Lake Norman High School

Would I drive 30 minutes to get my child to the high school with the top graduation rate in the state? My answer is YES, YES, and YES! Traffic issues aside, this is a wonderful school in a fantastic area. To resolve the traffic issue, we were blessed to be able to recently purchase a new home across the street, so that our student's drive to this school will actually be only about 5 minutes through one stop light. We thought we wouldn't be able to get a loan with all of the sky is falling media coverage of the housing market, but it was surprisingly easy and a very smooth process with the new builder there. With all of that said, save your money on private schooling and put it to living in this district! 95% of students who attend this school go on to college. This tells you all that you need to know about the type of parents who will be your neighbors if your child goes to this school. The teachers are great and the principal is awesome; our family loves it!
--Submitted by a parent

We moved here this past summer from Illinois. So far we are satisfied with the academics offered at Lake Norman. The school's main problem is that it is too big for the town's road system and I'm not sure what or if anything is planned to overcome the issue. Over 2000 students are required to pass through one intersection to get to the road that the school is on...then everyone, except buses, are required to enter through one single lane entrance. I live 8 miles from the school an it takes at least 30 minutes to get my child to school. A second school entrance needs to be instituted, either from the rear parking area off of Doolie Road or from Hwy 150 coming into the back of the school. It is dangerous and maddening dealing with it everyday. This is something to consider when moving here and choosing a school for your new high school driver!
--Submitted by a parent

The school has a strong principal, excellent teachers and very good coaches. My daughter has been at this school for four years and I am hoping my other two daughters will also attend this school. They have challenging academic programs and a good environment if your child does what they are supposed to do in HS which is work hard and do not get mixed up with the wrong crowed (parents we chose our kids friends!).
--Submitted by a parent

Not a good school at all. Half the girls here are probably pregnant, school was ranked as highest STD rates in NC. Teachers were not responsive, and don't get to know their students. Very disappointing all around.
--Submitted by a parent

We moved here from MD in 2007. Our LD child has absolutely blossomed in the OCS program, as well as the extracurricular activities that she can participate in that were not available to her in our previous home. The other students (mainstream and OCS) treat her with kindness and respect and make her feel welcomed and part of the student body. We are so happy to be part of LNHS! My ONLY complaint is the inconsistency of school-home communication, but the teachers do respond promptly when you initiate the communication.
--Submitted by a parent

Lake Norman is one of the worst high schools ever! I had 4 children that finished high school at 4 different high school in NC. North Meck., Mooresville High, Lake Norman, and Davidson Day School. The teacher's do a poor job of letting the parents know how there child is doing. Safety could be better. Administers need to be more in the ball with there job. All they students need to get recognized! Not just the best!
--Submitted by a parent

Academic programs are adequate. Teachers do respond to emails promptly. If you keep in constrant contact with the teachers, you will get notified of missing progress reports. They will even fax them to on request. The special needs program is run very well. Security is lax and someone needs to direct traffic in the parking lot. Only the best students get recognized and not the students who show dramatic improvement.
--Submitted by a parent

Our child is a freshman at Lake Norman. I have found the teachers respond quickly to requests about a childs progress in the classroom. All you have to do is ask. The variety of class choices is excellent. The athletics program has been a welcome addition to our childs experience. The only downfall I see is the traffic leading out of the high school at dismissal time.
--Submitted by a parent

We relocated from CA last year so my son has attended LNHS for 1 year. He will be a Junior in 07/08. He stated 'this school just has better teachers'. When a 15 year old says that it should count for a lot. I agree that teachers need to contact parents when grades are poor. The one class he struggled in the teacher never contacted us. The sports programs are good but I'd only give the guidance staff a B-. What we like best is that the school year is divided into 2 semesters so the kids get to take 8 classes instead of only 6 in a year. The extra time in class on a daily basis has really helped my son to fully grasp the subjects that he's learning. It's wonderful to see his grades in the low 90's instead of the low 80's.
--Submitted by a parent

This is a great school with plenty of emphasis on Music and athletics. It is in it's 4th year so everything is new and shiny but that means you will be 'hit up' for fundraisers CONSTANTLY. The test scores are fabulous.
--Submitted by a parent