Seeking first-person experience in Wakefield

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My kid at Wakefield is a white kid with average grades and a junior. We can't think of one person in the building who can write a college rec, because no one really has a relationship with them. Pre-COVID I was more impressed with the school, but I'm basically over all of APS now, including Wakefield.

Sounds like your kid hasn’t done enough to stand out in any way. No wonder he can’t find anyone who can write a recommendation. I wouldn’t be so quick to blame the school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:NP here with two students at Wakefield currently (both in immersion program but it is also our neighborhood HS). I could have written the following from PP:

"If you want a more pressure-cooker atmosphere for your child, WL is your best bet. If you're not so uptight about your kid taking 5 AP classes at once and being on the most competitive teams and accept that a less-pressure, less-competitive, still-among-the-top-2% of high schools in the country is perfectly fine and won't ruin your child's entire future, Wakefield is absolutely fine.

Parents not talking and boasting about their kids' extraordinary brilliance and academic achievement doesn't mean they do not emphasize academics or believe them to be important. Personally, I'm grateful not to be surrounded by competitive parents living vicariously through their children, stressing their kids out, and insisting anything less than the best and an ivy league degree is failure. I can't speak to the level of anxiety or pressure at Yorktown; but even though WL is an excellent school, I find the Wakefield environment pleasantly less stressful for us as parents and for our kid v. our kid and others we know at WL.
We have not heard of any problems with "disruptive" kids in any of our kid's classes of any level. I'm not aware of policies at any of the schools precluding students from taking an AP class - all students register for classes through their counselor and teachers make recommendations; but you can always discuss those recommendations with the teachers if you disagree. Generally, though, if a student is a good student and performing well, they will be recommended for the appropriate level courses."

DC 1 is a Junior and too AP World History as a Freshman (5 on AP exam), two APs as a Sophomore, 5 as a Junior and planning 5 as a Senior. For non-AP core classes has had intensified throughout. Has found the writing instruction rigorous. DC 2 is a Freshman and given the weakness of MS instruction during Covid chose not to take AP World (and grateful as one core class has provided plenty of challenge) but all intensified. Will have 3 APs next year.

It is a very "you do you" welcoming community. Kids tend to be involved in whatever sports/activities work for them. Most (if not all) of the "cut" sports are easier to make than at W-L and Yorktown.

Counselors have only been minimally helpful but they are all overwhelmed and, frankly, we can provide the additional support our kids need for college search, etc. so we really don't stress over it.

Our kids have been very happy there and have both commented how glad they are to be there.

You clearly wanted the pressure cooker school. “Look at the list of all AP classes my kids are taking but I am not like those parents at W-L and Yorktown. Besides if my kids went there they would just be run of the mill and I might not get to brag as much! “

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:NP here with two students at Wakefield currently (both in immersion program but it is also our neighborhood HS). I could have written the following from PP:

"If you want a more pressure-cooker atmosphere for your child, WL is your best bet. If you're not so uptight about your kid taking 5 AP classes at once and being on the most competitive teams and accept that a less-pressure, less-competitive, still-among-the-top-2% of high schools in the country is perfectly fine and won't ruin your child's entire future, Wakefield is absolutely fine.

Parents not talking and boasting about their kids' extraordinary brilliance and academic achievement doesn't mean they do not emphasize academics or believe them to be important. Personally, I'm grateful not to be surrounded by competitive parents living vicariously through their children, stressing their kids out, and insisting anything less than the best and an ivy league degree is failure. I can't speak to the level of anxiety or pressure at Yorktown; but even though WL is an excellent school, I find the Wakefield environment pleasantly less stressful for us as parents and for our kid v. our kid and others we know at WL.
We have not heard of any problems with "disruptive" kids in any of our kid's classes of any level. I'm not aware of policies at any of the schools precluding students from taking an AP class - all students register for classes through their counselor and teachers make recommendations; but you can always discuss those recommendations with the teachers if you disagree. Generally, though, if a student is a good student and performing well, they will be recommended for the appropriate level courses."

