For the 2020-2021 academic year, Gaston County Schools is offering 20 school choice/magnet school programs – the most we have ever provided for students and parents. 

That means more options, more choices, and more dynamic learning opportunities for discovery, growth, and success that you will not find anywhere else.   


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, Public Service, and Technology and Industrial Engineering.

Here is a list of our 20 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

MIDDLE SCHOOL
Career Academy @ Southwest Middle School
Career Academy @ York Chester Middle School
Gaston County Virtual Academy (for grades 3-10)
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
Highland School of Technology
iAccelerate Academy @ Ashbrook High School (new for 2020-2021)
Leadership Academy @ North Gaston High School
Health Sciences Academy @ East Gaston High School (a partnership with CaroMont Health)
Public Service Academy @ Cherryville High School
Technology and Industrial Engineering Academy @ Bessemer City High School


The deadline to apply is Friday, February 28, 2020 at 5:00 p.m.

The application submission window open through February 28 at 5:00 p.m. for all school choice programs (except for the Gaston Virtual Academy). 


Click here to submit an application.