Wakefield High

2200 Wakefield Pines Drive

School District

Wake County
Grade

9-12
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:15
Type

public

School Map for Wake County School District

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by parent on January 15, 2024

We have been at Wakefield High School for 3 years now with our oldest and are truly enjoying it! The Wakefield schools are located in the heart of a beautiful and supportive community in north Raleigh. There are numerous rigorous course offerings and more club offerings than you can count. They ranked in the top 4% in the state for student academic growth. The sports programs are solid and often times also top ranking at the district and state level. Overall, very happy with Wakefield High and look forward to the rest of our kids being Wolverines soon!
Submitted by parent on April 26, 2023

The school is bad there is bugs
Submitted by parent on February 13, 2019

Wakefield is a great neighborhood school. I have been very impressed with the teachers, communication, and school spirit.
Submitted by parent on January 09, 2018

Wakefield is a wonderful school! My children couldn't be happier here. They have been treated well by their classmates and teachers. Staff are quick to respond and help students and parents! This has not been my experience in other schools. Wakefield has a clear vision and high expectations. I also love that my children are in a school with a culturally diverse group of students who are focused and have set high goals for their future. My daughter loves that she can sit in a classroom and learn without distraction and in an environment she feels safe. We love the "W"!
Submitted by parent on February 20, 2017

My son is a freshman and I have to admit I was a bit apprehensive as Wakefield is a big school. He was at Wakefield Middle and we really liked it. However, he transitioned extremely well. The Wakefield area is a largely very affluent area so there are a lot of involved (very involved, maybe too involved parents). We considered private school but could not justify the added cost for what seemed to be limited return. Our son is taking honors and advanced classes and we are very impressed by the level of instruction. They have worked very hard to accommodate his needs. My wife and I both have advanced degrees (PhD and MD) and are no stranger to academics. Strong academics were very important to us. So far so good. Great neighborhood in Wakefield and real community feel. We are glad we moved here when we did and will be here hopefully long enough for my daughter to attend as well.
Submitted by parent on February 20, 2017

I just saw this website after searching for their website...and felt the need to leave a review! Our daughter started Wakefield this year and now halfway through the year we could not be happier! This is a beautiful area and we are so fortunate we chose this area! We looked at Cary and a few others but liked the Wakefield Development best. I was initially worried we might be making a mistake as Panther Creek had a lot of excellent reviews. I can now honestly say Wakefield HS is fabulous! (and I have compared notes with my colleague whose kids go to Panther Creek) It is a very diverse population which I really appreciate! It is large but there is literally something for everyone and even the principal made a point on orientation night to really encourage parents to get their children involved. They no longer use the 9th grade center and I was a bit worried as I liked the idea of sequestered 9th graders....but my daughter loves being in the mix with everyone! She really has embraced the diversity and energetic vibe. The academics are also outstanding. My daughter has serious competitive college dreams and I feel she will be right on track based off of feedback and discussions with outside college counselors. The academics are rigorous but not oppressive! We really could not be happier!
Submitted by parent on January 12, 2017

I moved from out of state where my son has spent his entire school life in a private school. He entered Wakefield this fall as a freshman and we have been very impressed. The principal obviously cares for the students and regularly communicates with parents. My son is in the honors theatre program and the department is outstanding. The community is caring and even though the school is large compared to his former school, it has a small-school feel. There is a real mix of kids, which we love. There are so many extra curricular activities and opportunities, that he can't even do them all. As with any school, there is room for improvement, but so far so good. As one parent mentioned in their review, there is zero tolerance for trouble. There seems to be something for everyone. And... something that is important to a freshman boy, the food is good.
Submitted by parent on July 11, 2016

Excellent programs and excellent staff. I have a Senior and Freshman that are doing great in the Wakefield school district
Submitted by parent on January 27, 2014

