Gaston County Schools
County Schools
Home
It’s cool to be in school
Good school attendance matters for both students and teachers/staff. Showing up every day is the most important aspect of school, and it has a direct link to a student’s academic and future success. Bottom line, teachers cannot teach and students cannot learn if they are not at school.
Record-high graduation rate
Gaston County Schools has achieved its highest graduation rate ever – 88.8 percent. Our graduation rate is higher than the state graduation rate of 87.7 percent for the Class of 2025.
Action-packed academics
Not all heroes wear capes. Our teachers are the superheroes of public education, and they guarantee a 2025-2026 school year that’s filled with action-packed lessons and activities that take teaching and learning to a higher level.
Way to go, marching band seniors!
It is a tradition for the Marching Band Fanfare to conclude with the senior members of our high school bands coming together for a group picture. The seniors led the way as the band students put on stellar, crowd-pleasing performances for those who attended the annual marching band showcase.
In Pictures: Marching Band Fanfare
Engaging our parents, hearing their voice
Each school selected parent representatives to serve on the Superintendent’s Parent Advisory Council. During the Council’s first meeting of the school year, the parents heard a presentation from Superintendent Morgen Houchard and participated in small-group discussion to provide input on our new strategic plan.
The next generation of teachers
Gaston County Schools’ teacher cadets program is inspiring the next generation of teachers. Recently, Superintendent Morgen Houchard gave a presentation to the teacher cadets at South Point High School and shared insight about the education profession.
Our teacher cadets are leaders. They care about academics and realize the importance of education. They also understand why it’s important to help others and serve our community.
Providing care for students at school
Thanks to our partnership with Kintegra Health, we offer a telehealth clinic here at our school. Students, who are experiencing a minor illness or condition, can be seen by a medical provider virtually. This allows us to provide care for students without them having to leave school to go to the doctor.
A new approach for classroom management
Twelve of our schools are using a research-based approach called no-nonsense nurturing to help teachers with classroom management. In their role as no non-sense nurturers, teachers are creating a structured and consistent classroom environment for students that focuses on engagement, respect, and academic success.
A focus on championship athletes
Our fall sports teams are giving the community something to cheer about. From football and soccer to volleyball, cross country, cheerleading, softball, golf, and tennis, our middle school and high school student-athletes are working hard with achieving a championship season always in mind.
He’s riding in style
Thank you, Courage Kia in Gastonia, for providing a vehicle lease agreement to our Gaston County Teacher of the Year. John Ramos, who teaches science at Forestview High School, is riding in style because of Courage Kia.
A showplace in the heart of Gastonia
W.P. Grier Middle School is experiencing a major transformation. This school year, students, teachers, and staff moved into a new 155,000-square-foot building that serves as a showcase for teaching and learning in the heart of Gastonia.
Stay Updated
Stay informed with the latest news and updates from Gaston County Schools.
District News
![Fanfare features marching band performances]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1762443859/gastonk12ncus/rwfkqpxpgfa9rbnbftwh/eastgastonmarchingbandfanfarethumb.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1762443859/gastonk12ncus/rwfkqpxpgfa9rbnbftwh/eastgastonmarchingbandfanfarethumb.jpg","width":380}])
The Gaston County Schools Marching Band Fanfare showcased crowd-pleasing performances by our high school bands.
![Parent reps offer input on strategic plan]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1762445793/gastonk12ncus/ivtlcwbxnicjl8fupv27/parentadvisorythumbnail_25.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1762445793/gastonk12ncus/ivtlcwbxnicjl8fupv27/parentadvisorythumbnail_25.jpg","width":380}])
Parent representatives from each school had an opportunity to weigh in on Gaston County Schools’ new strategic plan.
![Schools put the fun in fundraising for United Way]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1762374420/gastonk12ncus/mrfgyqzpiibs2dfcatfb/UnitedWayHST.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1762374420/gastonk12ncus/mrfgyqzpiibs2dfcatfb/UnitedWayHST.jpg","width":380}])
All kinds of fun fundraising activities are happening in schools to support our annual campaign for the United Way.
![Telehealth is available to address minor illnesses]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1761928824/gastonk12ncus/c2ishi7uvo88dgqssbuy/Kintegrahealthsmall.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1761928824/gastonk12ncus/c2ishi7uvo88dgqssbuy/Kintegrahealthsmall.jpg","width":380}])
Students can receive medical attention for minor illnesses without having to miss a lot of class time.
