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District News
![A picture of a pencil next to a bubble sheet.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1756928849/gastonk12ncus/uzzmm7hc2vmvvv5r6d9b/AdobeStock_998549765.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1756928849/gastonk12ncus/uzzmm7hc2vmvvv5r6d9b/AdobeStock_998549765.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1756928849/gastonk12ncus/uzzmm7hc2vmvvv5r6d9b/AdobeStock_998549765.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1756928849/gastonk12ncus/uzzmm7hc2vmvvv5r6d9b/AdobeStock_998549765.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1756928849/gastonk12ncus/uzzmm7hc2vmvvv5r6d9b/AdobeStock_998549765.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1756928849/gastonk12ncus/uzzmm7hc2vmvvv5r6d9b/AdobeStock_998549765.jpg","width":2200}])
Find out how well our schools did when it comes to student proficiency, academic growth, and the graduation rate.
![A decorative image with the writing Back to School.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1754511913/gastonk12ncus/kinffqtavghwuut4d2ov/AdobeStock_1563318934.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1754511913/gastonk12ncus/kinffqtavghwuut4d2ov/AdobeStock_1563318934.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1754511913/gastonk12ncus/kinffqtavghwuut4d2ov/AdobeStock_1563318934.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1754511913/gastonk12ncus/kinffqtavghwuut4d2ov/AdobeStock_1563318934.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1754511913/gastonk12ncus/kinffqtavghwuut4d2ov/AdobeStock_1563318934.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1754511913/gastonk12ncus/kinffqtavghwuut4d2ov/AdobeStock_1563318934.jpg","width":2200}])
More than 30,000 students and 1,650 teachers will return to the district’s 56 schools for the start of the 2026-27 school year.
![A stock image of a principal desk.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1785960635/gastonk12ncus/fszjtvd4lnf29xy2gnsg/principalgraphic.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1785960635/gastonk12ncus/fszjtvd4lnf29xy2gnsg/principalgraphic.jpg","width":380}])
Gaston County Schools announces administrative leadership changes for the 2026-2027 school year.
![A picture of the interior of the Board of Education.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1785158336/gastonk12ncus/rzrl0zvm1t6owvlo5ort/IMG_3035_BoardofEducationPhoto.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1785158336/gastonk12ncus/rzrl0zvm1t6owvlo5ort/IMG_3035_BoardofEducationPhoto.jpg","width":380}])
Gaston County Schools is preparing to operate Beam Intermediate School in Cherryville for the 2026-2027 year.
![A picture of Susan and Andrew Bradley at the Gaston County Schools retirement celebration.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1782401764/gastonk12ncus/xwkfemkoxgcyntqqr3be/retirementreceptionthumbnail.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1782401764/gastonk12ncus/xwkfemkoxgcyntqqr3be/retirementreceptionthumbnail.jpg","width":380}])
Gaston County Schools honored its 2025-2026 school year retirees during a celebration on June 24.
![A New Hope Elementary kindergartener works on an assignment in class.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1781038973/gastonk12ncus/ka76a66hkx1kxrjlc7k5/newhopekindergartenstudent25-26.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1781038973/gastonk12ncus/ka76a66hkx1kxrjlc7k5/newhopekindergartenstudent25-26.jpg","width":380}])
Parents with a child who will be starting kindergarten are encouraged to register now.
![A picture of former Board of Education member Kemp Michael.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1781032670/gastonk12ncus/aczdauw7idbtyorp6b02/KempMichaelthumbnail.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1781032670/gastonk12ncus/aczdauw7idbtyorp6b02/KempMichaelthumbnail.jpg","width":380}])
Gaston County Schools acknowledges the passing of former Board of Education member Kemp Michael.
![A young person with long, dark, curly hair and glasses smiles in a tuxedo against a mottled gray background.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1779203355/gastonk12ncus/zsx62tnrgfknd49rb7v2/gastonmusiceducationfoundationthumbnail.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1779203355/gastonk12ncus/zsx62tnrgfknd49rb7v2/gastonmusiceducationfoundationthumbnail.jpg","width":380}])
The scholarships are intended to support the students’ interests in music and the fine arts.
TEST RESULTS: News worth celebrating!
Testing and accountability results were released by the state on September 2, and in Gaston County Schools, we have a lot to celebrate. The results show just how well our schools did for the 2025-2026 year when it comes to improved student achievement, more academic growth, and the highest graduation rate ever.
Pep rallies celebrate high school football
Our Friday Night Football pep rallies on Facebook are back, and already this football season, we’ve celebrated the players, coaches, cheerleaders, marching band, and more at North Gaston and East Gaston. We encourage everyone to take in a game to support our teams and enjoy the fun experience of high school football.
VIDEO and PHOTOS: Pep Rally at North Gaston | VIDEO and PHOTOS: Pep Rally at East Gaston
WBTV shines spotlight on Grier Middle School
WBTV’s morning show aired live from Grier Middle School on Friday, August 21. The broadcast brought attention to the new building and sports complex, the STEAM Academy, and Dr. Jessica Mellon as the Principal of the Year.
Welcome to the 2026-2027 school year
School is back in session, and we are pleased to welcome our students, families, teachers, and all employees to the 2026-2027 academic year. It is our hope that everyone experiences a productive, meaningful, and successful year.
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 about budget-related issues affecting our school system.
Budget Information | Reduction in Force (RIF) Information
Consolidation-related measures | School Consolidation Feasibility Information
Register your child for kindergarten
Kindergarten registration for the 2026-2027 school year is open!
Thank you, Courage Kia in Gastonia!
Forestview High School’s Erica Baird, the Gaston County Teacher of the Year for 2026-2027, is riding in style, thanks to Courage Kia. Recently, she accepted the key to a new Kia K4 from general manager Dan Faria. This is Courage Kia’s fourth year of providing a vehicle lease agreement for our Teacher of the Year.
They are winners for 2026-2027
Our “Of the Year” winners for the 2026-2027 school year were announced during the Evening of Excellence ceremony on April 23. Presented by Truist, the annual event honors outstanding educators in Gaston County Schools.
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.
Announcements
Monday, September 7 is a holiday for students and employees. All schools and central department offices will be closed on Labor Day.
The Gaston County Board of Education’s Operations Committee, Curriculum and Instruction Committee, and Policy Committee will meet Monday, September 14 at 12:30 p.m., 3:00 p.m., and 4:00 p.m., respectively. The public is invited to attend.
Teachers are encouraged to participate in the Ron L. Ensley grants program. Click here to complete the online application. The grants are presented by the Gaston County Education Foundation as a way to fund innovative classroom lessons and projects. The application deadline is Sunday, September 14.
We are pleased to welcome new students to Gaston County Schools. To begin the enrollment process, please download our student assignment application.
Kindergarten enrollment for the 2026-27 school year is open. Families can complete the application by visiting the registration page.
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.
