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 Mission Statement 

 

The mission of the Highland School of Technology is to prepare all students to be successful in postsecondary education, the community and workplace by providing each student with a rigorous and relevant academic, character and technological education.  Highland believes:

 

  • Our world-class students should seek to excel not only in their knowledge base and performance, but in their character as well.
  • Student learning should be interactive. Best practices should be employed, and courses across the curriculum should be integrated.
  • Multiple intelligences and learning styles should be recognized. Diverse assessments and rigorous challenges should be implemented.
  • Effective partnerships with business and community mentors should be established to support and enhance the educational process.
  • Learning should be relevant, exploratory, and founded on the best current theory and research. Instructional strategies should be designed with clear goals in mind.
  • Success will be achieved through strong parent/teacher/student/staff collaboration.
  • Students should be valued as individuals with unique intellectual, physical, social, and emotional needs. A holistic approach to education best serves their needs.

 About Highland School of Technology

 

Highland School of Technology opened in July 2000 as the first magnet school in Gaston County Schools. The school draws its student body from the other eight high schools in the county. The student body consisted of only 9th and 10th graders for the 2000-2001 school year. Each year a new 9th grade will be added and the total enrollment for all four grades (9th-12th) will not exceed 600.

Each academic and workforce development education classroom has no less than 7 computers and 2 printers for student and teacher use. All computers are connected to a main server and each student and teacher has his/her own password and e-mail address. Internet use is highly recommended in each course curriculum.

Students are able to participate in a number of school clubs and functions but a real emphasis is placed on the Vocational Clubs such as HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America), FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America), and TSA (Technology Student Association). Students are encouraged to participate in regional, state and national competitive events sponsored by these organizations.

For more information, see our school profile, accolades, and NC School Report Card.

Lottery Information 2011-12

 

Congratulations to the students who were initially selected in the Highland Lottery on March 15, 2012. As a reminder, you must meet the eligibility criteria at the end of 8th grade to receive a final acceptance letter in June.

Click here for the Inital Selection List

 

To attend Highland students must be chosen through a random lottery that happens each year in March. Being chosen during the lottery places the student on a conditionally attending list.  The student must still meet the criteria for their 8th grade year to be accepted to attend Highland. For more information please read the Lottery FAQ.

 

Lottery Documents:

Application Letter

Application  - Download only cannot be submitted online

Applications Received

 

Lottery Dates:

Application materials will be available on the website beginning Jan. 27, 2012.

Application materials will be mailed to eligible 8th grade students on January 27, 2012.

Applications are due February 28, 2012. All applications must be delivered, faxed or postmarked to Highland's office by this date. 

Lottery is March 15, 2012 at 4 pm in the school auditorium.  All prespective students and families are invited to attend.

 

All students in the class of 2016 must meet the following criteria to be included in the initial phase of the lottery process at Highland School of Technology:

            • Student must live in Gaston County.
            • 7th grade math EOG at Level III/IV
            • 7th grade reading EOG at Level III/IV
            • Good standing in conduct for 7th and 8th grade.
            • Grade 6-8: Attendance at 94% or above (medical exceptions are considered).
  • Application delivered or faxed to Highland's office or postmarked by February 28, 2012.

 

 Academy Information

 

Each student enters the school as a member of one of the three academies. Within each academy there are various pathways available for the students, each with its own sequence of required courses (beginning with class of 2015). The three academies offered are:

 

Please note the updates to our programs at the bottom of the Health Sciences and Business, Legal and Information Sciences (for class of 2015 and beyond).

 Directions
From Charlotte:
Take I-85 South to Exit 17 in Gaston County (US-321)
Turn right onto US-321 South
Go under I-85 to Radio Street, an Exxon Station is on the far right corner
The school is located on the corner of Radio Street and North Morris Street, directly behind the Exxon station

From King's Mountain:
Follow I-85 North towards Gastonia
Take Exit 17 from I-85 to US-321 South
Turn right at the bottom of the exit ramp
Take a right on Radio Street at the Exxon station, approximately 100 feet from the exit ramp
The school is located on the corner of Radio Street and North Morris Streets, directly behind the Exxon station

For more directions, view map at Google Maps.