Open House Information

Parents and students are encouraged to attend one of our Open Houses. Visit our world-class pathway labs, and speak to current students and staff. Be amazed by the Highland educational experience.

Open House dates are January 23rd and February 27th from 5:30-7:00 pm.

Lottery Application Information

To attend Highland, students must be chosen through a random lottery that occurs each year in the spring. Being selected during the lottery places the student on a conditional acceptance and waitlist. The student must meet the criteria for their 8th grade year for final acceptance to attend Highland.

To apply for Highland School of Technology, please use the Gaston County School Choice Application, and select Highland. 

Application materials will be available through the GCS School Choice Webpage starting in mid-January.  

Non-Gaston County students must complete and return the Discipline Information Request to Highland School of Technology.

Entrance Criteria

All students in the Class of 2029 must meet the following criteria to be included in the lottery process:

• Student and parent/legal guardian must reside in Gaston County.
• 7th grade Math EOG score at Level III/IV/V
• 7th grade Reading EOG score at Level III/IV/V
• 7th grade overall "C" or 70 minimum average
• Good standing in Conduct for 7th grade
• Good standing in Attendance for 7th grade (medical exceptions are considered)
• Application (submitted) online
• Non-Gaston County Schools applicants must submit a copy of the following documents to determine initial eligibility:
  • 7th grade attendance records
  • 7th grade final report card
  • Complete and return the Discipline Information Request to Highland School of Technology
  • 7th grade Reading and Math EOG scores at Level III/IV/V
  • For students who have not taken a N.C. 7th grade EOG test
    • Students must take a released N.C. Math and Reading EOG at the 7th grade level and score at Level III/IV/V
    • If you need to take one or both assessments, secure your testing dates with this link.
      • Reading Assessment: March 25 and March 27
      • Math Assessment: March 31 and April 4 

ACADEMY AND PATHWAY INFORMATION