Apex High School

I currently have a child at Apex, and one that has already graduated. We have loved Apex in the years we have been here. I agree that the building is old, and overcrowding does exist, but that is a county wide problem, not inclusive to Apex. You cannot judge a book by it's cover, although the campus is older, there is a wonderful sense of community, with the PTSA, sports programs, drama, music, band, and other clubs. Parent involvement is evident, and the staff is always friendly and helpful. The principal is excellent, and he is also a parent at the school. Staff is always present at all functions we have attended. For the most part we have been pleased with teachers, only a few we didnt care for over the last 6+ years we have been there. I have never seen, nor have my children ever seen smoking on campus, so previous comments by students may be exaggerated. When we moved to the area we looked at all the schools in Wake County, and Apex was our top choice! They have excellent test scores, and a wonderful sense of community. Overall, Apex has been a great experience for us.
—Submitted by a parent

Many students that graduate here go to top colleges nationwide. Some examples are Notre Dame, West Point, Duke, UNC- Chapel Hill...it's true that the top teachers teach AP/Honors classes, but doesn't that make sense?

Teachers are awful, students are somewhat nice. overcrowded, discouraging, depressing environment. i am transferring next year to a different school because i am unimpressed with what i have dealt with at apex high school. people smoke everywhere on campus and it is absolutely disgusting! most of them are underage, and that is probably the only thing that is seemed to be encouraged at apex. staff does not mind if students are smoking and they don't tell them to stop if they do mind it. it has just been really disappointing here at apex and i just have to say i cannot wait to be in a better environment with people involved in sports and a better education. it may seem harsh, but apex really and truly sucks. everyone there seems to put a depressing vibe on the school. everyone seems to be in little cliques and i think that sports and better grades need to be highly encouraged at apex.
—Submitted by a student

As parents of a junior student, we are pleased with our child's performance starting both at Apex Middle School and now at Apex High School. Yes, 2,300 students can be challenging and buildings show their age as with any school similar in size - especially during these economic times. Recent SAT scores placed AHS near the top among all area high schools. We also try and stay abreast of EOG scores and regularly check grades on-line. We're fortunate see a distinct desire to learn, a solid command of subject matter, access to teachers, particpation in sports and a solid circle of friends who we know by name. We monitor grade performance but also talk about the "school intangibles" (drugs, drinking, etc) and their consequences. We're especially proud of his/her involvement with the two academic organizations. Challenges will always exist but staying engaged and part of the education process ensures success. We reinforce that it's his/her responsibility to take control of her education. We provide advice when asked and direction when needed. In the end, Apex High School provides the skills and helps create a desire for our student to continue his/her education beyond high school.
—Submitted by a parent

I was very surprized by the negative comments on Apex. I am a parent of 2 current high school kids who go there and think it is the best public high school around here. My only complaint would be the building because it is old, but it doesn't alter their education or experiences. We moved across county and wanted a diverse community and we got it! The students at Apex represent diversity in all areas: socially, economically, academically, ethnically; and it is WONDERFUL. The school represents a slice of real life.Sports are big everywhere around here, not just here. The arts department is supurb! We purposely did not select other high schools when moving here as they did not seem nearly as diverse. Our kids are high achievers and get a variety of teachers plus great opportunity for honors and AP courses.. There is no truth in what the other review mentioned with only the high achieving students getting the best teachers. I believe most teachers try to work at Apex since it is such a high regarded school. Just like any other high school, if you stay involved with your kids in school, they will do well and the teachers will work with you. As my kids say, it is a chill school!
—Submitted by a parent

As a whole, this school is overcrowded. They just pass the lemons.. bad teachers traded for other bad teachers. Yes there a few gems... but not enough.... the whole county is loaded with teachers that shouldn't be there. And with the recession, brought a hiring freeze. IT is really a sad situation. Overcrowded, building is in need of repairs/refurbishing... The teachers... I have not met one that I liked yet... it is an us against them culture... let's see how we can trip this kid up...so he doesn't get an A. Kids smoking all over/on campus... There is definitely tracks at this school.... the smart kids get the good teachers... the middle of the road/kids that are not overacheivers get stuck with the lemons... big time. We are in AOIT... for the sole reason of the teacher selection, I figured they all can't be lemons... well... they have their fare share as well...and most of those teachers in the information technology academy don't know anything about IT.... Hello... anyone else see the irony in that? and Board Certified means nothing in the classroom. Just because a teacher is Board Certified does not define their teaching ability...by any stretch of the imagination.
—Submitted by a parent

I've already posted, but I just wanted to add that Apex high has a great special education program. I am a high school senior and the inclusion of handicapped kids is amazing. The two student-led clubs Living In Friendship Everyday (LIFE club) and Club Unify encourage friendship between disabled and non-disabled students and as a member of one I can say I have made great friendships and I still say "hi" to kids I've met there in the halls everyday. I want to be a special education teacher (and I am mildly learning disabled myself) so I've met the teachers from various levels and they are all amazing people especially the autism support teacher and the severe/profound teacher.
—Submitted by a student

not a good school. lots of problems with students, teachers are sub par. everyone is really into sports.
—Submitted by a student

As a military child, I have attended three very different high schools and Apex was by far the worst. My teachers didn't appreciate the effort level I put into my work and didn't try to connect with students. I felt like a number. Students already had their cliques and weren't welcoming. I'm glad my time there was short!
—Submitted by a student

Excellent school! The administration and the counselors really care about the students. I have two children going there and they both had a very positive experience.
—Submitted by a parent

My nephew recently graduated from apex. He was a special needs person. We did not think he was going to graduate but suprised us all. He has attended other schools in cary and apex and Apex High was great for him. The teachers really worked well with my Nephew. Thanks Apex High for giving my nephew a chance to succeed.

I am a senior at Apex High, I have been here for all 4 years. Teachers are great, there are a few you dont want to cross, but thats always how it is in high school. Sports are a big thing at Apex, football, soccer and basketball mostly. We just recently started having a Homecoming Dance. I have taken 4 Art classes, wonderful. The supplies and teachers are top of the line. The Computer classes are wonderful too, the teachers really care about you. There are a lot of Honors and AP Classes. We also have a shop classes and a wonderful culinary classes. A few things on the campus could be updated. (auditiorium, locker rooms, bathrooms) We recently got a new prinicpal this year, hes definately taken this high school to the next level. Hes involoved with the students, you always see him walking about campus, greeting students.
—Submitted by a student

I am a Sophmore at Apex and compared to most schools it is great some teachers aren't very good but thats ok. Sports are huge basketball and football are at the top we've won state championships in soccer,lacrosse,cheerleading, and basball. We win the tri-7 conference in the majority of sports. But overall i love my school and would want my child to attend it in the future.
—Submitted by a student

*good number of AP courses *some academic teachers/office support are outstanding *football program is well supported; bleachers will get a good cleaning this year *The auditorium badly needs to be expanded and remodeled. *school was overcapacity by 110% two years ago and the school is still growing significantly. *The marching band has grown from less than 100 students to over 160 students in a four year period. The band has outgrown their facilities. Very active Band boosters. *tennis courts have grass growing
—Submitted by a parent

In general Apex High has been an average school for my child to attend. There needs to be magor inprovements in teacher selection though, as well at the class schedualing. The long classes are too long for most high school students to learn anything from. Aside from the improvements, I would like to say how pleased I am with the art department. The teachers seem to care about the students, and are very involved and supportive.
—Submitted by Jane Abbey, a parent