Needs Improvement
#2435 of 2,648 schools in NC
North Gaston High
High School · Gaston County Schools
1133 Ratchford Road, Dallas, NC 28034
Enrollment
1,083
Student-Teacher
17.8:1
Score
3.7
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
1,083
Student-Teacher
17.8:1
Score
3.7
Grades
9th – 12th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
North Carolina schools
#2,435 of 2,648
In Dallas
#6 of 6
public schools
In district
#47 of 56
Gaston County Schools
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North Gaston High
High School in Dallas · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
W C Friday Middle School
0.3 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Carr Elementary
1.5 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About North Gaston High
North Gaston High is a public high school in Dallas, NC, part of Gaston County Schools. North Gaston High serves approximately 1,083 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 17.8:1 student-teacher ratio. North Gaston High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.7 out of 10 and ranks #2,435 of 2,648 schools in NC.
Structured state assessment records for North Gaston High show 43% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 47% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
- This school 3.7 · Needs Improvement
- District avg 5.7
- NC avg 6.4
What Parents Should Know
North Gaston High sits in a rural area, which can mean longer drives for some families. Rural schools are often community anchors with smaller classes, but check transportation, after-school options, and access to specialized services before you commit.
38% of students at North Gaston High were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.
Score Breakdown
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North Gaston High — Students at North Gaston High score 34% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 46%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
99.3%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores NC NC (2024-25)
Based on 28 test records from NC state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage 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: 1.9/10.
How North Gaston High Compares
See how North Gaston High performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Location
1133 Ratchford Road, Dallas, NC 28034
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering North Gaston High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Highland Sch of Technology (rated 9.3/10, 3.8 miles away, in nearby Gastonia), which scores notably higher. Another option is Gaston Early College High School (rated 8.4/10, 1.7 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Gaston Early College of Medical Sciences (rated 6.0/10, 1.7 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Dallas, see our Dallas schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 5.1 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| W C Friday Middle School Dallas | 0.3 mi | 4.6 |
| Carr Elementary Dallas | 1.5 mi | 6.8 |
| Gaston Early College High School Dallas | 1.7 mi | 8.4 |
| Gaston Early College of Medical Sciences Dallas | 1.7 mi | 6.0 |
| ASSEMBLY OF FAITH CHR. SCHOOL Dallas | 1.9 mi | — |
| Brookside Elementary Gastonia | 3.2 mi | 3.6 |
| Costner Elementary Dallas | 2.8 mi | 5.2 |
| Highland Sch of Technology Gastonia | 3.8 mi | 9.3 |
| Woodhill Elementary Gastonia | 3.9 mi | 3.8 |
| Ridgeview Charter School Gastonia | 4.4 mi | 5.7 |
| Warlick Academy Gastonia | 4.4 mi | 3.4 |
| FIRST WESLEYAN CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Gastonia | 5.1 mi | 6.1 |
| Webb Street School Gastonia | 5.2 mi | 5.0 |
| York Chester Middle Gastonia | 5.5 mi | 5.3 |
| Stanley Middle Stanley | 4.7 mi | 7.0 |
| Springfield Primary Stanley | 4.7 mi | 5.7 |
| W P Grier Middle School Gastonia | 5.7 mi | 2.8 |
| Sherwood Elementary Gastonia | 6.0 mi | 3.4 |
| Pleasant Ridge Elementary Gastonia | 6.0 mi | 6.9 |
| JUDAH CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Stanley | 5.1 mi | 6.1 |
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 |
|---|---|
| Southwest High Jacksonville, NC | 3.7 |
| West Caldwell High Lenoir, NC | 3.7 |
| James Kenan High Warsaw, NC | 3.8 |
| West Iredell High Statesville, NC | 3.8 |
| Robert B Glenn High School Kernersville, NC | 3.6 |
| Ashbrook High Gastonia, NC | 3.9 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about North Gaston High
What grades does North Gaston High serve?
North Gaston High serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend North Gaston High?
North Gaston High has an enrollment of approximately 1,083 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at North Gaston High?
The student-teacher ratio at North Gaston High is 17.8:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does North Gaston High rank in NC?
North Gaston High ranks #2,435 of 2,648 schools in NC.
What is North Gaston High's MySchoolScout rating?
North Gaston High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 3.7 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 North Gaston High?
Based on loaded state assessment records, North Gaston High has 43% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 47% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
Is North Gaston High a charter school?
No, North Gaston High is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is North Gaston High a Title I school?
No, North Gaston High is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for North Gaston High?
99.3% of students at North Gaston High 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 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 1,083
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 17.8:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 61
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 99.3%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Fringe Rural
- County
- Gaston County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 38.2%
- Phone
- (704) 922-5285
- 4-Year Graduation
- 89.0%
Resources & Links
District
Gaston County Schools- District Enrollment
- 30,253
- Schools in District
- 56
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $12,190
- District Rank
- #47 of 56
How we rate schools
A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.
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