A once-in-a-lifetime experience, the annual Senator James S. Forrester Commissioners’ School of Excellence (CSE) is an exciting, two-week learning program for selected outstanding ninth grade students.  Now in its 37th year, CSE is funded by the Gaston County Commissioners and is directed and supervised by Gaston County Schools. 

In the past, CSE participants investigated topics related to science and technology and its effect on the future; leadership through community involvement; the arts and its impact on culture and society; and personality characteristics and effective leadership qualities. Through teamwork activities, participants learn the importance of working together and the value of effective leadership, problem-solving, communication, and community service.

Any ninth grade student who lives in Gaston County is eligible to apply for the Commissioners’ School of Excellence.  A committee at each high school screens and recommends students for acceptance. Approximately 60 students are chosen from across the county based on their academic performance, extracurricular activities (school and community), leadership potential, self-motivation, and written expression. There is no cost to students who are selected to attend.

The Commissioners’ School of Excellence is June 3-13, 2024 at Ashbrook High School.

Current ninth graders interested in attending CSE should contact their school counselor for an application and information about requirements and deadlines.  Students selected to participate will be notified by their school and should look for an e-mail in April.  The application submission window opens January 16 at each high school. Students must submit their completed applications to their school by January 31.

Homeschool students who wish to apply may pick up an application at the Gaston County Schools, Teacher Resource Center, 366 West Garrison Boulevard, Gastonia, or e-mail tlmiddlebrooks@gaston.k12.nc.us.  All completed homeschool applications must be submitted to the Teacher Resource Center, c/o Dr. Cristi Bostic, 366 West Garrison Boulevard, Gastonia, NC 28052 by January 31.

Commissioners’ School of Excellence is a win-win partnership between the Gaston County Commissioners, Gaston County Schools, local colleges, and the community.  Participants reap numerous rewards from their experiences at the CSE. 

The unique benefits of Commissioners’ School:

• offers opportunities to investigate local government problems and possible solutions
• prepares students to become leaders in their schools and communities
• features diverse and challenging program of activities
• offers field trips to exciting community attractions
• features stimulating visual and performing arts activities
• provides one-on-one, small-group, and large-group instruction
• introduces students to nationally-renowned speakers with experience in a variety of areas
• gives students an opportunity to meet and interact with students from other high schools

For more information, please contact Lori Collins at lwcollins@gaston.k12.nc.us or Bridget Matzke at bsmatzke@gaston.k12.nc.us.