Wakefield High

Summary:

Wakefield High is a public high school in Arlington County Public Schools, serving 2,766 students in grades 9-12. The school's diverse student population includes 44.58% Hispanic, 25.6% White, 18% African American, and 6.47% Asian students.

While Yorktown High and Washington-Liberty High in Arlington consistently outperform Wakefield High on statewide rankings and academic test scores, Wakefield faces challenges in maintaining academic performance and closing achievement gaps. The school has ranked in the bottom half of Virginia high schools for the past decade and maintains a 2-star rating from SchoolDigger, indicating below-average performance compared to other schools in the state. While White and multi-racial students at Wakefield perform well, other subgroups like Asian, African American, Hispanic, and English Language Learner students struggle, ranking in the bottom half or third of Virginia high schools.

Wakefield High's proficiency rates on state assessments are generally lower than the Arlington County and Virginia state averages, particularly in science subjects. However, the school performs better in math subjects like Algebra. With per-student spending decreasing and a higher student-teacher ratio than nearby high-performing schools, Wakefield High may need targeted interventions and resource allocation to support student success and close achievement gaps among its diverse population.


Detail:

Public 9-12

 1325 S. Dinwiddie Street
       Arlington, VA  22204


(703) 228-6700

District: Arlington County Public Schools

SchoolDigger Rank:
219th of 329 Virginia High Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $9,477 Help


Feeder schools for Wakefield High:

Elementary:    Abingdon Elementary
    Alice West Fleet Elementary
    Barcroft Elementary
    Dr. Charles R. Drew Elementary
    More...
Middle:    Gunston Middle
    Jefferson Middle

Student/teacher ratio:  17.8 Help
Number of students:  2,716

Racial breakdown:

Hispanic:
45.3%
White:
24.4%
African American:
18.2%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  33.1% Help


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Performance Trends
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Compare Details Wakefield High ranks worse than 66.6% of high schools in Virginia. It also ranks last among 3 ranked high schools in the Arlington County Public Schools District. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 46.58. (See more...)
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The four-year cohort graduation rate measures the percentage of students at Wakefield High who earn a standard high school diploma within four years of starting ninth grade.
Help
The high school dropout rate measures the percentage of students who do not complete their high school education.
Help
Chronic absenteeism in a school refers to a situation where students repeatedly miss school, with the threshold often defined as missing 10% or more of school days for any reason, excused or unexcused.
Student Body
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Compare Details Student population at Wakefield High is diverse. Racial makeup is: Hispanic (45.3%), White (24.4%), African American (18.2%). (See more...)
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Compare Details 33.1% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)
Teachers
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Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Wakefield High is 17.8, which is the highest among 4 high schools in the Arlington County Public Schools District! (See more...)
Help
Compare Wakefield High employs 151.8 full-time teachers.
Finance
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Compare Details The average total spent per student at Wakefield High is $9,477, which is the highest among 4 high schools in the Arlington County Public Schools District!
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Wakefield High:

SchoolDigger ranks Wakefield High 219th of 329 Virginia public high schools. (See Wakefield High in the ranking list.)

High School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Multi-racial students:
English Language Learner students:
Low Socio Economic Status students:
Female students:
Disabled students:
Military Connected students:
Male students:
Asian students:
African American students:
Hispanic students:
White students:


Arlington County Public Schools:

SchoolDigger ranks Arlington County Public Schools 26th of 130 Virginia school districts. (See district ranking list.)

Average Parent Rating:

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Rank History for Wakefield High

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Compare

Rank History for all students at Wakefield High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2005 20.37 294th 308 4.5%
2006 20.24 298th 314 5.1%
2007 35.74 244th 313 22.0%
2008 24.13 285th 316 9.8%
2009 29.35 263rd 313 16.0%
2010 28.91 272nd 317 14.2%
2011 31.80 256th 320 20.0%
2012 33.31 252nd 321 21.5%
2013 41.86 195th 321 39.3%
2014 40.46 206th 322 36.0%
2015 43.14 187th 322 41.9%
2016 33.78 244th 321 24.0%
2017 33.89 251st 324 22.5%
2018 35.74 241st 326 26.1%
2019 39.75 221st 327 32.4%
2021 35.07 220th 327 32.7%
2022 38.24 223rd 325 31.4%
2023 44.55 221st 326 32.2%
2024 46.58 219th 329 33.4%
See the entire list of Virginia High School Rankings!

