About WCDS
Wakefield Country Day School (WCDS) is a Preschool through 12th-grade independent school located in serene Huntly, Virginia. We pride ourselves on providing not just a rigorous college-preparatory education with a 100% college acceptance rate, but an education that builds character and prepares students with a toolkit for life.
Our curriculum is rooted both in the classical tradition and the cutting-edge, focusing on the 21st-century educational values of writing, public speaking, critical thinking, STEM, and foreign language fluency. All WCDS scholars participate in athletics, fine and performing arts, and their education culminates in a year-long senior thesis project. Additionally, teachers place a strong emphasis on ethical responsibility, inclusivity, honorable conduct, and leadership within our community and beyond.
We are accredited by the Virginia Independent Schools Association (VISA) and ranked #15 in the entire State of Virginia by Niche in 2025 for Best Private Schools (K-12). We are consistently ranked as one of the top private schools in the state by Virginia Living Magazine.
Latest News
WCDS Third Grade Fundraises for Blue Ridge Wildlife Center
Mrs. Fairhurst’s third graders took on an inspirational fundraising project to support local wildlife by raising money for the Blue Ridge Wildlife Center in Boyce, Virginia. Through school bake sales and at-home chores and jobs, students contributed to their classroom “Change for Change” jar with enthusiasm and dedication. With a goal of $200 in mind, […]
Wakefield Country Day flag football team continues undefeated season
Wakefield Country Day School’s (WCDS) middle school boys’ flag football team faced a fast and competitive squad from John Paul the Great Montessori Academy in an impressive all-around performance on March 31 at home. Wakefield opened the game with a strong first drive, as eighth grader Jordan Dechabert connected with sixth grader Liam Carter for […]
WCDS student writers shine in Foothills Forum, Rappahannock News contest
Wakefield Country Day School students were once again among those recognized in the annual Storytelling Contest hosted by Foothills Forum and the Rappahannock News. The contest continues to highlight the power of local storytelling, inviting students to look closely at the lives and histories that shape their own communities. WCDS is proud to participate each […]
Wakefield Country Day School Proudly Featured in 2026 FACES of Culpeper Magazine
Wakefield Country Day School is honored to be featured with Head of School John Elmore in the 2026 issue of FACES of Culpeper magazine, which highlights the people and organizations that make up the local community. The article, as published by the Culpeper Times, is provided below. Over a half-century ago, Wakefield Country Day School […]
WCDS Varsity Boys’ Basketball Makes History at Invitational
Middle school basketball touts strong start Wakefield Country Day School has opened its winter athletic season as student-athletes compete at a high level. The varsity girls’ basketball team held its home opener on Dec. 4 in a challenging matchup against Fresta Valley. Although the team fell short, it showcased resilience and steady growth throughout the […]
Steins, Skies, Smiles at RAPPtoberfest
Under clear blue skies on the campus of Wakefield Country Day School in Huntly, and framed by the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains, this year’s annual RAPPtoberfest came to life in true Bavarian spirit. In its sixth year, this year’s event was the most successful yet, featuring something for everyone – from axe throwing and a […]
Open House October 16, 2025
Discover WCDS at our Open House event October 16, 2025 from 9AM-3PM! Participate in classes, meet our trusted faculty and staff, and tour our beautiful campus.
WCDS Students Begin the Year Strong
With Wakefield Country Day School students returning for their fourth full week of classes, the new school year has already shown promise and opportunities. Exciting additions include new faculty members in the mathematics department and Jenny La Rotta in the Spanish language department. Students are also anticipating trips outside the classroom with a freshmen-sophomore ski […]
Year of Impressive Firsts for Wakefield
The halls of Wakefield Country Day School are noticeably quieter with students on summer break. However, the end of the school year doesn’t mark an end to progress. The school’s summer camp program is in full swing, the admissions office and administrative staff are as busy as ever, and new programs are in various stages […]
Wakefield Student Co-Founds Nonprofit to Amplify Afghan Girls’ Voices
17-year-old helps launch mentorship program, storytelling platform After the fall of Kabul, Afghanistan, Mahdi Rahimi and Nahid Karimi were forced to flee their homes in late 2021. Now living and attending high school in the United States – with one of them landing in Rappahannock County – the teens are using their experiences as an […]
Wakefield’s Legacy Carries On
A record-breaking amount of more than $100,000 was raised for student scholarships at the Wakefield Country Day School (WCDS) Spring Auction on April 26. A big thank you to the community for its tremendous support! The Spring Auction is the school’s primary annual fundraiser, contributing to one of two streams of income the school receives: […]
Wakefield Students Team Up with Scientists to Help Save Virginia Farms
Millions of insects, one hundred bird boxes, four organizations, zero pesticides. This is the brainchild of Virginia Working Landscapes Research Fellow Allison Huysman, who is leading research into the role of cavity-nesting birds in natural pest control. By identifying the species consumed by nest-box birds, quantifying pest populations with and without nest boxes, and examining […]