The North Carolina State Board of Education recognized Atkins for exemplary leadership and instruction in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education.  The STEM Recognition Program was developed by NCDPI in partnership with representatives from schools, business and industry, and postsecondary institutions as a way to identify and recognize exemplary STEM schools and STEM programs. The application process rubric is built around NCDPI’s STEM Attributes, which describe characteristics of a high quality STEM school.

Atkins was first comprehensive high school to be recognized as a school-wide NC STEM School of Distinction.