![Board of Education recognizes “good news” honorees]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1761671197/gastonk12ncus/ibxk2fgiimkdnqcyassj/BOEGoodNewsThumbnail_SeptOct2025.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1761671197/gastonk12ncus/ibxk2fgiimkdnqcyassj/BOEGoodNewsThumbnail_SeptOct2025.jpg","width":380}])
Find out who was recognized during the September and October meetings.
![New approach helps with classroom management]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1761246626/gastonk12ncus/zrof9wkr0urpcubgs7ic/nonon-sensenurturingthumbnail.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1761246626/gastonk12ncus/zrof9wkr0urpcubgs7ic/nonon-sensenurturingthumbnail.jpg","width":380}])
A new approach is being implemented at 12 schools in Gaston County to help teachers with classroom management.
![Property donated to Gaston County Schools]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1761140095/gastonk12ncus/ey9o16scqfleksce97ys/armstrongfitnessthumbnail.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1761140095/gastonk12ncus/ey9o16scqfleksce97ys/armstrongfitnessthumbnail.jpg","width":380}])
The former Armstrong Athletic Club property is a generous gift presented to Gaston County Schools by Don and Mary Doctor.
![Make regular school attendance a priority]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1759859143/gastonk12ncus/hlvpfgmynizeqcilflfn/schoolbusthumbnail.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1759859143/gastonk12ncus/hlvpfgmynizeqcilflfn/schoolbusthumbnail.jpg","width":380}])
Showing up every day is the most important aspect of school, and it has a direct link to a student’s success.
Announcements
The Board of Education will meet on Monday, December 15, at 5:30 p.m. at the Gaston County Schools Central Office, 943 Osceola Street, Gastonia. The public is invited to attend.
The holiday break begins on Monday, December 22. Students return to class on Tuesday, January 6. The Gaston County Schools central office will be closed December 23-25, and January 1. We would like to wish you and your family a joyous holiday season and a Happy New Year.
The Gaston Regional Science and Engineering Fair is coming up for high school students. The high school division will be held January 8-9 from 9 a.m. to noon, with awards beginning at 11:30 a.m. The event will take place at the Belmont Parks and Recreation Department at 1315 East Catawba Street in Belmont. This annual fair gives students the chance to showcase their projects, explore new ideas, and celebrate the importance of science, technology, engineering and math.
The Gaston Regional Science and Engineering Fair is coming up for students in grades 3-12. The elementary division will be held December 4-5 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., with awards beginning at 11 a.m. The high school division is set for January 8-9 from 9 a.m. to noon, with awards beginning at 11:30 a.m. Both events will take place at the Belmont Parks and Recreation Department at 1315 East Catawba Street in Belmont. This annual fair gives students the chance to showcase their projects, explore new ideas, and celebrate the importance of science, technology, engineering and math.
UNC-Chapel Hill’s School of Education is offering a Master of School Administration (MSA) degree with two upcoming virtual sessions for interested candidates to learn about the program. The virtual sessions will be held on November 6 and December 18 from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
The program is for educators seeking to lead in an administrator role for K-12 education. Coursework can be completed in two years in hyflex format. For more information and to register for one of the virtual sessions, contact the university’s School of Education or click the following link: Master of School Administration (MSA) program.
Why Gaston County Schools?
We provide outstanding educational opportunities for our students.
Academics
Our students have access to a variety of programs and courses, including Advanced Placement (AP), college prep, and other classes.
Athletics
Athletics is a source of pride for Gaston County Schools and the community. Our teams consistently capture county, regional, and state championships.
Career and Technical Education
Classes ranging from health science and welding to automotive, carpentry, and cosmetology allow hands-on learning in a variety of career fields.
College Prep
Students can take Advanced Placement (AP) classes, enroll in courses offered through Gaston College, and participate in online AP and college classes.
Fine Arts
We offer a fine arts program where students can explore their creativity and develop their talents in chorus, band, art, dance, and theater.
Magnet School and Academies
We have 17 magnet schools and academies that focus on careers, college prep, health sciences, leadership, performing arts, STEAM, and other areas.
School Safety
School safety, alongside academic achievement, continues to be a priority for our schools.
Student Support
We provide a range of student support services to help meet students’ academic, social, and emotional needs.
