Garner High School

My son was a mid-year graduate from Garner Magnet High School. In other words he graduated in January, 2011. He had perfect attendance as well. His transcript confirms this fact. However, he was not invited to attend the annual awards recognition ceremony. The reason, the principal said he'd been absent 1 day in 8th grade - in IL!! This rendered him ineligible to acknowledgement of perfect attendance in high school. This is not a Wake County Public School policy. It is a site-specific policy. The decision to acknowledge such an accomplishment as this is the principal's and only the principal's at each individual school. This decision was WRONG and most disrespectful!!
--Submitted by a parent

Two of my kids went to this school, one graduated a few years ago, then we moved (thank goodness). This school was very segregated: Students are either "ghetto-fabulous" and "gangsta," "gothic" or "redneck." As a mother of multiracial children, I was SO disgusted with the administration for allowing slouchy pants, kids smoking marijuana across the street before school starts (off school grounds but still, c'mon now!). Let's not talk about lack of supervision: My kid cut school for two days in a row and I found out about it from a PARENT, NOT the school (never even got a call from them!). A few great teachers, very overworked (if they're still there)....just a big "ghetto" school (and i don't use that term lightly since my children are half black....)
--Submitted by Leigh, a parent

This is an excellent school if enrolled in the advanced courses or enrolled in the Middle Year Program/International Bacalaurete Program. The teaching staff and administrative staff are excellent, very happy with our decision to enroll our son in this school.
--Submitted by a parent

We have a new principal who is doing a fine job. But one of the things parents wanted out of our new principal was particiapation and support at our athletic events. I have seen him at football games but never at a soccer game. We have one home game left and it is senior night. I would like to see him support the team even though we haven't had a winning season this year. I am wondering if he has attended any other events to support his students? These student-athletes work hard and it would be nice if it would be recognized by the administration.
--Submitted by a parent

Both of my daughters attend Garner Magnet High School. It is fast becoming a school that cares about education and the arts through parent involvement and the recent International Baccalaureate status. It was one of the lowest scoring schools in Wake County and is climbing upward to becoming one of the best. Drew Cook is the new Principal and he has contributing tremendously to the efforts of improving this schools reputation and educational standards.
--Submitted by a parent

I am a student at Garner Senior High School and I can say that it is a good school to attend because the other students there don't mess with you unless you mess with them. ( I never mess with anyone ) Of course students there will occasionally talk trash or bad mouth others but other than that everything is great. Most parents come to the school complaining about students bullying them or picking on them but that is because their child has started it but they never tell their parent they did. Overall the school is fairly clean, fair teachers, and nice students.
--Submitted by a student

What a wonderful school! Well above average education experience. After much bad press a few years ago, I almost opted out of this school...boy am I glad I didn't. This school's staff is amazing, the classes and programs offered are top notch and the students are above average, best of all my son loves everything about his High School.
--Submitted by a parent

I am fortunate my students dress appropriately and don't skip school but love GMHS, its staff and its principal.
--Submitted by a parent

Garner Magnet High School is going through some major changes - for the better! The new prinicpal is caring and approachable, as are all of the administrators. Teachers work hard, care about their students, and have high expectations of all students. Some parents are very involved; more parents need to be!
--Submitted by a parent

Garner Magnet High School has a new principal who is involved with the students and their activities and is focused on the success of our children. He is approachable and present to the students as well as the parents. We have been very pleased with the quality of staff and leadership and are proud to be part of the Trojan family. My children have been prepared for college and enjoy continued involvement in the Garner community.
--Submitted by a parent