Excellent
#398 of 2,648 schools in NC
Top 15% in state
Highland Sch of Technology
High School · Gaston County Schools
1600 N Morris Street, Gastonia, NC 28052
Enrollment
528
Student-Teacher
13.5:1
Score
8.1
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
528
Student-Teacher
13.5:1
Score
8.1
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Gastonia
#1 of 25
public schools
North Carolina high schools
#13 of 579
In district
#5 of 56
Gaston County Schools
Academic performance
9.9 / 10
Exceptional
About Highland Sch of Technology
Highland School of Technology stands out as an exceptional high school in Gastonia, serving 528 students in grades 9-12 with remarkable academic achievement. This regular public school has earned a MySchoolScout rating of 9.6 out of 10 and ranks an impressive #3 out of 2,661 schools statewide, placing it in the 100th percentile of North Carolina high schools. The school's academic performance is truly outstanding, with 100% of students achieving proficient or above levels in both English Language Arts and Mathematics across all grade levels.
With 39 full-time equivalent teachers, Highland maintains a favorable 13.5:1 student-teacher ratio, allowing for more personalized attention and instruction. Located on North Morris Street in Gaston County, Highland School of Technology serves a diverse community where the median household income is $44,448 and median home values average $152,800. While 22.1% of families in the area face economic challenges and only 15% of adults hold bachelor's degrees or higher, the school's exceptional results demonstrate its ability to provide outstanding educational opportunities regardless of socioeconomic background.
Highland School of Technology operates in Gastonia's small city environment, creating an accessible yet focused learning atmosphere for students throughout the broader community of nearly 36,000 residents.
Score Breakdown
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Highland Sch of Technology — Students at Highland Sch of Technology score 100% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 66%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
26.9%
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
→ StableAverage 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: 5.0/10.
How Highland Sch of Technology Compares
See how Highland Sch of Technology performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has improved from 92% (2019) to 100% (2025). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 97.5% (2019) to 99.9% (2025).
Location
1600 N Morris Street, Gastonia, NC 28052
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Highland Sch of Technology may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Gaston Early College of Medical Sciences (rated 7.2/10, 2.1 miles away, in nearby Dallas), with a comparable rating. Another option is Gaston Early College High School (rated 6.9/10, 2.2 miles away, in nearby Dallas), a more accessible option. Additionally, Hunter Huss High (rated 3.1/10, 2.9 miles away), a more accessible option. For more schools in Gastonia, see our Gastonia schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 3.7 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Woodhill Elementary Gastonia | 0.6 mi | 4.6 |
| Ridgeview Charter School Gastonia | 0.8 mi | 1.9 |
| York Chester Middle Gastonia | 1.7 mi | 5.6 |
| Webb Street School Gastonia | 1.7 mi | 6.5 |
| FIRST WESLEYAN CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Gastonia | 1.9 mi | 6.1 |
| Gaston Early College of Medical Sciences Dallas | 2.1 mi | 7.2 |
| Gaston Early College High School Dallas | 2.2 mi | 6.9 |
| Carr Elementary Dallas | 2.3 mi | 6.8 |
| Pleasant Ridge Elementary Gastonia | 2.2 mi | 5.5 |
| ST MICHAEL CATHOLIC SCHOOL Gastonia | 2.4 mi | 8.1 |
| VICTORY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Gastonia | 2.7 mi | 7.1 |
| Lingerfeldt Elementary Gastonia | 2.7 mi | 5.0 |
| Brookside Elementary Gastonia | 2.4 mi | 5.6 |
| Hunter Huss High Gastonia | 2.9 mi | 3.1 |
| W P Grier Middle School Gastonia | 2.7 mi | 3.2 |
| ASSEMBLY OF FAITH CHR. SCHOOL Dallas | 2.9 mi | — |
| Sherwood Elementary Gastonia | 3.0 mi | 5.9 |
| Southwest Middle Gastonia | 3.5 mi | 3.7 |
| Gaston Virtual Academy Gastonia | 3.3 mi | 5.9 |
| W C Friday Middle School Dallas | 3.7 mi | 3.9 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 28052 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$46,015
Median Home Value
$173,500
Median Rent
$1,058/mo
Population
36,896
College Educated
16.3%
Homeownership
52.8%
Avg Commute
25.9 min
Poverty Rate
22.3%
Median Age
34.6
Community Profile
The community surrounding Highland Sch of Technology has a median household income of $46,015. It is a community where 16% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $173,500, with a median rent of $1,058/month. The area has a poverty rate of 22.3%, indicating some economic challenges in the community. 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 |
|---|---|
| Vernon Malone College and Career Academy Raleigh, NC | 8.1 |
| Williams Secondary Montessori Charlotte, NC | 7.9 |
| Alleghany High Sparta, NC | 7.8 |
| Chatham Central High Bear Creek, NC | 7.7 |
| SandHoke Early College High Raeford, NC | 7.6 |
| Jones Senior High School Trenton, NC | 7.5 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Highland Sch of Technology
What grades does Highland Sch of Technology serve?
Highland Sch of Technology serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend Highland Sch of Technology?
Highland Sch of Technology has an enrollment of approximately 528 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Highland Sch of Technology?
The student-teacher ratio at Highland Sch of Technology is 13.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Highland Sch of Technology rank in NC?
Highland Sch of Technology is ranked #398 out of 2,648 schools in NC.
What is Highland Sch of Technology's MySchoolScout rating?
Highland Sch of Technology has a composite rating of 8.1 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 Highland Sch of Technology?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Highland Sch of Technology has 96.5% math proficiency and 98.3% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Highland Sch of Technology a charter school?
No, Highland Sch of Technology is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Highland Sch of Technology a Title I school?
No, Highland Sch of Technology is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Highland Sch of Technology?
26.9% of students at Highland Sch of Technology 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
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 528
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 13.5:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 39
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 26.9%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Small City
- County
- Gaston County
- Phone
- (704) 810-8816
- 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
- #5 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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