on the liberal arts. Every student must stretch beyond his or her strengths into other areas; we strive both to nurture talents and to encourage exploration. Courses in fine arts, science, mathematics, history, ancient and modern languages, and computer science are all required. The faculty, a community of teachers and learners, is the link between specific academic fields and the broadly educated perspective we hope to inspire in each student.

Wakefield also values the need for balance and personal development provided by extra-curricular activities. The School supports activities including student government, interscholastic athletics, academic clubs, artistic activities, and service organizations. The opportunity to achieve success in ungraded activities encourages students to explore and develop their own interests, take leadership roles, and achieve greater success in the academic program.

The curriculum and extra-curricular programs of Wakefield School are entrusted to the faculty, Wakefield’s most important component. Teachers challenge students to develop the fortitude and creativity to solve problems successfully, establish new goals thoughtfully, and gradually become more responsible for their own learning and conduct. They provide models of responsible, just, compassionate, inquisitive, and ethical behavior. They inspire academic passion and the search for the self-awareness students need to discover rewarding, positive roles in society. In fact, every employee of the School will at times be in position to teach students valuable lessons, and is mindful of that trust. The School therefore seeks to select, develop, and retain a talented faculty and staff who embrace the goal of exciting, challenging, and inspired teaching and are committed to our philosophy.

Our reverence – for broad knowledge, the art of teaching, the benefits of hard work, the equal importance of character and intellect, and the limitless potential of children – defines Wakefield School.