Reynolds High School

I went to RJR from freshman year to Junior year and I was so sure I was going to go for my Senior year but things happen . I would give everything to finish highschool there . It is one of the best schools in NC . It's very diverse and offers so many different classes and clubs and extracurricular activities. The teachers here are great. The learning experience is wonderful as long as you apply yourself. however that's in any situation . This school has had a positive impact on my life. Reynolds Pride .
—Submitted by a student

I went there, and was told by the department chairmen at Duke that it was one off the best schools in the country.

The leadership of the principal and his staff is excellent. The diversity of the school reflects the community. The support of the PTSA is superior.
—Submitted by a parent

I love that Reynolds is able to meet the needs of the diverse student body. It has great mojo and works to have something for everyone to get involved in school.
—Submitted by a parent

As a former staff member at Reynolds High School, I can say it's one of the best high schools I've ever seen. It isn't perfect, but the positives far outweigh the negatives. The faculty is excellent academically and all teachers go the extra mile to help students who want help. The administrators are involved with the students and faculty to a great degree. The students are generally polite, friendly, and involved in the school and community. The growth I saw in students from 9th to 12 grades was phenomenal. The best part of Reynolds is the diversity of activities that provide students with multiple opportunities to excel in their own way -- artistically, athletically, academically, and socially. Many former students return to let faculty members know that the rigor of academics at Reynolds has made college easy. That is the best testamonial anyone can give to his/her high school

Reynolds High School is the best! I graduated in 2008 and currently attend UNC-CH. It was the best experience one could ask for in High School. Most all of the teachers genuinely care about their students and their well being. Reynolds is diverse and offers a place for any kind of student. Great athletics, arts and academics... Reynolds really is on top. I have attended a private elementary school, a private boarding school in 9th grade and Reynolds from 10-12th and Reynolds was by far my favorite. There are so many chances to get involved with different groups. I don't know any other high school where the principal knows you by name and speaks to you during class changes. I created strong relationships with my peers, teachers, administrators and my guidance counselor while at RJR and I wouldn't trade my experience for anything.

Most of the teachers are good people, and there are many, many different types of people. The hallways and stairways get very crowded and sometimes clogged, and we need a creative writing class, but the campus is aesthtically pleasing and sometimes kids play accoustic guitar during lunch ^_^ That's a lot of fun.
—Submitted by a student

RJR is an amazing school. Everyone can find their place within the school and due to the fact that RJR is very diverse no one gets left out. With the new arts program students who are serious about their art can have an intense focus directly on their art while students less interested in the arts can continue with the 'normal' classes. The classes at RJR are small compared to most WS/FCS schools. There are tons of sports and clubs that welcome all students and the school has a general close knit feeling to it. No major cliches. RJR has an outstanding theater arts program and students have a chance to work in the amazing theater every day. Teachers are close to their students and make every effort to keep in contact with the parents. They are also very involved with student activities and keep the parents involved also.
—Submitted by a parent

What makes RJR and other schools in Forsyth exceptional is the opportunity for kids to go to the Career Center during 11th-12th grades. They can get away from the more distracting or unruly elements in the student body and get to a place where you can learn with other bright people. Teachers at the Career Center are fantastic and less worn-down because they can focus on being a teacher not a disciplinarian. Being in class, you can learn and posit intellectual ideas without feeling like a show-off. Teachers don't have to hassle you about chewing gum, wearing a hat or leaning back in your chair. Take absolutely as many APs as you can. I took 6 my senior year and I learned more than a year at a great college. I hope this is helpful

I graduated reynolds in 04, and i cannot say that at any time in those four years did i feel that i wasnt receiving the best education in Winston Salem. there are heaps of extracurricular activities to choose from. our music department was thriving when i left, and is doing better and better each year since. the teachers are all top-notch, and though there are some i didnt like; i can only recall a few that i felt weren't decent teachers. Reynolds is a great school, for any student. if your son or daughter attends reynolds, and cant meet people and enjoy the school within days; then the school is not the problem... reynolds is the finest, oldest and most prestigious school in winston salem. there is no reason anyone couldnt have a wonderful HS experience at R.J. Reynolds High School.
—Submitted by a former student

Excellent, beautiful old school; the tradition continues with the new principal. (Previous poster is accurate re: geometry teacher and former principal's lack of response!) The only school in town that has the combination of student diversity - economic and racial - and stellar academics.
—Submitted by a parent

Our child spent one year at RJR. We have mixed emotions about the school as there were a few bright stars. The two bright stars were the honors biology teacher and the seminar english teacher - wonderful! The downers --An honors geometry teacher that played games on her computer during class-- a principle that wouldn't listen and said that he had never heard about this problem! Keep looking!
—Submitted by a parent

Great school....every kid has a niche they can discover at this school. So many opportunities to tailor learning to the interest and skill of the child
—Submitted by a parent