Highland School of Technology is a magnet public high school located in Gastonia, North Carolina. It is the first magnet school available to students in the Gaston County Schools public school district and draws students from each of the other nine high schools in the district.
Serving 528 students in grades 9-12, Highland Sch Of Technology ranks in the top 1% of all schools in North Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 1%, and reading proficiency is top 1%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is ≥95% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is ≥95% (which is higher 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 38% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 57% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2025-26)
- School Type: Magnet School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 528 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 38%
- Graduation Rate: ≥95% (Top 5% in NC)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 1%
- Math Proficiency: ≥95% (Top 1%)
- Reading Proficiency: ≥95% (Top 1%)
- Science Proficiency: ≥95% (Top 1%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Highland Sch Of Technology ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
Graduation Rate
Student Attention
School Overview
Highland Sch Of Technology's student population of 528 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 39 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
528 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
39 teachers
Year Founded
2000
Colors
Royal blue, Gold
School Motto
Prepare students for a world-class future
School Rankings
Highland Sch Of Technology ranks within the top 1% of all 2,617 schools in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Highland Sch Of Technology is 0.57, 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
#3 out of 2617 schools
(Top 1%)
(Top 1%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)≥95%
51%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
≥95%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≥95%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
5%
4%
Hispanic
15%
21%
Black
15%
25%
White
62%
43%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
3%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
(21-22)≥95%
86%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
24%
68%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
1%
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 Highland Sch Of Technology's ranking?
Highland Sch Of Technology is ranked #3 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the top 1% of public schools in North Carolina.
What schools are Highland Sch Of Technology often compared to?
Highland Sch Of Technologyis often viewed alongside schools like Gaston Early College High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
≥95% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while ≥95% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
What is the graduation rate of Highland Sch Of Technology?
The graduation rate of Highland Sch Of Technology is 95%, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 86%.
How many students attend Highland Sch Of Technology?
528 students attend Highland Sch Of Technology.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
62% of Highland Sch Of Technology students are White, 15% of students are Black, 15% of students are Hispanic, 5% of students are Asian, and 3% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Highland Sch Of Technology?
Highland Sch Of Technology has a student ration of 14:1, which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does Highland Sch Of Technology offer ?
Highland Sch Of Technology offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Highland Sch Of Technology part of?
Highland Sch Of Technology is part of Gaston County Schools.
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