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Excellent

#245 of 2,648 schools in NC

Top 9% 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

8.4

Grades

9th – UG

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

North Carolina schools

#245 of 2,648

In Dallas

#1 of 6

public schools

In district

#4 of 56

Gaston County Schools

Academic performance

9.9 / 10

Excellent

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Gaston Early College High School

8.4/10

High School in Dallas · grades 9th – UG. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Gaston Early College of Medical Sciences

6.0/10

0.1 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

Carr Elementary

6.8/10

0.4 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Gaston Early College High School

Gaston Early College High School is a public high school in Dallas, NC, part of Gaston County Schools. Gaston Early College High School serves approximately 234 students, and covers grades 9th-UG, and has a 23.4:1 student-teacher ratio. Gaston Early College High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 8.4 out of 10 and ranks #245 of 2,648 schools in NC.

Structured state assessment records for Gaston Early College High School show 72% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2010-2025) and 89% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2010-2025).

How it compares2.7 pts above district
  • This school 8.4 · Excellent
  • District avg 5.7
  • NC avg 6.4

What Parents Should Know

Gaston Early College High School runs 23.4:1 students to teachers, above the national average. That often means bigger classes. Ask how the school supports kids who need extra help, and whether there are teaching assistants or small-group time.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress9.6Excellent25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data13
Annual Change+1.94 pts/yr
Data Period2010–2025
TrendImproving
Academics9.9Excellent25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency100% (2025 NC)
Reading/ELA Proficiency100% (2025 NC)
Math vs. State Avg+44 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+46.4 pts
Overall Proficiency100% (2025 NC, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)65% (model expectation from 2025 NC)
vs. Expected+35.1 pts
Adjusted Percentile99th
College Readiness9.5Excellent30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate90%+
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment3.3Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio23.4:1
Per-Pupil Spending$12,190
Chronic Absenteeism4.3%

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: 65%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

39.3%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores NC NC (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 72.4% (multi-year average, 2010-2025)
School
State
56.0% (2025 NC)
ELA Proficiency 88.7% (multi-year average, 2010-2025)
School
State
53.6% (2025 NC)

Based on 26 test records from NC state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↑ Improving

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2010
Math
84.5%
ELA
54.5%
2011
Math
95%
ELA
95%
2012
Math
30%
ELA
69.5%
2013
Math
54.5%
ELA
74.5%
2014
Math
64.5%
ELA
95%
2015
Math
84.5%
ELA
95%
2016
Math
74.5%
ELA
95%
2017
Math
5%
ELA
95%
2018
Math
84.5%
ELA
95%
2019
Math
84.5%
ELA
95%
2020*
Math
90%
ELA
95%
2021*
Math
90%
ELA
95%
2025
Math
100%
ELA
100%

* 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: 9.6/10.

How Gaston Early College High School Compares

See how Gaston Early College High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
8.4/10
91th percentile in NC
Academic
9.9/10
Excellent
Growth
9.6/10
Excellent
Environment
3.3/10
Needs Improvement
Advanced STEM
5/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
39%
Teaching Staff
23:1 student-teacher ratio
10 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
4.3%

Programs & Offerings

Advanced STEM Courses5 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22
Gifted & Talented Program Available
This school offers a gifted and talented program for qualifying students. · CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

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 9.3/10, 2.2 miles away, in nearby Gastonia), which scores slightly higher. Another option is Gaston Early College of Medical Sciences (rated 6.0/10, 0.1 miles away), a more accessible option. Additionally, North Gaston High (rated 3.7/10, 1.7 miles away), 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 6.0
Carr Elementary Dallas 0.4 mi 6.8
W C Friday Middle School Dallas 1.5 mi 4.6
North Gaston High Dallas 1.7 mi 3.7
Highland Sch of Technology Gastonia 2.2 mi 9.3
ASSEMBLY OF FAITH CHR. SCHOOL Dallas 1.9 mi
Woodhill Elementary Gastonia 2.4 mi 3.8
Costner Elementary Dallas 2.3 mi 5.2
Ridgeview Charter School Gastonia 2.9 mi 5.7
Brookside Elementary Gastonia 2.6 mi 3.6
Webb Street School Gastonia 3.6 mi 5.0
FIRST WESLEYAN CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Gastonia 3.7 mi 6.1
York Chester Middle Gastonia 3.9 mi 5.3
Pleasant Ridge Elementary Gastonia 4.4 mi 6.9
Warlick Academy Gastonia 3.8 mi 3.4
ST MICHAEL CATHOLIC SCHOOL Gastonia 4.6 mi 8.1
W P Grier Middle School Gastonia 4.5 mi 2.8
VICTORY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Gastonia 4.9 mi 7.1
Lingerfeldt Elementary Gastonia 4.9 mi 3.5
Sherwood Elementary Gastonia 4.8 mi 3.4

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

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
Alexander Early College Taylorsville, NC 8.4
Cumberland International Early College Fayetteville, NC 8.4
Middle College at GTCC-High Point High Point, NC 8.4
Sampson Early College High Clinton, NC 8.4
A&T Four Middle College Greensboro, NC 8.3
Anson Co. Early College High Polkton, NC 8.3

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 ranks #245 of 2,648 schools in NC.

What is Gaston Early College High School's MySchoolScout rating?

Gaston Early College High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 8.4 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Gaston Early College High School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Gaston Early College High School has 72% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2010-2025) and 89% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2010-2025).

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.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
46 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
29 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

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
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
4.3%
4-Year Graduation
90%+

District

Gaston County Schools
District Enrollment
30,253
Schools in District
56
Per-Pupil Spending
$12,190
District Rank
#4 of 56

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