As of 2018–19, Garner offers its nearly 2,400 students 34 IB Diploma Programme courses, 16 Advanced Placement courses, 48 Career and Technical Education courses, Four world languages, a Public Safety Career Academy, an Army JROTC program, courses in Music (Chorus, Band, and Orchestra), Dance, Theatre and Visual Arts, 19 varsity sports, and 50 student clubs. The school began offering the International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme beginning in the fall of 2019.[6]
History
The school opened in the fall of 1968 when Garner desegregated its schools. Garner Consolidated School had served African-American students. Garner High School had served white students (and handful of African-American students) who elected to attend under the "choice" plan that was in place prior to desegregation. Garner resident Tim Stevens, a retired journalist, in March 2018 premiered a theatrical production, "68," telling the story of the school's September 2 opening that year. Stevens credits the community and principal Wayne Bare for managing integration peacefully and for overcoming a number of construction delays.[7] In a 2008 book on implementation of the Supreme Court's Brown v. Board of Education decision, editors Daugherity and Bolton attribute Garner's successful desegregation to Bare's effort to create a shared culture and avoid a power imbalance.[8]
In the summer of 2016, the Garner Magnet High School building was partially torn down due to mold and mildew, and Garner Magnet High School's students were located in the South Garner High School building until the renovation of Garner Magnet High School was complete.[9][10]
In 2024 Garner won the 4A State Championship in Softball with Lily Keefer winning Finals MVP.
