Athens Drive High School was dedicated on April 11, 1979. The first classes began in the fall of 1978. Athens Drive High is considered a small 4A school by North Carolina standards with a student population of approximately 2000-2100 students. It is located inside the 440 beltline in Raleigh, NC and is not far from the North Carolina State University and Cary, NC.

 

Athens Drive High School has the first career academy in Wake County Public Schools. The Athens Drive Health Science Career Academy started in 1990. It continues the legacy of excellence in healthcare education and is flourishing. 

 

Athens Drive High School has significance both architecturally and through its rich traditions of excellence. The "Mighty Jaguar" statue above was sculpted by Mr. Ron Williams (no relation to the architect F. Carter Williams). It was commissioned by the Athens Drive High School Class of 2005. A long-time art teacher and coach, Mr. Williams recently retired from teaching and is given the honorable distinction as being one of the Athens Drive High School "Silver Jags." This distinguished group of teachers opened the doors in 1978-1979 and set the tone for the traditions of excellence that make Athens Drive High School the excellent school that it is today. Due to retirements, there are fewer Silver Jags who continue to teach at Athens Drive High. Fortunately, many of them continue to be involved in the Athens Drive Community through volunteer and part-time work.