Rank History for Multi-racial students at Wakefield High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 74.98 34th 193 82.4%
2024 71.39 41st 198 79.3%
See the entire list of Best Virginia High Schools for Multi-racial Students!

Rank History for English Language Learner students at Wakefield High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 53.02 43rd 97 55.7%
2024 44.54 76th 122 37.7%
See the entire list of Best Virginia High Schools for English Language Learner Students!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Wakefield High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2024 46.70 189th 320 40.9%
See the entire list of Best Virginia High Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at Wakefield High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 41.83 229th 320 28.4%
2024 41.81 232nd 322 28.0%
See the entire list of Best Virginia High Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Disabled students at Wakefield High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 43.40 148th 249 40.6%
2024 56.84 99th 253 60.9%
See the entire list of Best Virginia High Schools for Disabled Students!

Rank History for Military Connected students at Wakefield High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 40.06 70th 92 23.9%
2024 49.55 51st 92 44.6%
See the entire list of Best Virginia High Schools for Military Connected Students!

Rank History for Male students at Wakefield High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 44.54 208th 321 35.2%
2024 48.12 192nd 322 40.4%
See the entire list of Best Virginia High Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for Asian students at Wakefield High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 45.46 86th 120 28.3%
2024 36.51 92nd 118 22.0%
See the entire list of Best Virginia High Schools for Asian Students!

Rank History for African American students at Wakefield High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 47.25 137th 240 42.9%
2024 49.87 138th 249 44.6%
See the entire list of Best Virginia High Schools for African American Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at Wakefield High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 43.10 144th 232 37.9%
2024 39.12 167th 233 28.3%
See the entire list of Best Virginia High Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for White students at Wakefield High

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools VA State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2023 64.40 93rd 315 70.5%
2024 72.47 43rd 314 86.3%
See the entire list of Best Virginia High Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: Virginia Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

Wakefield High Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 






Data source: Virginia Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 1)
0%

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100%

  

Reviews:
by a citizen
Tuesday, April 19, 2016

Open Quote Admin is very poor and has a clear problem with dealing with the overwhelming diverse student population. Classic discriminatory practices and overall neglect. Poor cafeteria and little to no student clubs and activities. Poor encouragement from teachers. Needs basic diversity training and a better management over student achievement Close Quote


by a parent
Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Open Quote Special education is not good. Very disappointed with quality of teaching from the special education teachers. Administration does not care. If you have a child who requires special education services, stay on top of it! Don't be afraid to take action. Close Quote



Enrollment information for Wakefield High

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Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1989 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 1428 1428
1990 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 1460 1460
1991 0 0 0 0 0 n/a n/a 1593 1593
1992 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 1599 1599
1993 385 371 262 577 3 n/a n/a 0 1598
1994 405 430 266 641 2 n/a n/a 0 1744
1995 328 447 230 689 1 n/a n/a 0 1695
1996 328 447 230 689 1 n/a n/a 0 1695
1997 318 477 229 640 0 n/a n/a 0 1664
1998 294 529 210 644 0 n/a n/a 0 1677
1999 365 543 224 681 2 n/a n/a 0 1815
2000 362 550 220 708 2 n/a n/a -4 1838
2001 345 503 214 741 1 n/a n/a 0 1804
2002 329 469 209 926 3 n/a n/a 0 1936
2003 329 469 209 926 3 n/a n/a 0 1936
2004 334 484 205 884 2 n/a n/a 2 1911
2005 302 430 168 813 1 n/a n/a 4 1718
2006 326 465 172 800 0 n/a n/a 4 1767
2007 320 450 180 764 0 n/a n/a 4 1718
2008 288 440 172 743 1 n/a n/a 4 1648
2009 282 434 186 817 3 n/a n/a 5 1727
2010 264 428 175 743 3 n/a n/a 10 1623
2011 257 407 167 825 5 1 47 0 1709
2012 292 380 157 743 3 1 46 0 1622
2013 291 367 173 712 6 0 46 0 1595
2014 322 389 186 726 8 0 63 0 1694
2015 382 411 173 831 6 5 73 0 1881
2016 419 416 179 851 6 6 85 0 1962
2017 453 416 180 943 6 5 101 0 2104
2018 506 426 187 1008 6 5 110 0 2248
2019 552 451 197 1026 7 3 103 0 2339
2020 619 452 201 1091 4 2 121 0 2490
2021 664 476 197 1090 3 3 128 0 2561
2022 725 516 185 1193 5 3 136 0 2763
2023 708 498 179 1233 7 2 139 0 2766
2024 664 494 177 1231 8 1 141 0 2716

