About Us

Ligon Gifted and Talented/AIG Basics Magnet Middle School has built its reputation as one of the top middle schools in Wake County. At Ligon, we strive to identify, nurture and develop the unique gifts and talents of our students in a safe and caring environment; to encourage and celebrate diversity in our school programs; and to promote respect and understanding for others. With the help of our supportive community, we have established a tradition of excellence in academics, athletics, and the arts.

Ligon has two magnet themes that operate in tandem: Gifted and Talented and Academically or Intellectually Gifted (AIG) Basics. These programs are integrated throughout the school in core classes as well as a wide variety of elective courses and co-curricular activities.

Mission Statement

Wake County Public School System will provide a relevant and engaging education and will graduate students who are collaborative, creative, effective communicators and critical thinkers.

Vision Statement

Ligon Magnet Middle School is dedicated to creating an inclusive school environment in which every student’s gifts and talents are valued and nurtured. We provide an equitable, innovative, and culturally relevant education, tailored to meet students’ individual needs through rigorous academics and magnet programming.

Core Value and Beliefs

1. Every student is uniquely capable and deserves to be challenged and engaged in relevant, rigorous, and meaningful learning each day.

2. Every student is expected to learn, grow, and succeed while we will eliminate the ability to predict achievement based on socioeconomic status, race, and ethnicity.

3. Well-supported, highly effective, and dedicated principals, teachers, and staff are essential to success for all students.

4. The Board of Education, superintendent, and all staff, while sustaining best practices, will promote and support a culture of continuous improvement, risk-taking, and innovation that results in a high-performing organization focused on student achievement, well-being, and student agency.

5. The Board of Education, superintendent, and all staff value a diverse school community that is inviting, respectful, inclusive, flexible, and supportive.

6. The Wake County residents value a strong public school system and will partner to provide the support and resources to fully realize our shared vision, accomplish the mission, and sustain our core beliefs.

7. All students and staff deserve to work in optimal learning environments supported by sufficient resources, well-maintained facilities, and sustainable operational systems.

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School History

In September 1953, Ligon Junior-Senior High School opened as the City of Raleigh High School for African-Americans who had previously attended Washington School on Fayetteville Street. Its cost of nearly $1 million was the largest school construction project in the state. The school was named for John W. Ligon, a well-respected educator and community leader in Raleigh whose house and school were located on Lenoir Street. W.H. Watson was named Principal. The Washington Alma Mater’s school colors were Blue and Gold and their mascot, "Little Blues," was adopted by Ligon High School. To this day, they continue to represent Ligon Middle School.

John W. Ligon

John W. Ligon was a well-respected community leader, preacher, businessman, and educator in Raleigh, North Carolina. Born in Wake County in 1869, he went on to graduate from Shaw University and spent 26 years working in education as both a teacher and principal.

Timeline of Ligon

• 1953 - John W. Ligon High School, which replaced Washington High, was founded and became Raleigh's only Black high school.
• 1971 - John W. Ligon High School was desegregated and is converted into a junior high school.
• 1982 - Ligon was formally consolidated into the Wake County Public School System and became involved in its magnet program.