DC 1 is a Junior and too AP World History as a Freshman (5 on AP exam), two APs as a Sophomore, 5 as a Junior and planning 5 as a Senior. For non-AP core classes has had intensified throughout. Has found the writing instruction rigorous. DC 2 is a Freshman and given the weakness of MS instruction during Covid chose not to take AP World (and grateful as one core class has provided plenty of challenge) but all intensified. Will have 3 APs next year.

It is a very "you do you" welcoming community. Kids tend to be involved in whatever sports/activities work for them. Most (if not all) of the "cut" sports are easier to make than at W-L and Yorktown.

Counselors have only been minimally helpful but they are all overwhelmed and, frankly, we can provide the additional support our kids need for college search, etc. so we really don't stress over it.

Our kids have been very happy there and have both commented how glad they are to be there.

You clearly wanted the pressure cooker school. “Look at the list of all AP classes my kids are taking but I am not like those parents at W-L and Yorktown. Besides if my kids went there they would just be run of the mill and I might not get to brag as much! “

DP. You're just an idiot. You don't get it, don't want to get it, and would rather die than allow any possibility that Wakefield is anything but a sub-par school.
If you don't think it's good enough, then get your kids out and send them somewhere else.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:NP here with two students at Wakefield currently (both in immersion program but it is also our neighborhood HS). I could have written the following from PP:

"If you want a more pressure-cooker atmosphere for your child, WL is your best bet. If you're not so uptight about your kid taking 5 AP classes at once and being on the most competitive teams and accept that a less-pressure, less-competitive, still-among-the-top-2% of high schools in the country is perfectly fine and won't ruin your child's entire future, Wakefield is absolutely fine.

Parents not talking and boasting about their kids' extraordinary brilliance and academic achievement doesn't mean they do not emphasize academics or believe them to be important. Personally, I'm grateful not to be surrounded by competitive parents living vicariously through their children, stressing their kids out, and insisting anything less than the best and an ivy league degree is failure. I can't speak to the level of anxiety or pressure at Yorktown; but even though WL is an excellent school, I find the Wakefield environment pleasantly less stressful for us as parents and for our kid v. our kid and others we know at WL.
We have not heard of any problems with "disruptive" kids in any of our kid's classes of any level. I'm not aware of policies at any of the schools precluding students from taking an AP class - all students register for classes through their counselor and teachers make recommendations; but you can always discuss those recommendations with the teachers if you disagree. Generally, though, if a student is a good student and performing well, they will be recommended for the appropriate level courses."

DC 1 is a Junior and too AP World History as a Freshman (5 on AP exam), two APs as a Sophomore, 5 as a Junior and planning 5 as a Senior. For non-AP core classes has had intensified throughout. Has found the writing instruction rigorous. DC 2 is a Freshman and given the weakness of MS instruction during Covid chose not to take AP World (and grateful as one core class has provided plenty of challenge) but all intensified. Will have 3 APs next year.

It is a very "you do you" welcoming community. Kids tend to be involved in whatever sports/activities work for them. Most (if not all) of the "cut" sports are easier to make than at W-L and Yorktown.

Counselors have only been minimally helpful but they are all overwhelmed and, frankly, we can provide the additional support our kids need for college search, etc. so we really don't stress over it.

Our kids have been very happy there and have both commented how glad they are to be there.

Humble brag much?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:NP here with two students at Wakefield currently (both in immersion program but it is also our neighborhood HS). I could have written the following from PP:

"If you want a more pressure-cooker atmosphere for your child, WL is your best bet. If you're not so uptight about your kid taking 5 AP classes at once and being on the most competitive teams and accept that a less-pressure, less-competitive, still-among-the-top-2% of high schools in the country is perfectly fine and won't ruin your child's entire future, Wakefield is absolutely fine.

