Learn about our 22 programs at the School Choice Fair

The Gaston County Schools’ 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.  

Students and parents have the opportunity to visit the various school booths/tables, meet the principals and other school representatives, and get information about each choice program.  The event is free and open to the public.

The deadline to submit a school choice application is Friday, March 3 at 5:00 p.m.  Parents should apply online at gaston.k12.nc.us/schoolchoice.  The lottery will be held in April.
  
Below is a list of the 22 school choice/magnet school programs that are offered in Gaston County Schools:

■ Elementary Schools
Gifted and Talented Academy @ Pleasant Ridge Elementary School
Hawks Nest STEAM Academy
Leadership Academy @ Costner Elementary School
Performing Arts Academy @ Pinewood Elementary School (new)

■ Middle Schools
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 Schools
Career Academy @ Hunter Huss High School
Collegiate Prep Academy @ Forestview High School
Gaston Early College High School
Gaston Early College of Medical Sciences
Health Sciences Academy @ East Gaston High School
Highland School of Technology
iAccelerate Academy @ Ashbrook High School
Leadership Academy @ North Gaston High School
Public Service Academy @ Cherryville High School
Technology and Industrial Engineering Academy @ Bessemer City High School

■ Online Learning
Gaston County Virtual Academy (grades K-12)

The school choice programs are open to students who will be in kindergarten, sixth grade, or ninth grade next school year; however, a few programs have limited space available at other grade levels.  Students in Gaston County Schools as well as students who currently attend a private school, charter school, home school, or virtual school may apply.

For more information about each school choice option, visit our School Choice webpage: gaston.k12.nc.us/schoolchoice.