Serving 398 students in grades 6-8, York Chester Middle 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 35% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 30% (which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student-teacher ratio of 16:1 is higher than the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 82% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 398 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 82%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in NC
- Math Proficiency: 35% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 30% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 60-64% (Top 50%)
- Attendance Zone: York Chester Middle serves the southern part of Gastonia, NC, covering an area of approximately 4.8 square miles. Most students live within a 5-10 minute drive of the school, with the furthest boundary being about 2 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
School Overview
York Chester Middle School's student population of 398 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 25 teachers has declined by 19% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
398 students
Total Classroom Teachers
25 teachers
Colors
Grey, Royal blue
School Calendar
School Motto
Home of the Cougars
School Rankings
York Chester Middle 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 York Chester Middle School is 0.66, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.72. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#2184 out of 2617 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)35%
51%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
30%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
60-64%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
n/a
5%
Hispanic
31%
22%
Black
47%
24%
White
18%
42%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
4%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)36.2%
28.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
99%
72%
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
School Notes
- School Mascot: Cougar
Frequently Asked Questions
What is York Chester Middle School's ranking?
York Chester Middle School is ranked #2184 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in North Carolina.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
35% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 30% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
How many students attend York Chester Middle School?
398 students attend York Chester Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
47% of York Chester Middle School students are Black, 31% of students are Hispanic, 18% of students are White, and 4% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of York Chester Middle School?
York Chester Middle School has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does York Chester Middle School offer ?
York Chester Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is York Chester Middle School part of?
York Chester Middle School is part of Gaston County Schools.
School Reviews
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