Bessemer City High School is a high school in the Gaston County Schools school district located in Bessemer City, NC. Its attendance range covers the central part of western Gaston County, and it also serves the eastern portion of the community of Tryon, parts of north western Gastonia, and the surrounding rural area.
Serving 548 students in grades 9-12, Bessemer City High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in North Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 40-49% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 40-44% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student-teacher ratio of 17:1 is higher than the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 58% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 57% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 548 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Minority Enrollment: 58%
- Graduation Rate: 70-74% (Btm 50% in NC)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 40-49% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 40-44% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 45-49% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
School Overview
Bessemer City High School's student population of 548 students has declined by 10% over five school years.
The teacher population of 32 teachers has declined by 11% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
548 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
32 teachers
Last Day of School
Mon. May 25, 2026
Campus Size
50
School Motto
Truth and Honor
School Rankings
Bessemer City High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 2,617 schools in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Bessemer City High School is 0.69, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.71. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1625 out of 2617 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)40-49%
51%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
45-49%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
n/a
4%
Hispanic
23%
21%
Black
30%
25%
White
42%
43%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
5%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
(21-22)70-74%
86%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
99%
68%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
5%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bessemer City High School's ranking?
Bessemer City High School is ranked #1625 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in North Carolina.
What schools are Bessemer City High School often compared to?
Bessemer City High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Cherryville High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
40-49% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 40-44% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
What is the graduation rate of Bessemer City High School?
The graduation rate of Bessemer City High School is 70-74%, which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 86%.
How many students attend Bessemer City High School?
548 students attend Bessemer City High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
42% of Bessemer City High School students are White, 30% of students are Black, 23% of students are Hispanic, and 5% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Bessemer City High School?
Bessemer City High School has a student ration of 17:1, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does Bessemer City High School offer ?
Bessemer City High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Bessemer City High School part of?
Bessemer City High School is part of Gaston County Schools School District.
School Reviews
3 3/16/2017
I have been going to Bessemer schools all my life, and they're not the best. Bullying is an issues I've dealt with. I'm currently in the high school now, and it's not that bad, just a lot of bad-mouthed kids with attitudes.
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