Gaston County Schools

The Gaston County Schools district in North Carolina comprises 56 schools, including 30 elementary schools, 11 middle schools, 13 high schools, and 2 alternative schools. The district serves a diverse student population with varying levels of academic performance, from standout schools like Highland School of Technology to those struggling with low proficiency rates.

A few schools in the district stand out for their exceptional academic achievements. Gaston Early College High School and Gaston Early College of Medical Sciences consistently rank among the top schools in North Carolina, with 5-star ratings and outstanding test scores. Cramerton Middle is another top performer, ranking in the top 5% of middle schools in the state. At the elementary level, New Hope Elementary and Belmont Central Elementary also stand out for their exceptional academic achievements.

However, the district as a whole struggles with significant disparities in academic performance, with many schools performing below state averages, particularly in reading and math. This achievement gap appears to be closely linked to socioeconomic status, as schools with high free/reduced lunch rates tend to have the lowest test scores. To address these challenges, the district could look to replicate the strategies used by its top-performing schools, while also ensuring equitable funding and support for all schools to help raise achievement across the board.