Parents not talking and boasting about their kids' extraordinary brilliance and academic achievement doesn't mean they do not emphasize academics or believe them to be important. Personally, I'm grateful not to be surrounded by competitive parents living vicariously through their children, stressing their kids out, and insisting anything less than the best and an ivy league degree is failure. I can't speak to the level of anxiety or pressure at Yorktown; but even though WL is an excellent school, I find the Wakefield environment pleasantly less stressful for us as parents and for our kid v. our kid and others we know at WL.
We have not heard of any problems with "disruptive" kids in any of our kid's classes of any level. I'm not aware of policies at any of the schools precluding students from taking an AP class - all students register for classes through their counselor and teachers make recommendations; but you can always discuss those recommendations with the teachers if you disagree. Generally, though, if a student is a good student and performing well, they will be recommended for the appropriate level courses."

DC 1 is a Junior and too AP World History as a Freshman (5 on AP exam), two APs as a Sophomore, 5 as a Junior and planning 5 as a Senior. For non-AP core classes has had intensified throughout. Has found the writing instruction rigorous. DC 2 is a Freshman and given the weakness of MS instruction during Covid chose not to take AP World (and grateful as one core class has provided plenty of challenge) but all intensified. Will have 3 APs next year.

It is a very "you do you" welcoming community. Kids tend to be involved in whatever sports/activities work for them. Most (if not all) of the "cut" sports are easier to make than at W-L and Yorktown.

Counselors have only been minimally helpful but they are all overwhelmed and, frankly, we can provide the additional support our kids need for college search, etc. so we really don't stress over it.

Our kids have been very happy there and have both commented how glad they are to be there.

This poster seems to be getting a lot of hate but I found this post to be very helpful. Just because my kids are Type A and want to push themselves doesn't mean I want them in a pressure cooker environment. thanks PP

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:NP here with two students at Wakefield currently (both in immersion program but it is also our neighborhood HS). I could have written the following from PP:

"If you want a more pressure-cooker atmosphere for your child, WL is your best bet. If you're not so uptight about your kid taking 5 AP classes at once and being on the most competitive teams and accept that a less-pressure, less-competitive, still-among-the-top-2% of high schools in the country is perfectly fine and won't ruin your child's entire future, Wakefield is absolutely fine.

Parents not talking and boasting about their kids' extraordinary brilliance and academic achievement doesn't mean they do not emphasize academics or believe them to be important. Personally, I'm grateful not to be surrounded by competitive parents living vicariously through their children, stressing their kids out, and insisting anything less than the best and an ivy league degree is failure. I can't speak to the level of anxiety or pressure at Yorktown; but even though WL is an excellent school, I find the Wakefield environment pleasantly less stressful for us as parents and for our kid v. our kid and others we know at WL.
We have not heard of any problems with "disruptive" kids in any of our kid's classes of any level. I'm not aware of policies at any of the schools precluding students from taking an AP class - all students register for classes through their counselor and teachers make recommendations; but you can always discuss those recommendations with the teachers if you disagree. Generally, though, if a student is a good student and performing well, they will be recommended for the appropriate level courses."

DC 1 is a Junior and too AP World History as a Freshman (5 on AP exam), two APs as a Sophomore, 5 as a Junior and planning 5 as a Senior. For non-AP core classes has had intensified throughout. Has found the writing instruction rigorous. DC 2 is a Freshman and given the weakness of MS instruction during Covid chose not to take AP World (and grateful as one core class has provided plenty of challenge) but all intensified. Will have 3 APs next year.

It is a very "you do you" welcoming community. Kids tend to be involved in whatever sports/activities work for them. Most (if not all) of the "cut" sports are easier to make than at W-L and Yorktown.

Counselors have only been minimally helpful but they are all overwhelmed and, frankly, we can provide the additional support our kids need for college search, etc. so we really don't stress over it.

Our kids have been very happy there and have both commented how glad they are to be there.

This poster seems to be getting a lot of hate but I found this post to be very helpful. Just because my kids are Type A and want to push themselves doesn't mean I want them in a pressure cooker environment. thanks PP

+1
Anyone posting positively about Wakefield - especially Wakefield academics - is greeted with something negative.

[Anonymous]

There’s a good article in the Post on Wakefield’s crew team that just won the premier Varsity 8 races at the State Championship over schools with much larger programs with more funding. Many of the athletes are on scholarship, and that has opened up the sport to the kids who are less financially well off.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There’s a good article in the Post on Wakefield’s crew team that just won the premier Varsity 8 races at the State Championship over schools with much larger programs with more funding. Many of the athletes are on scholarship, and that has opened up the sport to the kids who are less financially well off.

