Northampton County High School – West STEM was a public high school located in Gaston, North Carolina.
Serving 257 students in grades 9-12, Northampton County High 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 21-39% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 11-19% (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 94% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 57% (majority Black).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 257 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 94%
- Graduation Rate: 70-74% (Btm 50% in NC)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 21-39% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 11-19% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: ≤10% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Northampton County High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
Community Size
Student Attention
School Overview
Northampton County High School's student population of 257 students has declined by 20% over five school years.
The teacher population of 19 teachers has declined by 34% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Primarily virtual)
(Primarily virtual)
Total Students
257 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
19 teachers
School Rankings
Northampton County High 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 Northampton County High School is 0.24, 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
#2431 out of 2617 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
21-39%
51%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
11-19%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤10%
63%
Student : Teacher Ratio
14:1
15:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
n/a
4%
Hispanic
5%
21%
Black
87%
25%
White
6%
43%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
1%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
70-74%
86%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
99%
68%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (13-14)
6%
7%
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 Northampton County High School's ranking?
Northampton County High School is ranked #2431 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in North Carolina.
What schools are Northampton County High School often compared to?
Northampton County High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Kipp Gaston College Preparatory by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
21-39% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 11-19% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
What is the graduation rate of Northampton County High School?
The graduation rate of Northampton County High School is 70-74%, which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 86%.
How many students attend Northampton County High School?
257 students attend Northampton County High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
87% of Northampton County High School students are Black, 6% of students are White, 5% of students are Hispanic, 1% of students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Northampton County High School?
Northampton County High School has a student ration of 14:1, which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does Northampton County High School offer ?
Northampton County High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Primarily virtual).
What school district is Northampton County High School part of?
Northampton County High School is part of Northampton County Schools School District.
School Reviews
2 8/20/2012
the school is too small for the number of students entering from west. the students will be compacted. why then new dss instead of a new school? these students are our future leaders
Review Northampton County High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles

Texas Schools: The Voucher/School Choice Debate
The issue of school choice and a voucher system is currently being revisited in Houston and across the state of Texas, with strong opinions on both sides of the debate.

Fuel Up to Play 60 Focuses on Integrating Fitness and Wellness into the School Day
What if NFL players came to your school? With the Fuel Up to Play 60 program, sponsored by the National Dairy Council and the NFL, nutrition and exercise are promoted during the school day. NFL players participate in the program by coming to schools and talking to students about fitness. Learn more about the program and some of the schools that are implementing it.

What Parents Need to Know About Lunch Shaming
Students all over the nation go hungry every day not because their schools don’t offer lunch, but because they refuse them to children with outstanding debts. Read on to learn about the horror that is lunch shaming and what can be done about it.