Gaston County Schools
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Apply now for magnet schools and academies
Gaston County Schools offers 17 magnet schools and academies that focus on careers, college prep, leadership, healthcare, the fine arts, and STEAM education. The deadline to submit an application online is March 6.
2026 – a new year for our schools
We welcome 2026 with optimism and enthusiasm and wish for a year that offers meaningful experiences for quality teaching and learning in Gaston County Schools.
Working together, this year will be our best one yet.
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
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.
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.
Budget Information
A number of school systems across North Carolina are experiencing budgetary constraints – Gaston County Schools is not immune to this situation. Visit this webpage for information.
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.
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.
Stay Updated
Stay informed with the latest news and updates from Gaston County Schools.
District News
![Applications accepted for Commissioners’ School]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1767986163/gastonk12ncus/ttkqgkoohcmmcy81sdzc/commissionersschool_2026application.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1767986163/gastonk12ncus/ttkqgkoohcmmcy81sdzc/commissionersschool_2026application.jpg","width":380}])
Current ninth graders are encouraged to apply for the summer leadership program. It will take place June 1-11.
![Board of Education recognizes “good news” honorees]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1766076403/gastonk12ncus/ycg5plswvyjcbwcpxe8l/jenningsthumbnailforgoodnews.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1766076403/gastonk12ncus/ycg5plswvyjcbwcpxe8l/jenningsthumbnailforgoodnews.jpg","width":380}])
Find out who was recognized during the November and December meetings.
![Students win awards at science fair]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1765390010/gastonk12ncus/s7bmmqiktsnjno9jy26u/Woods_ScienceFairOverallWinner_Day2.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1765390010/gastonk12ncus/s7bmmqiktsnjno9jy26u/Woods_ScienceFairOverallWinner_Day2.jpg","width":380}])
Research, creativity, problem-solving, and discovery were on display at the Gaston Regional Science and Engineering Fair.
![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.
Announcements
The Schiele Museum is extending an invitation to our schools, students, and families to attend its Community STEM Night program on Thursday, January 15 from 5:30 - 8:00 p.m. Admission is free, and attendees will be able to see the various museum exhibits, visit the planetarium, and more. The event is sponsored by Duke Energy.
We honor and reflect on the contributions and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Our schools and central offices are closed Monday, January 19 for the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day holiday.
For the 2026–2027 academic year, Gaston County Schools is offering 17 magnet schools and academies for students. Families are encouraged to explore School Choice program options by visiting https://www.gaston.k12.nc.us/academics/magent-schools-and-academy-programs. Applications for Choice and Magnet School programs will be accepted from January 12 through March 6, 2026, with the lottery scheduled for April 2, 2026. Submit your online application here.
The Board of Education has approved the 2026-2027 school calendar. The calendar was adopted during the board meeting on December 15. You may view and print the calendar using the calendar link on this page.
The All-County Middle School Chorus concert is Tuesday, January 27, at 7 p.m. in the Holbrook Middle School auditorium.
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.
