Portrait of a Graduate

  • Gaston County Schools is dedicated to providing innovative and inclusive educational opportunities for all students in a safe and nurturing environment. Our success is made possible by the dedication of outstanding employees and strong community partnerships.

    To ensure our students are well-prepared for the future, we developed the Portrait of a Graduate, a framework born from extensive collaboration. This framework focuses on three key attributes—Character, Knowledge, and Future Ready Skills—each with specific descriptors that guide our efforts in nurturing well-rounded graduates. By embracing this vision, we equip our students with the essential qualities they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world. 

    These attributes include the following:

    • Character
      • Growth Mindset & Perseverance  
      • Adaptable & Resilient
      • Compassionate & Empathetic
      • Independent & Responsible
    • Knowledge
      • Subject Mastery
      • Digital Literacy
      • Health & Wellness
      • Civic & Cultural Awareness
    • Future Ready Skills
      • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
      • Creative & Innovative
      • Collaborative
      • Communicator