Serving 560 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 77% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 560 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 77%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in NC
- Math Proficiency: 36% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 39% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 45-49% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Gardner Park Elementary serves the southeast part of Gastonia, NC, covering an area of approximately 6.1 square miles. Families typically have a 5-10 minute drive to the school, with the furthest edge of the attendance zone located about 2.7 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
School Overview
Gardner Park Elementary School's student population of 560 students has grown by 8% over five school years.
The teacher population of 39 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
560 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
39 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
School Motto
Home of the Bulldogs
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 equal to the diversity score at state average of 0.72. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1917 out of 2617 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)36%
51%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
39%
50%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
45-49%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
15:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
2%
5%
Showing 2012–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
34%
22%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 33-year historical data available below ↓
Black
33%
24%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
23%
42%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
8%
6%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)28.4%
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 (13-14)
7%
7%
Showing 2003–2014. Full 16-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
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 schools are Gardner Park Elementary School often compared to?
Gardner Park Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Sherwood Elementary School, Lowell Elementary School by visitors of our site.
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?
560 students attend Gardner Park Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
34% of Gardner Park Elementary School students are Hispanic, 33% of students are Black, 23% of students are White, 8% 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 Reviews
5 10/10/2025
I used to go to this school in third grade to 5th. I loved it so much. now im in 7th grade.
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