WAY TO GO, WAKEFIELD!!! I'm so proud of, and for, them; and I don't have any connection to crew. Good for them!
Maybe some athletic success will make people think more highly of Wakefield or give it a little respect, since any academic success is always dismissed or discredited.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:NP here with two students at Wakefield currently (both in immersion program but it is also our neighborhood HS). I could have written the following from PP:

"If you want a more pressure-cooker atmosphere for your child, WL is your best bet. If you're not so uptight about your kid taking 5 AP classes at once and being on the most competitive teams and accept that a less-pressure, less-competitive, still-among-the-top-2% of high schools in the country is perfectly fine and won't ruin your child's entire future, Wakefield is absolutely fine.

Parents not talking and boasting about their kids' extraordinary brilliance and academic achievement doesn't mean they do not emphasize academics or believe them to be important. Personally, I'm grateful not to be surrounded by competitive parents living vicariously through their children, stressing their kids out, and insisting anything less than the best and an ivy league degree is failure. I can't speak to the level of anxiety or pressure at Yorktown; but even though WL is an excellent school, I find the Wakefield environment pleasantly less stressful for us as parents and for our kid v. our kid and others we know at WL.
We have not heard of any problems with "disruptive" kids in any of our kid's classes of any level. I'm not aware of policies at any of the schools precluding students from taking an AP class - all students register for classes through their counselor and teachers make recommendations; but you can always discuss those recommendations with the teachers if you disagree. Generally, though, if a student is a good student and performing well, they will be recommended for the appropriate level courses."

DC 1 is a Junior and too AP World History as a Freshman (5 on AP exam), two APs as a Sophomore, 5 as a Junior and planning 5 as a Senior. For non-AP core classes has had intensified throughout. Has found the writing instruction rigorous. DC 2 is a Freshman and given the weakness of MS instruction during Covid chose not to take AP World (and grateful as one core class has provided plenty of challenge) but all intensified. Will have 3 APs next year.

It is a very "you do you" welcoming community. Kids tend to be involved in whatever sports/activities work for them. Most (if not all) of the "cut" sports are easier to make than at W-L and Yorktown.

Counselors have only been minimally helpful but they are all overwhelmed and, frankly, we can provide the additional support our kids need for college search, etc. so we really don't stress over it.

Our kids have been very happy there and have both commented how glad they are to be there.

This poster seems to be getting a lot of hate but I found this post to be very helpful. Just because my kids are Type A and want to push themselves doesn't mean I want them in a pressure cooker environment. thanks PP

PP here. Thank you - this was the point I was trying to make - high- drive kids can thrive at Wakefield in spite of the lack of a pressure cooker environment, and kids who are in non-AP classes excel as well without feeling looked down on or left out. I did not mean it to come across as a humblebrag. The OP simply asked for firsthand accounts from Wakefield and I was trying to help them.

Again, it is a very you-do-you environment. The parents don't brag to each other about their kids' accomplishments or measure themselves by same, but we do celebrate the kids' success by however each kids defines it (art award, athletic achievement, volunteer service, etc.).

The teachers and staff work hard to make sure all students are prepared for life after HS whether that means entering the workforce or attending an Ivy League school (or, for the vast majority of srudents, something in between).

I know families with kids soaring at all four (incl H-B) Arlington HS and kids struggling at all four Arlington HS. But if someone tries to convince you Wakefield is "lesser" they are misinformed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There’s a good article in the Post on Wakefield’s crew team that just won the premier Varsity 8 races at the State Championship over schools with much larger programs with more funding. Many of the athletes are on scholarship, and that has opened up the sport to the kids who are less financially well off.

WAY TO GO, WAKEFIELD!!! I'm so proud of, and for, them; and I don't have any connection to crew. Good for them!
Maybe some athletic success will make people think more highly of Wakefield or give it a little respect, since any academic success is always dismissed or discredited.

