Athens Drive Magnet High School, formerly known as Athens Drive High School, is a secondary Wake County public high school in southwestern Raleigh, North Carolina, that serves grades 9–12. As of 2023–2024, the school has 2,062 enrolled students and approximately 127 hired educators.
Serving 2,156 students in grades 9-12, Athens Drive High School ranks in the top 20% of all schools in North Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 30%, and reading proficiency is top 30%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 65% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 73% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student-teacher ratio of 17:1 is higher than the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 57% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- School Type: Magnet School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 2,156 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 57%
- Graduation Rate: 87% (Top 50% in NC)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20%
- Math Proficiency: 65% (Top 30%)
- Reading Proficiency: 73% (Top 20%)
- Science Proficiency: 49% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Athens Drive High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Diversity
School Overview
Athens Drive High School's student population of 2,156 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 125 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
2,156 students
Total Classroom Teachers
125 teachers
Year Founded
1978
Colors
Blue, Orange
School Calendar
Last Day of School
Tue. Jun 9, 2026
School Motto
'Driven to Excellence'
School Rankings
Athens Drive High School ranks within the top 20% of all 2,617 schools in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Athens Drive High School is 0.71, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.72. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#415 out of 2617 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)65%
51%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
73%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
49%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
7%
5%
Hispanic
22%
22%
Black
25%
24%
White
43%
42%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
3%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
(21-22)87%
86%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
41%
72%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
1%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Athens Drive High School's ranking?
Athens Drive High School is ranked #415 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
65% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 73% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
What is the graduation rate of Athens Drive High School?
The graduation rate of Athens Drive High School is 87%, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 86%.
How many students attend Athens Drive High School?
2,156 students attend Athens Drive High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
43% of Athens Drive High School students are White, 25% of students are Black, 22% of students are Hispanic, 7% of students are Asian, and 3% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Athens Drive High School?
Athens Drive High School has a student ration of 17:1, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does Athens Drive High School offer ?
Athens Drive High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Athens Drive High School part of?
Athens Drive High School is part of Wake County Schools.
In what neighborhood is Athens Drive High School located?
Athens Drive High School is located in the Southwest Raleigh neighborhood of Raleigh, NC. There are 9 other public schools located in Southwest Raleigh.
School Reviews
Review Athens Drive High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.
