Gaston County Schools is accepting applications for 21 school choice/magnet school programs

It’s school choice time in Gaston County Schools!  For the upcoming 2021-2022 academic year, 21 dynamic programs are being offered for students that focus on careers, college prep, health sciences, leadership, public service, STEAM, technology, engineering, and other areas.

Below is a list of the 21 school choice/magnet school programs in Gaston County Schools:

■ Elementary Schools
Gifted and Talented Academy @ Pleasant Ridge Elementary School
Hawks Nest STEAM Academy
Leadership Academy @ Costner Elementary School

■ 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 (a new program for 2021-2022)
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 (all grade levels)
Gaston County Virtual Academy

Parents may apply online now at www.gaston.k12.nc.us/schoolchoice.  The deadline to submit an application is Sunday, February 28.  The lottery process will be held on April 1.

Typically, acceptance into a school choice program is at the kindergarten, sixth grade, and ninth grade levels; however, a few programs have limited space available at other grade levels.  Students for the Gaston County Virtual Academy are accepted for all grade levels, K-12.