Two of my kids are in Wakefield High School and they are both doing very well there. The honors and AP courses are excellent and their teachers really get to know them. Several teachers have even mailed notes to our home (addressed to the kids) to praise them and thank them for their hard work. There is a lot of diversity and you'll find a mix of nice and not so nice kids. But my boys have done beautifully there and my youngest, who is still in elementary, will go to this school someday.
Submitted by parent on November 24, 2013

The school is situated in one of the most expensive areas in Wake County. The teachers are very good. Parental involvement of those who live in or near Wakefield is very good. The school offers AP courses in just about every field, so motivated students can and do excel. My kids studied hard and excelled at Wakefield with great results. They went on to and graduated from UNC Chapel Hill with honors. Thanks Wakefield!
Submitted by parent on October 20, 2013

As a parent I have had3 children at Wakefield HS, I have been very happy with the school. They provide a strong core education as well many many electives. There is a choice for everyone. The teachers truly care about student's performance and will contact parents whenever they think your child is having trouble. Wakefield HS is an awesome school.
Submitted by parent on October 20, 2013

Wakefield H.S. is a great place to send your student. We have caring students, Teachers and Parent support at this school. We have great core classes and alot of elective for your student to pick from. The athletic dept. is great also: There is Football varsity and JV teams. We also have Basketball,Baseball, Track. Soccer, Tennis, Golf to mention a few both girls and boys teams in all sports. Sports Medicine.We have Band and Ochestra, Drama, Clubs galore, and if you want to start a new club you can have a teacher support you. Students are focused on their studies so college is in their future. Motivated school and students will not tolerate any bullying or school has zero tolerance for trouble. This school is true to its students and teams and bonds together, It is a great place to enjoy your High School years!
Submitted by parent on August 15, 2013

As a parent and as a educator I am very happy with the school's parent involvement, athletics, AP classes/honors, clubs, teachers and overall performance and school's communication. The students have different classes to choose from that will help them guide them to choose a college career path. Regarding diversity seems to have diversity and good relationships among students and teachers/staff. I am rating 5 out 5 but off course still room for improvement. I would say always to work more on having more student's supervision as well as to break the pattern that you see in most schools where you find students "divide it" when they sit in the school cafeteria.... Finally I would say I feel confident to recommend this school.
Submitted by parent on July 23, 2013

Wakefield HS is extremely diverse with makes for an excellent learning environment. Faculty and staff seem to care about students, building positive relationships to get the most out of them. I have a current junior at the school, and she loves it. Leadership is demanding of students and sets high expectations. Disgruntled parents likely want lower expectations so they can get their way. Numerous clubs, AP and honors classes.
Submitted by parent on April 01, 2013

My child is a Sophomore, and is doing extremely well. Of course every child is different so I can only speak for mine. It is true that it's usually the same parents involved in PTSA, and the same ones in each sport, but that's no different than any other school I've seen. There are many Honors & AP classes to choose from, many electives, many sports. We live nearby just so my child can attend; did not like other schools in the area (not as good or very expensive).
Submitted by parent on March 30, 2013

Two of my three children have graduated from Wakefield High School . My youngest is in 7th grade. One in 2009 and the other in 2011. Like all schools there are great. engaging, motivated teachers and some who are putting in their time. The current principal is the 3rd in 7 years. The first one we met retired in 2006. The second was transferred to a brand new WCPSS high school to start it up. The current one is okay. Not a dynamo but not awful. There are many AP courses to choose from starting in 10th grade. The music program is fantastic. Athletics have waxed and waned in quality. Not uncommon in a school this size. Is it a "perfect school?" No. Having lived in several states and Europe, I've yet to find one including the snooty little town in grew up in in CT. 5? to average opinions over an 8 year period, including a special ed parent's opinion, seems a but ridiculous. Parental involvement could be improved. I felt like i saw the same parents at every event managing activities. JMHO: you get out of WHS what you put into it. If your child chooses to be engaged and involved, it should be a positive experience.