2508 Valley Haven Dr
Raleigh, NC 27603

Good school, so far for my sophomore son.

When I think of Dillard Drive, I think of my friends, the people, and the teachers who are my best friends as if they were family. The downsides: no "clean language," drama/fights, and not to mention the secret vaping in the bathrooms. In 6th grade, there are so many fun activities and moments that you will never forget. Most of the teachers are fun and sweet, and there are lots of celebrations, as well as getting you used to REAL WORK.In 7th grade, things are more of a challenge educationally and emotionally, but you will be more used to the school dn how it works, as well as know everyone and all the grades. There is still time for fun, as long as you do your work. And finally, 8th grade is more mature but exposing, and on task for high school workwise. Dillard Drive is like a second home where there WILL be struggles, and you WILL run into trouble, but it will make middle school one you will not forget. -A student

Our 6 yr old was attacked in class at the beginning of the year and then attacked by the same student in the middle of the year. She no longer felt safe in class. The attacks were impulsive according to administration. We accepted that and was not looking at punishing the other child. We merely wanted our child to feel safe again and asked that she be moved to another classroom. They would not comply. Stating that they had a process to follow... That process should have started at the beginning of the year. Not after our child was attacked for the second time. She wasn't the only student that had a negative encounter with this particular student either, which just shows that it's going to keep happening. Especially since there was no punishment/consequence that has deterred this student from repetitive negative actions. It is unbelievable to me that they expect my little girl to stay in the same class with the boy that attacked her. Would we ever ask any woman to do that?? No! Aren't impulsive crimes punished???? Yes! I told my daughter how she feels matters and that she has a voice. No one touches you without your permission and no one can tell you that your feelings don't matter. So we left the school, never to go back. I will say that we loved our teacher. I feel that she isn't given the resources that she needs to help with the schools all inclusive policy. The principal was also very kind and compassionate. However, the vice principal is cold and defensive. Could care less about our child. She was telling me about life..... really???? I'm a minority that grew up very poor, she isn't, and she wants to tell me about life and hardship and asked what would I do if this happens in the future or my children are in other situations like this....I told her I know when to remove myself from a negative situation and this was one of them. The nerve of that vice principal. She needs lessons in communicating with parents! She talked down to me the entire time like she was better then me and it made me so angry. It's been a long time since I've felt that way. I can't believe she's the vice principal of an elementary school.

This school is a terrible choice for parents and students looking for a supportive teachers. Teachers will rarely listen to or try to understand a student's point of view. The administration will ignore many student concerns without any investigation unless parents interfere. Many of the work handed is just busy work and rarely has an impact on student learning. There are some helpful teachers but there are even more cruel teachers. It's incredibly hard to fix grades that a student didn't deserve without parental interference. The courses offered are very restrictive as well.

I have had an amazing experience as a student at this school. This has made me not only ready for college but also the professional world. Throughout my four years here I was able to grow and learn through the help of the incredible students and staff. I can't wait to see what Wake STEM becomes.

While we have had a few bumps getting our boy engaged, the leadership have been great partners with looking at options. This school is a college prep school so there is not an emphasis in the Arts, but more a focus on core curriculum. We love that there are male teachers teaching our boy as they provide examples of strong role models. We love the uniforms!

All teachers are very attentive and helpful especially Principal Baker during this pandemic. We are very lucky to belong to a school who treats the children as their own.