Average
#1085 of 2,648 schools in NC
Top 41% in state
Gaston Early College High School
High School · Gaston County Schools
201 Hwy 321 South Gaston College Lena Sue Beam B, Dallas, NC 28034
Enrollment
234
Student-Teacher
23.4:1
Score
6.9
Grades
9th – UG
Enrollment
234
Student-Teacher
23.4:1
Score
6.9
Grades
9th – UG
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Dallas
#2 of 6
public schools
North Carolina high schools
#85 of 579
In district
#13 of 56
Gaston County Schools
Academic performance
10.0 / 10
Exceptional
About Gaston Early College High School
Gaston Early College High School serves 234 students in grades 9 through undergraduate level in Dallas, North Carolina, operating as a distinctive public high school that allows students to earn college credits alongside their diploma. With a student-teacher ratio of 23.4:1 and 10 full-time equivalent teachers, this school has achieved remarkable academic success, earning an impressive 8.3 out of 10 MySchoolScout rating. The school's academic excellence is evident in its outstanding performance metrics, ranking #149 out of 2,661 schools statewide, placing it in the 94th percentile among North Carolina schools.
Most notably, Gaston Early College achieves 100% proficiency rates in both ELA/Reading and Math across all grade levels, reflecting the school's commitment to rigorous academic preparation that bridges high school and college-level learning. This innovative educational model serves students from the surrounding community, where the median household income is $57,496 and the median home value is $201,400. While only 15% of area residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher, Gaston Early College provides an accelerated pathway for students to begin their post-secondary education early.
The school is situated in a mid-size suburban setting within Gaston County, offering students access to both educational opportunities and community resources in this growing area of North Carolina.
What Parents Should Know
The student-teacher ratio at Gaston Early College High School is 23.4:1, which is higher than the national average. This may mean larger class sizes, so parents should ask about classroom support, teaching assistants, and how the school differentiates instruction for students who need extra help.
Score Breakdown
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Gaston Early College High School — Students at Gaston Early College High School score 100% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 62%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
39.3%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores NC NC (2024-25)
Based on 6 test records from NC state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↑ ImprovingAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 6.7/10.
How Gaston Early College High School Compares
See how Gaston Early College High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has improved from 84.5% (2019) to 100% (2025). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 95% (2019) to 100% (2025).
Location
201 Hwy 321 South Gaston College Lena Sue Beam B, Dallas, NC 28034
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Gaston Early College High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Highland Sch of Technology (rated 8.1/10, 2.2 miles away, in nearby Gastonia), which scores notably higher. Another option is Gaston Early College of Medical Sciences (rated 7.2/10, 0.1 miles away), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Warlick Academy (rated 4.9/10, 3.8 miles away, in nearby Gastonia), a more accessible option. For more schools in Dallas, see our Dallas schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 4.8 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Gaston Early College of Medical Sciences Dallas | 0.1 mi | 7.2 |
| Carr Elementary Dallas | 0.4 mi | 6.8 |
| W C Friday Middle School Dallas | 1.5 mi | 3.9 |
| North Gaston High Dallas | 1.7 mi | 3.7 |
| Highland Sch of Technology Gastonia | 2.2 mi | 8.1 |
| ASSEMBLY OF FAITH CHR. SCHOOL Dallas | 1.9 mi | — |
| Woodhill Elementary Gastonia | 2.4 mi | 4.6 |
| Costner Elementary Dallas | 2.3 mi | 6.4 |
| Ridgeview Charter School Gastonia | 2.9 mi | 1.9 |
| Brookside Elementary Gastonia | 2.6 mi | 5.6 |
| Webb Street School Gastonia | 3.6 mi | 6.5 |
| FIRST WESLEYAN CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Gastonia | 3.7 mi | 6.1 |
| York Chester Middle Gastonia | 3.9 mi | 5.6 |
| Pleasant Ridge Elementary Gastonia | 4.4 mi | 5.5 |
| Warlick Academy Gastonia | 3.8 mi | 4.9 |
| ST MICHAEL CATHOLIC SCHOOL Gastonia | 4.6 mi | 8.1 |
| W P Grier Middle School Gastonia | 4.5 mi | 3.2 |
| VICTORY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Gastonia | 4.9 mi | 7.1 |
| Lingerfeldt Elementary Gastonia | 4.9 mi | 5.0 |
| Sherwood Elementary Gastonia | 4.8 mi | 5.9 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 28034 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$59,969
Median Home Value
$221,000
Median Rent
$841/mo
Population
19,470
College Educated
16.1%
Homeownership
73.4%
Avg Commute
26.3 min
Poverty Rate
10.9%
Median Age
40.8
Community Profile
The community surrounding Gaston Early College High School has a median household income of $59,969. It is a community where 16% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $221,000, with a median rent of $841/month. The area has a poverty rate of 10.9%. The average commute for residents is 26 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Cabarrus Early College of Technology Concord, NC | 6.9 |
| Early College at Guilford Greensboro, NC | 6.9 |
| The JP Knapp ECH (i)School Currituck, NC | 6.9 |
| Henderson County Career Academy Flat Rock, NC | 7.0 |
| Lenoir County Early College High Kinston, NC | 7.0 |
| Lee Early College Sanford, NC | 6.8 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Gaston Early College High School
What grades does Gaston Early College High School serve?
Gaston Early College High School serves students in grades 9th through UG.
How many students attend Gaston Early College High School?
Gaston Early College High School has an enrollment of approximately 234 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Gaston Early College High School?
The student-teacher ratio at Gaston Early College High School is 23.4:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Gaston Early College High School rank in NC?
Gaston Early College High School is ranked #1085 out of 2,648 schools in NC.
What is Gaston Early College High School's MySchoolScout rating?
Gaston Early College High School has a composite rating of 6.9 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Gaston Early College High School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Gaston Early College High School has 91.5% math proficiency and 96.7% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Gaston Early College High School a charter school?
No, Gaston Early College High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Gaston Early College High School a Title I school?
No, Gaston Early College High School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Gaston Early College High School?
39.3% of students at Gaston Early College High School qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Dallas). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – UG
- Enrollment
- 234
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 23.4:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 10
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 39.3%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Midsize Suburb
- County
- Gaston County
- Phone
- (704) 922-2405
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Gaston County Schools- District Enrollment
- 30,253
- Schools in District
- 56
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $12,190
- District Rank
- #13 of 56
Other Schools in This District
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
Read our full methodologyRelated reading
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