School Choice Programs
- Main Page
- Costner Elementary School
- Hawks Nest STEAM Academy
- Pleasant Ridge Elementary School
- Pinewood Elementary School
- Bessemer City Middle School
- John Chavis Middle School
- Cramerton Middle School
- W.C. Friday Middle School
- Gaston County Virtual Academy
- Southwest Middle School
- Stanley Middle School
- York Chester Middle School
- Ashbrook High School
- Bessemer City High School
- Cherryville High School
- East Gaston High School
- Forestview High School
- Gaston Early College High School
- Gaston Early College of Medical Sciences
- Highland School of Technology
- Hunter Huss High School
- North Gaston High School
- Gaston County Schools
- Main Page
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Welcome to our School Choice/Magnet Schools webpage!

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Apply Now for School Choice!
For the 2023-2024 academic year, Gaston County Schools is pleased to offer 22 school choice/magnet school programs for students.
Having 22 dynamic programs means more options, more choices, and more learning opportunities for discovery, growth, and success.
Many of our school choice programs are associated with our Academy concept. Academy programs are available in the following six areas: Career, Collegiate Prep, Health Sciences, Leadership, Performing Arts, Public Service, and Technology and Industrial Engineering.
The application submission window is open through March 3 at 5:00 p.m. for all school choice programs.
School Choice Programs
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Here is a list of our 22 school choice/magnet school programs. Click on the title to learn about each program.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Gifted and Talented Academy @ Pleasant Ridge Elementary School
Hawks Nest STEAM Academy
Leadership Academy @ Costner Elementary School
Performing Arts Academy @ Pinewood Elementary SchoolMIDDLE SCHOOL
Career Academy @ Southwest Middle School
Career Academy @ York Chester Middle School
Gifted and Talented Academy @ Cramerton Middle School
Leadership Academy @ W.C. Friday Middle School
Public Service Academy @ John Chavis Middle School
STEAM Academy @ Stanley Middle School
Technology and Industrial Engineering Academy @ Bessemer City Middle School
HIGH SCHOOL
Career Academy @ Hunter Huss High School
Collegiate Prep Academy @ Forestview High School
Gaston Early College High School
Gaston Early College of Medical Sciences
Highland School of Technology
iAccelerate Academy @ Ashbrook High School
Leadership Academy @ North Gaston High School
Health Sciences Academy @ East Gaston High School
Public Service Academy @ Cherryville High School
Technology and Industrial Engineering Academy @ Bessemer City High SchoolONLINE LEARNING
Gaston County Virtual Academy (all grade levels)
Our Academy Programs
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Submit an Online Application
We are now accepting applications for the 2023-2024 academic year.
The deadline to submit an application is Friday, March 3.
School Choice Fair
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Our 2023 School Choice Fair will be held at the Gastonia Conference Center on Friday, February 3 from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. and on Saturday, February 4 from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
This is an opportunity for students and parents to drop in and learn about the 22 school choice/magnet school programs that are available in Gaston County Schools.
Radio Interview
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We had an opportunity to talk with WCSL 92.9 FM/1590 AM about School Choice in Gaston County Schools. Listen to our interview, which begins at the 0:34 mark.