For the 2025 school year, there are 3 public schools serving 1,734 students in Gaston, NC.
The top ranked public schools in Gaston, NC are Kipp Gaston College Preparatory, Gaston Stem Leadership Academy and Northampton County High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Gaston, NC public schools have an average math proficiency score of 27% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 29% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in Gaston have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 95% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the North Carolina public school average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Schools in Gaston, NC (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Kipp Gaston College Preparatory
Charter School
(Math: 27% | Reading: 31%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
320 Pleasant Hill Road
Gaston, NC 27832
(252) 308-6932
Gaston, NC 27832
(252) 308-6932
Gr: K-12 | 1,183 student Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 95%
Rank: #22.
Gaston Stem Leadership Academy
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
400 Broughton Street
Gaston, NC 27832
(252) 537-2520
Gaston, NC 27832
(252) 537-2520
Gr: PK-8 | 294 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 95%
Rank: #33.
Northampton County High School
(Math: 21-39% | Reading: 11-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
152 Hurricane Drive
Gaston, NC 27832
(252) 537-1910
Gaston, NC 27832
(252) 537-1910
Gr: 9-12 | 257 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 94%
Gaston, North Carolina Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
400 Broughton Street
Gaston, NC 27832
(252) 537-2520
Gaston, NC 27832
(252) 537-2520
Gr: 6-8 | 105 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 90%
152 Hurricane Dr
Gaston, NC 27832
(252) 534-1371
Gaston, NC 27832
(252) 534-1371
Gr: 7-12 | 307 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 95%
Northampton County Alternative School (Closed 2015)
Alternative School
152 Hurricane Drive
Gaston, NC 27832
(919) 807-3300
Gaston, NC 27832
(919) 807-3300
Gr: K-12 | 21 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 95%
152 Hurricane Dr
Gaston, NC 27832
(252) 537-1910
Gaston, NC 27832
(252) 537-1910
Gr: 7-12
4671 Nc 46 Hwy W
Gaston, NC 27832
(252) 537-2877
Gaston, NC 27832
(252) 537-2877
Gr: PK-K | 87 students Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 95%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Gaston, NC?
The top ranked public schools in Gaston, NC include Kipp Gaston College Preparatory, Gaston Stem Leadership Academy and Northampton County High School.
How many public schools are located in Gaston?
3 public schools are located in Gaston.
What is the racial composition of students in Gaston?
Gaston public schools minority enrollment is 95% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the North Carolina public schools average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public schools in Gaston are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Gaston include: Kipp Gaston College Preparatory vs. Northampton County High School, Northampton County High School vs. Kipp Gaston College Preparatory
Recent Articles

Opinion: Handcuffing in Public Schools is a Gateway to More Violence
Some districts are banning handcuffing, while others are cuffing kindergarteners simply throwing a temper tantrum. Read this editorial to see why this author believes slapping the cuffs on children’s wrists only leads to more behavior issues and violence in their adult lives.

Whooping Cough: Should Vaccinations be Required for Public School Enrollment?
Whopping cough is making a comeback, especially amongst children, prompting health officials to encourage pertussis vaccines and boosters. However, should the pertussis vaccine be required for public school enrollment? Learn about current proposed laws and its ramifications.

What are Common Core Standards and Why Do We Need Them?
With schools nationwide adopting common core standards, we’ll take a look at what they are, their benefits, and how they will change the face of public education.