Here's the article.

Wakefield sweeping the first varsity 8+s really makes these other schools look bad. I'm sure you'll hear Yorktown people say "well we won the states in 4+", but that's not the same. They know this. You drop to 4's when you haven't coached up 8 rowers well enough to compete.

By letting more kids onto the team, they can charge a lower fee per rower. That means each "scholarship" requires fewer dollars. They get a good deal at the Anacostia boathouse, and they don't blow money on extras the way you see with some of the other programs. So the dollars go to hiring coaches, and to expanding the pool of rowers. With a bigger pool, you can fill an 8+ with strong rowers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There’s a good article in the Post on Wakefield’s crew team that just won the premier Varsity 8 races at the State Championship over schools with much larger programs with more funding. Many of the athletes are on scholarship, and that has opened up the sport to the kids who are less financially well off.

WAY TO GO, WAKEFIELD!!! I'm so proud of, and for, them; and I don't have any connection to crew. Good for them!
Maybe some athletic success will make people think more highly of Wakefield or give it a little respect, since any academic success is always dismissed or discredited.

Here's the article.

Wakefield sweeping the first varsity 8+s really makes these other schools look bad. I'm sure you'll hear Yorktown people say "well we won the states in 4+", but that's not the same. They know this. You drop to 4's when you haven't coached up 8 rowers well enough to compete.

By letting more kids onto the team, they can charge a lower fee per rower. That means each "scholarship" requires fewer dollars. They get a good deal at the Anacostia boathouse, and they don't blow money on extras the way you see with some of the other programs. So the dollars go to hiring coaches, and to expanding the pool of rowers. With a bigger pool, you can fill an 8+ with strong rowers.

Hopefully the Wakefield success will spur the county to action on the delayed Arlington Boathouse. It's crazy how W-L rows out of the Potomac Boat Club, Yorktown is at Thompsons, and Wakefield rows out of the Anacostia.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There’s a good article in the Post on Wakefield’s crew team that just won the premier Varsity 8 races at the State Championship over schools with much larger programs with more funding. Many of the athletes are on scholarship, and that has opened up the sport to the kids who are less financially well off.

WAY TO GO, WAKEFIELD!!! I'm so proud of, and for, them; and I don't have any connection to crew. Good for them!
Maybe some athletic success will make people think more highly of Wakefield or give it a little respect, since any academic success is always dismissed or discredited.

Here's the article.

Wakefield sweeping the first varsity 8+s really makes these other schools look bad. I'm sure you'll hear Yorktown people say "well we won the states in 4+", but that's not the same. They know this. You drop to 4's when you haven't coached up 8 rowers well enough to compete.

By letting more kids onto the team, they can charge a lower fee per rower. That means each "scholarship" requires fewer dollars. They get a good deal at the Anacostia boathouse, and they don't blow money on extras the way you see with some of the other programs. So the dollars go to hiring coaches, and to expanding the pool of rowers. With a bigger pool, you can fill an 8+ with strong rowers.

Hopefully the Wakefield success will spur the county to action on the delayed Arlington Boathouse. It's crazy how W-L rows out of the Potomac Boat Club, Yorktown is at Thompsons, and Wakefield rows out of the Anacostia.

It’s about the schools too. When you lower fees, have more kids, and watch the budget, you don’t have to cater to the wealthiest parents. So some other schools need to ask themselves if excluding kids is more important than performing well. Most of course will say yes because it reduces the competition their kids face for a seat. That just opens the door for Wakefield.

Same thing happens with the academics.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There’s a good article in the Post on Wakefield’s crew team that just won the premier Varsity 8 races at the State Championship over schools with much larger programs with more funding. Many of the athletes are on scholarship, and that has opened up the sport to the kids who are less financially well off.

WAY TO GO, WAKEFIELD!!! I'm so proud of, and for, them; and I don't have any connection to crew. Good for them!
Maybe some athletic success will make people think more highly of Wakefield or give it a little respect, since any academic success is always dismissed or discredited.

Here's the article.