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Wakefield High

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1989 1428 96.6 14.7 n/a
1990 1460 96.7 15.0 n/a
1991 1593 114.9 13.8 n/a
1992 1599 117.0 13.6 n/a
1993 1598 113.7 14.1 n/a
1994 1744 194.1 n/a 36.8
1995 1695 n/a 0.0 36.5
1996 1695 n/a 0.0 36.5
1997 1664 n/a 0.0 35.8
1998 1677 n/a 0.0 38
1999 1815 127.0 14.3 34.3
2000 1838 n/a 0.0 31.4
2001 1804 115.0 15.7 36.6
2002 1936 181.2 10.7 43.2
2003 1936 181.2 10.7 43.2
2004 1911 121.7 15.7 40.5
2005 1718 126.7 13.6 45.1
2006 1767 115.0 15.4 46.9
2007 1718 121.2 14.2 39.6
2008 1648 84.4 19.5 36.7
2009 1727 82.6 20.9 40.9
2010 1623 80.4 20.1 42.2
2011 1709 71.2 23.9 37
2012 1622 90.8 17.8 41.7
2013 1595 94.9 16.7 43.3
2014 1694 108.2 15.6 42.1
2015 1881 119.0 15.8 41.2
2016 1962 128.0 15.3 42.2
2017 2104 140.2 15.0 42.8
2018 2248 136.4 16.4 44.8
2019 2339 145.2 16.1 39.5
2020 2490 145.9 17.0 34.3
2021 2561 148.4 17.2 n/a
2022 2763 138.3 19.9 30.9
2023 2766 171.7 16.1 33.9
2024 2716 151.8 17.8 33.1

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Wakefield High

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1989 1428 96.6 14.7 n/a
1990 1460 96.7 15.0 n/a
1991 1593 114.9 13.8 n/a
1992 1599 117.0 13.6 n/a
1993 1598 113.7 14.1 n/a
1994 1744 194.1 n/a 36.8
1995 1695 n/a 0.0 36.5
1996 1695 n/a 0.0 36.5
1997 1664 n/a 0.0 35.8
1998 1677 n/a 0.0 38
1999 1815 127.0 14.3 34.3
2000 1838 n/a 0.0 31.4
2001 1804 115.0 15.7 36.6
2002 1936 181.2 10.7 43.2
2003 1936 181.2 10.7 43.2
2004 1911 121.7 15.7 40.5
2005 1718 126.7 13.6 45.1
2006 1767 115.0 15.4 46.9
2007 1718 121.2 14.2 39.6
2008 1648 84.4 19.5 36.7
2009 1727 82.6 20.9 40.9
2010 1623 80.4 20.1 42.2
2011 1709 71.2 23.9 37
2012 1622 90.8 17.8 41.7
2013 1595 94.9 16.7 43.3
2014 1694 108.2 15.6 42.1
2015 1881 119.0 15.8 41.2
2016 1962 128.0 15.3 42.2
2017 2104 140.2 15.0 42.8
2018 2248 136.4 16.4 44.8
2019 2339 145.2 16.1 39.5
2020 2490 145.9 17.0 34.3
2021 2561 148.4 17.2 n/a
2022 2763 138.3 19.9 30.9
2023 2766 171.7 16.1 33.9
2024 2716 151.8 17.8 33.1

