Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Premier K-12 College-Preparatory Education in Huntly, VA
Wakefield Country Day School (WCDS) is an independent Preschool through 12th-grade institution founded in 1972 by Dr. William E. Lynn, Jr. and Pamela Lynn. Our educational philosophy combines classical traditions with 21st-century values, emphasizing writing, public speaking, critical thinking, STEM, and foreign language fluency. Accredited by the Virginia Independent Schools Association (VISA), we maintain a 100% college acceptance rate while fostering character development through ethics, inclusivity, and leadership. With small class sizes and a close-knit community, we offer unique programs including year-long senior thesis projects, global travel opportunities, and partnerships with organizations like Virginia Working Landscapes.Recognized as #15 in Virginia for Best Private Schools (K-12) by Niche (2025), our graduates consistently excel academically and personally, supported by dedicated faculty who know each student individually. We provide bus transportation from eight surrounding counties and maintain a safe, drama-free environment where students focus on learning and personal growth.
Services
College preparatory curriculum
STEM education
Foreign language programs
Global travel opportunities
Character development programs
Senior thesis projects
Details
- Year established: 1972
Highlights and features
- 100% college acceptance rate with personalized college counseling
- Classical curriculum combined with 21st-century STEM and language fluency
- Small class sizes ensuring individualized student attention
- Accredited by Virginia Independent Schools Association (VISA)
- Emphasis on ethical leadership and character development
Associations and certifications
- Virginia Independent Schools Association (VISA)
What people say
Supportive community
Excellent academics
Personalized attention
Character development
College preparation
Services
College preparatory curriculum
Our rigorous college-preparatory program combines classical education with modern STEM focus. Students engage in writing, public speaking, and critical thinking while maintaining a 100% college acceptance rate. The curriculum prepares students for academic success through personalized instruction and comprehensive college counseling.
Character development programs
We emphasize ethical responsibility, leadership, and community service. Through daily interactions and structured programs, students develop integrity, inclusivity, and honorable conduct that extends beyond the classroom to shape future leaders.
Global travel opportunities
Students participate in international trips to Italy, France, and Switzerland, exploring ancient history and global perspectives. These experiences enhance cultural understanding and provide real-world context to classroom learning through immersive educational adventures.
Senior thesis projects
All seniors complete year-long thesis projects demonstrating research, writing, and presentation skills. This culminating academic experience develops critical thinking and prepares students for university-level work through independent, in-depth study on chosen topics.
STEM education
Our STEM curriculum integrates hands-on learning with theoretical foundations in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Students engage in innovative projects and problem-solving activities that develop analytical skills and prepare for future STEM careers.
People
Dr. William E. Lynn, Jr.
Founder
Co-founder of WCDS in 1972, Dr. Lynn established the school's classical education foundation with emphasis on character development. His vision continues shaping the institution's academic and moral standards.
Pamela Lynn
Co-Founder
Co-founder with her husband Dr. William Lynn, Pamela helped establish WCDS's nurturing environment. Their joint vision created a school combining rigorous academics with strong character education that continues today.
Suzanne Zylonis
Director of Admissions
As Director of Admissions, Suzanne leads enrollment efforts and open house events. With extensive experience at WCDS, she guides families through the admissions process and represents the school's welcoming community.
Jennifer Thede
Registrar
Jennifer manages student records and transcript requests. She ensures smooth administrative operations at WCDS, providing essential support for both current and prospective families.
Questions
What makes WCDS different from other private schools?
WCDS uniquely combines classical education with 21st-century skills, emphasizing character development alongside academics. Small classes, personalized attention, and our 100% college acceptance rate distinguish us.
Does WCDS offer financial aid?
Yes, WCDS offers financial aid and scholarships including the Cowherd Scholarship, Dengel Scholarship, and Huntly Scholarship Program to support qualified students.
What extracurricular activities are available?
We offer athletics, fine/performing arts, clubs, and our signature senior thesis projects. Students participate in traditions like the Medieval Fair and Pancake Races.
What are class sizes at WCDS?
WCDS maintains small class sizes to ensure personalized attention. This allows teachers to know each student individually and provide tailored academic support.
Is transportation provided?
Yes, WCDS offers bus transportation from eight surrounding counties, making our Huntly campus accessible to students throughout the region.
What college preparation services do you offer?
Our college counseling program includes personalized guidance, application assistance, and a 100% college acceptance rate. We help students find best-fit institutions through individualized support.
Videos
Reviews (6)
Terry S.
Jan 31, 2022
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Not a good experience - we had to pull our kid out due to general incompetence. The guy they hired a few years ago to run the school is a lawyer, if that tells you anything.
Kimberly Myers
Oct 30, 2021
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I used to believe private school was not an option for my family, but Wakefield Country Day School has welcomed us with open arms. The curriculum is appropriate and challenging. The teachers and staff make every effort to create a community where all are accepted and acknowledged. There are a variety of after school activities and sports. I highly recommend WCDS!
Sarah C.
Jul 31, 2021
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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
Alanna Mensing
Dec 27, 2019
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After touring many schools for my children to attend, I knew I had found a home at Wakefield. The curriculum on the website was attractive, but it was the feel of the school that was the perfect fit. Students here are polite, genuine, and happy. I took three tours of this school before our first day, and it was the same every time. The staff not only know the students by name, they know these students as family. My son's first day of school was a huge deal for me, but I never doubted our choice. I was afraid of how he would react when I picked him up that first day. But when I saw him, he gave
Veronica Porterfield
Dec 26, 2018
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I have always had a sense of how special this school is because, from the beginning, it was one of a very few places outside of our house in which our daughter has felt at home. As an intelligent and curious but also highly sensitive and empathetic person, she might have found it challenging to have both her intellectual and emotional needs met in an academic environment. And as you know, as a former homeschooling mother, I had a high bar for a school for my kids: it was very important to me that the environment foster a love of learning, establish a strong academic foundation through a rigorous
Tearyn Loving
Jul 30, 2017
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We could not be more pleased with or enthusiastic about Wakefield Country Day School. Last fall WCDS embraced our then 3-year old and he has thrived in an environment that he feels safe in, is loved, and has so many friends of all ages. The school's new Summer Bridge program was exactly what our now 4-year old needed to help him stay engaged during the summer and we are confident that he will have a great start to the upcoming school year thanks to the program and its instructor, Ashlyn. The Summer Bridge program and Ashlyn have been invaluable for our 2-year old's introduction to structured learning
