5517 Hamstead Crsg
Raleigh, NC 27612

My children got to explore several different areas of interest to help them choose areas for their future. The administration tries to accommodate all different types of students, including high performers, low performers, and everything in-between. There are a ton of clubs and activities to get involved in, and any child can find something of interest, if they choose to look. While my children did not use the special education services, other students we know have, with good success.

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.

As a former employee, I can proudly say I had a great relationship with most of the students and staff at BCES. However, some of my colleagues of color and I agreed we experienced discrimination from Principal Eric Taylor to some extent. Many of us removed ourselves before the start of this school year due to this toxic work environment. During my employment, teachers left me positive feedback after working in their classes, with themselves and their students even asking me when I would return. However, my former boss was quick to belittle me, switch me to a special needs classroom that I had no credentials/support/say in transferring to, and even told me that "no one will want to work with you next year," which went completely against what my colleagues have told me. I hope this is investigated further, because the last thing schools need are more educators (especially POC educators) leaving the classroom due to that kind of treatment.

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.

I love Pine Hollow. My children felt safe and included in the school. The teachers are wonderful and try to get to know the students. The admin team is easily approachable. My voice was heard as well as my children's voices.