For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public schools serving 3,147 students in Dallas, NC (there are 1 private school, serving 9 private students). 100% of all K-12 students in Dallas, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
The top-ranked public schools in Dallas, NC are Gaston Early College High School, North Gaston High School and Costner Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Dallas, NC public schools have an average math proficiency score of 51% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 42% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in Dallas have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 52% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the North Carolina public school average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Dallas, NC (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Gaston Early College High School
(Math: ≥90% | Reading: ≥90%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
201 Hwy 321 South, Gaston Coll
Dallas, NC 28034
(704) 922-2405
Dallas, NC 28034
(704) 922-2405
Gr: 9-13 | 199 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 44%
Rank: #22.
North Gaston High School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 42%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1133 Ratchford Road
Dallas, NC 28034
(704) 922-5285
Dallas, NC 28034
(704) 922-5285
Gr: 9-12 | 1,061 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 56%
Rank: #33.
Costner Elementary School
(Math: 48% | Reading: 43%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
353 Old 277 Loop Hwy
Dallas, NC 28034
(704) 922-3522
Dallas, NC 28034
(704) 922-3522
Gr: PK-5 | 430 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 35%
Rank: #44.
W C Friday Middle School
(Math: 45% | Reading: 42%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1221 Ratchford Drive
Dallas, NC 28034
(704) 922-5297
Dallas, NC 28034
(704) 922-5297
Gr: 6-8 | 618 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 53%
Rank: #55.
Carr Elementary School
(Math: 50% | Reading: 33%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
307 S Pine St
Dallas, NC 28034
(704) 922-3636
Dallas, NC 28034
(704) 922-3636
Gr: PK-5 | 665 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 58%
Rank: n/an/a
300 Rhodes Perimeter Drive, Ga
Dallas, NC 28034
(704) 923-8480
Dallas, NC 28034
(704) 923-8480
Gr: 9-12 | 174 students Student-teacher ratio: 22:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in Dallas, NC?
The top-ranked public schools in Dallas, NC include Gaston Early College High School, North Gaston High School and Costner Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Dallas?
6 public schools are located in Dallas.
What percentage of students in Dallas go to public school?
100% of all K-12 students in Dallas are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in Dallas?
Dallas public schools minority enrollment is 52% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the North Carolina public schools average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Recent Articles
Gifted, Honors, and Advanced Tracks: Are They Accessible or Just Advertised?
Learn how to evaluate gifted, honors, and advanced academic programs in public schools, including admission criteria, equity, and the questions every parent should ask.
Algebra Readiness: What Parents Should Ask Before Middle School
Discover how to determine if your child is ready for algebra before middle school, including the questions parents should ask and the skills students need to succeed.
How to Evaluate Reading Instruction in Your Zoned Elementary School
Learn how to evaluate reading instruction in your neighborhood elementary school by recognizing effective literacy practices, asking the right questions, and understanding what quality reading instruction looks like.