5453 Heritage Oaks Ln
Winston Salem, NC 27106

Testing before smiles is my experience here. They have my kids on computers constantly test test testing. Everything is so militarized, and you can really feel the tension while everyone is so on edge and tired looking always. School should be a warm place but a folks are intense here.

To the parent from Virginia with a student at Jefferson Middle School: I acknowledge the validity of most of your points (especially the morning traffic -- you need to be on traffic duty to see just how crazy people can be). However, I take exception to your point about the district's choice plan. (You said, "a real lack of diversity" and "letting parents pick and choose their district.") A teacher in WSFCS for ten years and a parent with students in the system for thirty years, I have watched the district move from forced busing to neighborhood school assignment. Overnight the district re-segregated. Then the magnet program was introduced. Slowly and with great difficulty the program has turned into a strength. Plan to attend the Magnet School Fair January 5 at the Benton Convention Center. Depending on what year your student is in at Jefferson, you may want to consider moving to one of the magnet programs. At least you will have a better perspective on which high school your student may attend. All the magnet schools have a liberal visitation programs. You may tour the schools. Your student can "shadow" a student for a day partial day. The options are worth exploring.

the worst experience ever we've been doing this for 3 months no at home and we talked to a teacher once who have been to be social studies teacher and we've never talked to her since my daughter's been looking at a computer and learning on her own and failing and nobody does anything about it she has disabilities and I had a fight to get an IRA IEP review after the hospital even thought it was a good idea spend the worst school meadowlark was meadowlark Middle

Strong academically and athletically. Well-run school. EC program also has great staff.

I taught at this school for many years and have nothing but positive things to say about the students, parents, and staff members. I am filled with pride when I think about my time at the school and miss teaching there very much. The students are challenged academically and held to high standards, but they generally rise to and exceed these standards. The college professors in particular will hold the kids to account, and it shows in their development both as students and individuals. If you want your child to develop a strong work ethic, feel supported by both their peers and teachers, and grow into thoughtful, respectful, and diligent individuals, send them to this school!Please be mindful that this school is not for everyone. Students will be enrolled in college courses immediately and this has proven to be difficult for some individuals. The school also does not offer after-school sports (students can still participate, just at their neighborhood school), however there is an abundance of clubs on various days that almost all students participate in. Parents also need to understand that micromanaging their students' coursework is a no-go here. College professors sometimes outright refuse to speak with parents as they only communicate with the students themselves. Don't be turned off by this - it simply encourages the students to learn how to speak to their professors when they need help (questions, extensions, etc). In my opinion, this is one of the most important life skills that is taught at the school. That being said, parents are still a HUGE part of the Early College family and are encouraged to volunteer whenever possible. The school provides ample opportunities for families to get involved and participate in their kids' high school experience. I truly loved my experience here. I am so proud of my students and I had so much fun watching them develop into incredible, thoughtful, intelligent, and creative individuals.