Wakefield sweeping the first varsity 8+s really makes these other schools look bad. I'm sure you'll hear Yorktown people say "well we won the states in 4+", but that's not the same. They know this. You drop to 4's when you haven't coached up 8 rowers well enough to compete.

By letting more kids onto the team, they can charge a lower fee per rower. That means each "scholarship" requires fewer dollars. They get a good deal at the Anacostia boathouse, and they don't blow money on extras the way you see with some of the other programs. So the dollars go to hiring coaches, and to expanding the pool of rowers. With a bigger pool, you can fill an 8+ with strong rowers.

Hopefully the Wakefield success will spur the county to action on the delayed Arlington Boathouse. It's crazy how W-L rows out of the Potomac Boat Club, Yorktown is at Thompsons, and Wakefield rows out of the Anacostia.

It’s about the schools too. When you lower fees, have more kids, and watch the budget, you don’t have to cater to the wealthiest parents. So some other schools need to ask themselves if excluding kids is more important than performing well. Most of course will say yes because it reduces the competition their kids face for a seat. That just opens the door for Wakefield.

Same thing happens with the academics.

I know at W-L crew is no cut. Everyone interested can join.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There’s a good article in the Post on Wakefield’s crew team that just won the premier Varsity 8 races at the State Championship over schools with much larger programs with more funding. Many of the athletes are on scholarship, and that has opened up the sport to the kids who are less financially well off.

WAY TO GO, WAKEFIELD!!! I'm so proud of, and for, them; and I don't have any connection to crew. Good for them!
Maybe some athletic success will make people think more highly of Wakefield or give it a little respect, since any academic success is always dismissed or discredited.

Here's the article.

Wakefield sweeping the first varsity 8+s really makes these other schools look bad. I'm sure you'll hear Yorktown people say "well we won the states in 4+", but that's not the same. They know this. You drop to 4's when you haven't coached up 8 rowers well enough to compete.

By letting more kids onto the team, they can charge a lower fee per rower. That means each "scholarship" requires fewer dollars. They get a good deal at the Anacostia boathouse, and they don't blow money on extras the way you see with some of the other programs. So the dollars go to hiring coaches, and to expanding the pool of rowers. With a bigger pool, you can fill an 8+ with strong rowers.

Hopefully the Wakefield success will spur the county to action on the delayed Arlington Boathouse. It's crazy how W-L rows out of the Potomac Boat Club, Yorktown is at Thompsons, and Wakefield rows out of the Anacostia.

It’s about the schools too. When you lower fees, have more kids, and watch the budget, you don’t have to cater to the wealthiest parents. So some other schools need to ask themselves if excluding kids is more important than performing well. Most of course will say yes because it reduces the competition their kids face for a seat. That just opens the door for Wakefield.

Same thing happens with the academics.

I know at W-L crew is no cut. Everyone interested can join.

^with scholarships if needed. . . . Wakefield should also offer ice hockey scholarships and step up the recruiting as with crew. It's another expensive but growing sport in the region.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There’s a good article in the Post on Wakefield’s crew team that just won the premier Varsity 8 races at the State Championship over schools with much larger programs with more funding. Many of the athletes are on scholarship, and that has opened up the sport to the kids who are less financially well off.

WAY TO GO, WAKEFIELD!!! I'm so proud of, and for, them; and I don't have any connection to crew. Good for them!
Maybe some athletic success will make people think more highly of Wakefield or give it a little respect, since any academic success is always dismissed or discredited.

Here's the article.

Wakefield sweeping the first varsity 8+s really makes these other schools look bad. I'm sure you'll hear Yorktown people say "well we won the states in 4+", but that's not the same. They know this. You drop to 4's when you haven't coached up 8 rowers well enough to compete.

By letting more kids onto the team, they can charge a lower fee per rower. That means each "scholarship" requires fewer dollars. They get a good deal at the Anacostia boathouse, and they don't blow money on extras the way you see with some of the other programs. So the dollars go to hiring coaches, and to expanding the pool of rowers. With a bigger pool, you can fill an 8+ with strong rowers.

everyone in the picture of the story is white though. good intentions but still a long way to go.