College Prep

We offer a variety of college preparatory classes to help students experience success at the university level.

Students interested in taking college prep courses should see their counselor for more information about the following programs:

Advanced Placement (AP) Classes
Our high schools offer a number of Advanced Placement (AP) courses. These classes are designed for students who are prepared for the rigor of college-level work and are willing to commit significant time outside the classroom to succeed. AP courses may require summer reading, after-school or weekend labs, and additional review sessions.

College credit may be earned by achieving the required score on a national AP exam.

The following AP courses are available in our schools*: English literature and composition (junior and senior levels); pre-calculus; calculus; computer science principles; statistics; biology; chemistry; environmental science; physics I and II; European history; human geography; United States history; comparative government and politics; United States government and politics; African American studies; AP Seminar; psychology; studio art: drawing, 2D design, and 3D design; music theory; and Spanish.

*Not all AP courses are offered at every school.

Gaston Online
Gaston Online (GO!) is a virtual learning program offering courses created and taught by Gaston County Schools teachers for high school students. Courses are available during the school day and after school hours.

The 2026-2027 course offerings include: African American studies, American Indian studies, AP Computer Science Principles, AP Computer Science A, AP Environmental Science, AP European History, AP Human Geography, AP Spanish Language and Culture, AP United States Government and Politics, creative writing, honors anatomy and physiology, honors psychology, honors SAT/ACT prep, Latin I and II, Latin American studies, and Spanish II, III Honors, and IV Honors.

College Now: A Career and College Promise Program
College Now is a dual enrollment program that allows qualified high school students to take tuition-free college courses. Students can earn college credit while in high school, gain exposure to college-level expectations, and potentially complete an associate degree more quickly.

Students may choose from two pathways:

College Transfer Pathway: Designed for students planning to attend a four-year university. This pathway allows students to earn up to 32 semester hours of transferable college credit.

Career and Technical Education (CTE) Pathway: Focuses on specific career fields, such as welding, business administration, and criminal justice. Students can earn certifications and develop entry-level job skills.