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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I did mean emotionally safe. Just wondering about social cliques and if she will be happy. Also looking for any info on the art program.[/quote]

There are cliques everywhere.

Wakefield is extremely welcoming and tolerant of everyone from whatever background, though not particularly keen on any conservative viewpoints. Democrat club is active; Republican club is not. I'm aware of some harassment/bullying behavior FROM a few LGBQT+ toward non-LGBQT+ kids; and I'm sure there are other instances of such behavior from other students as you can find just about anywhere.  Fortunately, our family has not been directly involved in such from either end (that I'm aware of!); and I don't get the impression it is the general or abundant problem that it may be other places.

I don't know much about the art program overall; but Wakefield students frequently win awards, particularly in photography.  They offer several ceramics classes and an interior design class that tends to be offered once every other year.  If you're including music in your definition of  art:  the advanced level symphony earned a superior rating at state assessment last year; there is a sizable beginning guitar and guitar 2 class; jazz lab is open to everyone during Warriors period; jazz ensemble is by audition and took "best saxophone section" at a GMU event last year; the marching band has grown significantly over the past few years and is currently the largest of the Arlington bands with about 100 kids - the color guard had 5 members at the end of last season and is over a dozen this year; I don't know anything about the choral groups, unfortunately.  Wakefield also has a dance team, but I also don't know anything about its activities.

I echo a previous poster about getting involved in extracurriculars where students find other students with common interests and goals.  Freshmen are divided into "houses" so there's some sense of a "smaller school" and offers some level of transition-ease, but overall not a tremendous game-changer.  Freshmen also enter the building on the first day by themselves, with upperclassmen reporting two hours later.  That frees them from an overwhelming crowd when arriving their first day and a chance to settle in, and find where they're supposed to go (without seniors intentionally sending naive freshmen to the opposite corner of the building for the classroom they're looking for - ha!).

TBH, the many of the clubs are geared toward minority students; but there's bound to be SOMEthing your child would like to try.  Crew is also a very welcoming, bonding, team activity and Wakefield crew has been growing - girls in particular have been very successful, making it to nationals last year.

Welcome to Wakefield.  Hope your family enjoys it.  First football game tonight - go Warriors![/quote]

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