Owen High School

I loved going to Owen. It offered numerous opportunities and played host to great clubs and athletic programs. I received a very well-rounded education and even went on to become a Morehead-Cain Scholar at UNC-Chapel Hill. I have accomplished a lot during my years in high school as well as in college, and I owe it to my roots at Owen High.
--Submitted by a student

As a former student of Owen High, I actually hated the three years that I was there. Also, they accused my parents, and myself of several things that we had never done.
--Submitted by a student

I am a former student of Owen, I graduated in 2004. I was a part of several varsity teams and did not, during my time, witness any sort of bias by the faculty toward the athletes regarding grades, though athletic participation was encouraged by the administration. I do not feel that the faculty prepares students well for college. I started college at a small private school and felt I was not prepared even for that. When I transferred to a major, well-respected university I felt completely ill-prepared. After hearing about many of my friends' high school experiences, academically Owen is far behind where it should be. They should not be trying to reach the standard set by the state they should be trying to be one of the best schools in the state. I felt there is too much emphasis on athletic excellence and not nearly enough on academic excellence.

I'm a student at Owen High School and I find the bad reviews a bit overdone. The school is decently clean and definitely not disgusting as described by some parents. The teachers are nice although I've had a harder time with some than others. We have a lot of spirit and I find it to be an overall good school. The school has beautiful scenery. I enjoy this school and look forward to the rest of my years attending Owen.
--Submitted by a student

My child has been attending owen for three years now. At first I believed this was the best place for him to be and proud since I graduated some time ago. However, his first year started with problems with harresment that would not be handled by teachers. Next we found teachers who would show move videos, R - rated instead of teaching. Principals do not attend important functions such as Beta Club inductions when all of the parents came to see their children. I am sorry to say that I am ashamed to be living in my community with such a poorly run school. My son takes as many Ap classes as he can and we are still not sure he will make it to the college of his choice with a 3.8
--Submitted by a parent

I believe that it is one of the best if not the best schools in the county. It is a beautiful campus, and the size of the school is not too big while at the same time not too small.

I go to this school right now and let me tell you one thing: I hate it. It's not a simple 'Oh, I'm a whiny high schooler, I don't want to go to school,' No. It's nothing of the sort. My school is a completely biased place and I don't feel safe here. Yes, I am pretty much an outcast, but I'm put in that position by teachers who think that everyone should be on a team. Well too bad, teachers, I can't. Being plagued with scoliosis, you'd think that they'd handle it a little more politely. Don't send your kid to this school unless you want them to be ridiculed for not having 'the name' or being on a team.
--Submitted by kch, a student

My two daughters and two other step children attended this school. The expectations of the majority of the teachers was low. Both of my daughters attended honors classes. They both felt inadequately prepared for college. They both attended well respected four year colleges and were surprised to find that they were ill prepared for a rigorous learning environment. I regret I did not send them to private schools. Owen does require a senior project for each student. I felt these senior projects would better serve the students if they required a service learning component. The biggest complaint I have about the school is the lack pf excellence in academics standards. Students are allowed to turn in sub quality work and still receive an A. The teachers consistently allow the students to turn in work months late.
--Submitted by a parent

I am a student at Owen,and,after reading the other reviews, I feel that I must stand up for my school. I am currently not involved in any extracurricular activities, and I am not scorned for it. The school is as clean as it can be, considering the immaturity of some of the students (i.e. vandalism). Indeed, I always hear compliments on the cleanliness of the facility from visitors. Yes,there are some drawbacks. The students, and parents, are very much 'out of the loop.' We do get phone calls informing us of a certain event or an important announcement, but sometimes students do not get the message because of some reason or other, and the next day we are surprised with an exam or something to that sort. Furthermore, although not the school's doing, students at the standard level at Owen, or at any school in NC for that matter, is put under a lot of stress due to new,impractical, laws.
--Submitted by a student

I attended owen and graduated in the class of 2005. I must admit that yes, i did have fun but there were alot of controling issues in that school. Most of the problem was the way the staff acted. I wouldn't really refer this school to a lot of people. Don't get me wrong, they were ok. There were a lot of wonderful teachers that I think I bonded with best. But there were quite a few that i just couldn't handle. I enjoyed my high school years, but i sure am glad they are over with. The music programs are awesome and wonderful directors. But sports is a little out of hand.
--Submitted by shana jackson, a former student