Dr.
Simon Green Atkins (1863–1934) came to Winston-Salem from
Raleigh, North Carolina, where he graduated from St. Augustine Normal and Collegiate Institute (now
St. Augustine's College). In 1890, he accepted the position of principal of Depot Street School in
Winston-Salem. Dr. Atkins was the organizer, secretary, and agent of the board that started Slater Industrial Academy in 1892, now
Winston–Salem State University. Dr. Atkins served as principal of Slater on a part-time basis for the first two years of its existence, while he continued his work as principal of Depot Street School. As Slater Industrial Academy grew, the demands upon Dr. Atkins' leadership and direction increased. In 1895, he resigned his position at Depot Street School to devote himself entirely to Slater Academy. It was listed on the
National Register of Historic Places in 1999. The Atkins name was transferred to the
Simon G. Atkins Academic & Technology High School in September 2005, which opened at a different school building. The site of the former Atkins High School is now the
Winston-Salem Preparatory Academy. == Notable alumni ==