For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public middle schools serving 4,473 students in Gastonia, NC.
The top-ranked public middle schools in Gastonia, NC are Piedmont Community Charter School, Southwest Middle School and York Chester Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Gastonia, NC public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 41% (versus the North Carolina public middle school average of 48%), and reading proficiency score of 41% (versus the 50% statewide average). Middle schools in Gastonia have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of North Carolina public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 65% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the North Carolina public middle school average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Middle Schools in Gastonia, NC (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Piedmont Community Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 65% | Reading: 58%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
2596 Robinwood Road
Gastonia, NC 28054
(704) 853-2428
Gastonia, NC 28054
(704) 853-2428
Gr: K-12 | 1,963 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 51%
Rank: #22.
Southwest Middle School
(Math: 37% | Reading: 36%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1 Roadrunner Drive
Gastonia, NC 28052
(704) 866-6290
Gastonia, NC 28052
(704) 866-6290
Gr: 6-8 | 832 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 78%
Rank: #33.
York Chester Middle School
(Math: 35% | Reading: 30%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
601 S Clay Street
Gastonia, NC 28052
(704) 836-9609
Gastonia, NC 28052
(704) 836-9609
Gr: 6-8 | 398 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 82%
Rank: #44.
W P Grier Middle School
(Math: 24% | Reading: 28%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1622 E Garrison Boulevard
Gastonia, NC 28054
(704) 836-9604
Gastonia, NC 28054
(704) 836-9604
Gr: 6-8 | 659 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 90%
Rank: #55.
Webb Street School
Special Education School
(Math: 11-19% | Reading: 11-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1623 N Webb Street
Gastonia, NC 28052
(704) 864-9667
Gastonia, NC 28052
(704) 864-9667
Gr: PK-12 | 163 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 51%
Rank: #66.
Warlick Academy
Alternative School
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1316 Spencer Mountain Road
Gastonia, NC 28054
(704) 836-9608
Gastonia, NC 28054
(704) 836-9608
Gr: 6-12 | 175 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 72%
Gastonia, North Carolina Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
1621 N Webb Street
Gastonia, NC 28052
(704) 866-6073
Gastonia, NC 28052
(704) 866-6073
Gr: PK-5 | 364 students Minority enrollment: 64%
1 Learning Place
Gastonia, NC 28052
(704) 866-6079
Gastonia, NC 28052
(704) 866-6079
Gr: PK-5 | 410 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1
3430 Robinwood Rd
Gastonia, NC 28054
(704) 866-8467
Gastonia, NC 28054
(704) 866-8467
Gr: 4-5 | 172 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1
Highland Charter (Closed 2013)
Charter School
324 North Highland Stree
Gastonia, NC 28052
(704) 852-7047
Gastonia, NC 28052
(704) 852-7047
Gr: K-5 | 114 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
1900 W Davidson Avenue
Gastonia, NC 28052
(704) 866-6098
Gastonia, NC 28052
(704) 866-6098
Gr: PK-5 | 478 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 81%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public middle schools in Gastonia, NC?
The top-ranked public middle schools in Gastonia, NC include Piedmont Community Charter School, Southwest Middle School and York Chester Middle School.
How many public middle schools are located in Gastonia?
7 public middle schools are located in Gastonia.
What is the racial composition of students in Gastonia?
Gastonia public middle schools minority enrollment is 65% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the North Carolina public middle schools average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public middle schools in Gastonia are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public middle schools in Gastonia include: W P Grier Middle School vs. Southwest Middle School, Southwest Middle School vs. W P Grier Middle School
Recent Articles
The School Choice Comparison Worksheet: 15 Factors Beyond Test Scores
Compare public schools with confidence using this 15-factor worksheet that looks beyond test scores to school culture, programs, safety, and student support.
Boundary Changes and Rezoning: How to Protect Your Child's School Plan
Learn why school boundary changes happen, how rezoning affects families, and the practical steps parents can take to protect their child's educational plan.
Teacher Turnover: How to Read the Warning Signs
Learn how to identify warning signs of teacher turnover, what causes frequent staff changes, and how parents can evaluate school stability.