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.
Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Wakefield High

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YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $00 (0.0%) $9,973 (100.0%) $9,973
2020 $00 (0.0%) $9,527 (100.0%) $9,527
2021 $00 (0.0%) $9,477 (100.0%) $9,477

Data source: Virginia Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Wakefield High

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Rank
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Ranks 221st of 327 High schoolsRanks 221st of 326 High schools
 0.2%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
End of Course Writing (Wakefield High)8478
 6%
   End of Course Writing (Arlington County Public Schools)8786
 1%
   End of Course Writing (Virginia)8174
 7%
End of Course Geometry (Wakefield High)7785
 8%
   End of Course Geometry (Arlington County Public Schools)8890
 2%
   End of Course Geometry (Virginia)8380
 3%
End of Course Algebra I (Wakefield High)8478
 6%
   End of Course Algebra I (Arlington County Public Schools)9287
 5%
   End of Course Algebra I (Virginia)8680
 6%
End of Course Algebra II (Wakefield High)9485
 9%
   End of Course Algebra II (Arlington County Public Schools)9489
 5%
   End of Course Algebra II (Virginia)9186
 5%
End of Course Chemistry (Wakefield High)9241
 51%
   End of Course Chemistry (Arlington County Public Schools)9464
 30%
   End of Course Chemistry (Virginia)8864
 24%
End of Course Biology (Wakefield High)8166
 15%
   End of Course Biology (Arlington County Public Schools)8978
 11%
   End of Course Biology (Virginia)8370
 13%
End of Course Earth Science (Wakefield High)7236
 36%
   End of Course Earth Science (Arlington County Public Schools)7649
 27%
   End of Course Earth Science (Virginia)8172
 9%
End of Course English Reading (Wakefield High)8284
 2%
   End of Course English Reading (Arlington County Public Schools)8788
 1%
   End of Course English Reading (Virginia)8685
 1%
End of Course Geography (Wakefield High)6050
 10%
   End of Course Geography (Arlington County Public Schools)8676
 10%
   End of Course Geography (Virginia)8066
 14%
End of Course VA and US History (Wakefield High)6237
 25%
   End of Course VA and US History (Arlington County Public Schools)6952
 17%
   End of Course VA and US History (Virginia)6838
 30%
End of Course World History I (Wakefield High)8350
 33%
   End of Course World History I (Arlington County Public Schools)8263
 19%
   End of Course World History I (Virginia)8066
 14%
End of Course World History II (Wakefield High)3838
   End of Course World History II (Arlington County Public Schools)4645
 1%
   End of Course World History II (Virginia)8148
 33%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students23392766
 18.3%
African American451498
 10.4%
American Indian77
Asian197179
 9.1%
Hispanic10261233
 20.2%
Pacific Islander32
 33.3%
White552708
 28.3%
Two or More Races103139
 35%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients39.5%33.9%
 5.6%


Schools Near Wakefield High









Frequently Asked Questions about Wakefield High

In the 2023-24 school year, 2,716 students attended Wakefield High.

Students at Wakefield High are 45% Hispanic, 24% White, 18% African American, 7% Asian, 5% Two or more races.

Wakefield High is fed by the following schools:

Elementary : Abingdon Elementary
Elementary : Alice West Fleet Elementary
Elementary : Barcroft Elementary
Elementary : Dr. Charles R. Drew Elementary
Elementary : Hoffman-Boston Elementary
Elementary : Oakridge Elementary
Elementary : Randolph Elementary
Middle : Gunston Middle
Middle : Jefferson Middle

Wakefield High ranks 219th of 329 Virginia high schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 2 stars out of 5.


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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Virginia Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.





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