Wakefield Country Day School (WCDS) is an independent Preschool through 12th-grade college preparatory school in Rappahannock County, Virginia.
With its equal emphasis on academic scholarship and character development, WCDS offers a rigorous curriculum in a safe, intimate learning environment with a 6:1 student-to-teacher ratio.
Graduates matriculate at top colleges and universities, earning over $1 million annually in merit scholarship offers.
WCDS has an unbroken tradition of 100% 4-year college acceptance.
Quick Facts (2025-26)
- Top Ranked VA School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-12
- Enrollment: 164 students
- Yearly Tuition: $22,950
- Acceptance rate: 75%
- Average class size: 15 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Wakefield County Day School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Virginia for:
Category
Attribute
SAT Score
ACT Score
Extracurriculars
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-12
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
ESL for international students
Year Founded
1972
Colors
White, Red
Last Day of School
Fri. May 29, 2026
Student Body
Total Students
164 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
12%
State avg.: 30%
Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
24 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
7:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
50%
Average Class Size
15 students
Number of AP Courses
12 courses
List of Courses Offered
Advanced Courses
BiologyCalculus
Calculus AB and BCEnglish Language & Composition
English Literature & CompositionEnvironmental Science
European HistoryLatin
SpanishStatistics
US GovernmentUS History
Average SAT score
1330
(Out of 1600)
Average ACT score
30
(Out of 36)
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Formal dress uniform one day a week; casual uniform other days
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$22,950
Tuition Notes
Tuition ranges from $12,850 for Preschool through $22,950 for prep school. Tuition rates for domestic students differ from rates for international students; international rates are: $46,000 (this does includes room and board).
% on Financial Aid
70%
Acceptance Rate
75%
National avg.: 81%
College Acceptance Rate
100%
Admissions Director
Suzanne Zylonis
Application URL
Sports
Total Sports Offered
6 sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
18 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Arts and Music Programs:
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Chess ClubEnvirothon
Geography BeeHistory Bowl
Junior Classical LeagueKey Club International
Latin clubMath Club
Mock TrialModel United Nations
National Honor SocietyStudent Government
Wildlife Conservation Club
Arts and Music Programs:
DramaJournalism
Studio Art
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Fitness clubRunning Club
School Notes
- School Motto: Virtus et Sapientia
- School Mascot: Owl
- Two periods of English each year with instruction in grammar, composition, literature, and vocabulary
- Small, structured classrooms in a family-like environment
- Foreign language, art, music, and physical education instruction that begins in Preschool
- Unbroken tradition of 100% 4-year college acceptance
- Emphasis on both character and intellect
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Wakefield County Day School cost?
Wakefield County Day School's tuition is approximately $22,950 for private students and $250 for summer students.
What is the acceptance rate of Wakefield County Day School?
The acceptance rate of Wakefield County Day School is 75%, which is lower than the national average of 79%.
What sports does Wakefield County Day School offer?
Wakefield County Day School offers 6 interscholastic sports: Alpine Skiing, Basketball, Flag Football, Golf, Soccer and Volleyball.
What is Wakefield County Day School's ranking?
Wakefield County Day School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Virginia for: Highest average SAT score, Highest average ACT score and Most extracurriculars offered.
When is the application deadline for Wakefield County Day School?
The application deadline for Wakefield County Day School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
School Reviews
5 8/5/2021
We are COVID Refugees - starting at Wakefield Country as they were the only school brave enough to offer in-person learning during the 2020-2021 academic year. Our kids were 3rd and 5th grade.Their dedication to student learning and experience is well above anything we could have hoped for. They took every reasonable measure to ensure the health of the teachers and students while refusing to compromise on quality of education. They had NO issues last year and my kids absolutely blossomed at WCDS.Not only are the teachers and staff outstanding at their jobs, you can tell they actually enjoy them. The community of families is welcoming, diverse and supportive.We thought we'd just be here for the year, but having seen first hand the positive impact of what truly great school can do for my kids - we are lifers.
5 5/29/2021
I was fortunate enough to find WCDS early in my children's education. Being as there are not wonderful public school options in my close-by county, I knew we would either be homeschooling or opting for private school. I grew up homeschooled during primary school, and after attempting to homeschool my son during pre-kindergarten, I knew I did not have that special magic touch a true teacher has. I'm so grateful to be a part of the Wakefield community and know that my kids are surrounded by great peers, teachers who care and that they are getting the education that they need. Kudos to all the teachers at WCDS for putting kids first during the COVID pandemic and remaining open all year long!
5 1/27/2020
I have found this school to be practically a second home. My dad is a teacher here. Yes, improvements can be made, but that is the case with everything except God. I greatly appreciate all that this school has given me. I have great teachers, and I have enjoyed a great education.
5 3/2/2019
Wakefield Country Day school provides an enriching academic and social environment for my two daughters. Initially, we found WCDS because of their exciting and diverse summer camps in which the children explored computer coding using legos, and age appropriate play and preparation for Pre-K . In November, we made the decision to transition the girls to WCDS as full-time students. The WCDS family partnered with us in navigating the application process, submitting financial aid documents and making my children feel at home in their classrooms and with their peers. The teachers welcomed both girls mid-year and enveloped them into their new learning environments. I love seeing the daily growth and excitement that the girls have for their school, teachers and classmates. -Katherine Hill
5 5/17/2016
Going into our third year at Wakefield Country Day, we couldn't be happier with the quality of the education and outstanding teachers. Our daughter has slipped seamlessly back into the routine of school thanks to the good guidance of the Kindergarten teacher. Every year I prepare myself for a letdown as I convince myself that the new teacher can’t be nearly as good as her preschool and prekindergarten teachers. It’s quite the pleasant surprise to be wrong!
Jason Brady
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