Serving 549 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Gardner Park Elementary 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 36% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 39% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student:teacher ratio of 14:1 is lower than the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 71% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 549 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 71%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in NC
- Math Proficiency: 36% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 39% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 45-49% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Gardner Park Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
Student Attention
School Overview
Gardner Park Elementary School's student population of 549 students has declined by 8% over five school years.
The teacher population of 40 teachers has grown by 5% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
549 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
40 teachers
School Rankings
Gardner Park Elementary 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 Gardner Park Elementary School is 0.72, which is more 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
#1917 out of 2617 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
36%
51%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
39%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
45-49%
63%
Student : Teacher Ratio
14:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
2%
4%
Hispanic
29%
21%
Black
33%
25%
White
29%
43%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
7%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
99%
68%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (13-14)
7%
7%
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 Gardner Park Elementary School's ranking?
Gardner Park Elementary School is ranked #1917 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in North Carolina.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
36% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 39% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
How many students attend Gardner Park Elementary School?
549 students attend Gardner Park Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
33% of Gardner Park Elementary School students are Black, 29% of students are Hispanic, 29% of students are White, 7% of students are Two or more races, and 2% of students are Asian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Gardner Park Elementary School?
Gardner Park Elementary School has a student ration of 14:1, which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does Gardner Park Elementary School offer ?
Gardner Park Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Gardner Park Elementary School part of?
Gardner Park Elementary School is part of Gaston County Schools School District.
School Reviews
5 10/6/2021
I used to go to this school in third grade to 5th. I loved it so much. now im in 7th grade.
Review Gardner Park Elementary School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles

Parents’ Guide to Special Education
Special education law is not easy to decipher, with several regulations that govern special education services for disabled students. In this article, learn about the core components of the laws, rights, and individual education plans that can help create the best public school environment for your child.

Surveillance Cameras: Violation of Rights or Improved Security?
A school district in Virginia has given the green light to schools that want to install surveillance cameras in common areas like cafeterias and hallways. We’ll look at whether this is a violation of student privacy or the best way to keep order in schools.

Teachers in 19 States Allowed to Physically Punish Students
As of 2014, nineteen states still allow corporal punishment – spanking and paddling the most common choices – in their public schools. However, some argue that not only are these punishments physically harmful, they also are disproportionately administered to students of color. As a result, House democrats have taken up the issue in a new bill that would ban all forms of corporal punishment nationwide.