5000 Birchleaf Dr
Raleigh, NC 27606

As a parent of two students at Athens, we have had a great experience. Administrators and staff truly care about the well-being of students and encourage all students to get involved & pursue their passions. We feel that our students will be well prepared for college and have benefitted from a diverse student body.

I have two 6th graders and we are very happy with DDMMS so far. I love the core principles they follow and instill into the kids, I love how it is phone-free during school hours, and I have had nothing but good interactions with all staff who are very friendly and helpful. They also have fun club options - mine are loving Dungeons & Dragons club and Chess club - and look forward to the Minecraft/gaming/coding club. I actually wish they were MORE strict with things, such as dress code for example (I've seen a few too may crop tops and pajama pants than I'd like), but that is on parents more than a school to teach better basics.I'd say to be weary of older reviews because the school has apparently changed very much for the good over the years, with new principal, staff, and magnet status. Also know that this is a large school that feeds from three elementary schools, so it has all the same basic problems as all schools with underpaid teachers, underpaid bus drivers & shortage, underfunded food program, and you will always have poorly-behaved children. PLEASE do everything YOU can at home as a parent and a fellow citizen to support our public schools (especially with your vote ;) otherwise you cannot complain. We are all in this education and parenting thing together! :)

Our experience at this school has been deeply concerning. Ongoing bullying has not been adequately addressed, and in some cases, it has felt as though inappropriate behavior from both students and parents has been tolerated rather than corrected. Additionally, there have been instances where staff used unprofessional language and made comments that were not appropriate for a school environment.Despite having a 504 plan in place, we have struggled to receive consistent support or necessary accommodations. We are often told that changes are “fluid,” yet no meaningful adjustments have been made. It is also concerning that classroom disruptions caused by ongoing behavioral issues are not being effectively managed, which impacts the learning environment for all students.Unfortunately, our experience has led us to feel that our child’s needs are not being met here, and we look forward to moving on to a middle school that will provide the understanding, support, and accountability she deserves. Please consider any other option of schooling before you entertain Yates Mill.