Serving 590 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 18:1 is higher than the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 56% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 590 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 56%
- Graduation Rate: 75-79% (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%)
- Attendance Zone: Bessemer City High serves the western part of its school district in Bessemer City, NC, covering an area of approximately 50 square miles. Families within this zone can typically expect a drive of 10 to 12 minutes to reach the school, with the farthest edge being about 6 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
School Overview
Bessemer City High School's student population of 590 students has grown by 7% 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
590 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
32 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
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 0.68, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.72. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1625 out of 2617 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)40-49%
51%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
50%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
45-49%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
18:1
15:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
25%
22%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 29-year historical data available below ↓
Black
25%
24%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
44%
42%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
6%
6%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Graduation Rate
75-79%
86.5%
Showing 2014–2023. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)40.3%
28.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
99%
72%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (22-23)
5%
3%
Showing 2014–2023. Full 25-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
Green and Gold
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
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, Ashbrook 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 75-79%, which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 86.5%.
How many students attend Bessemer City High School?
590 students attend Bessemer City High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
44% of Bessemer City High School students are White, 25% of students are Hispanic, 25% of students are Black, and 6% 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 18:1, 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 Reviews
3 10/10/2025
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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