Founded in 1967, Gaston Day School is a nonsectarian, college-preparatory school for grades Preschool through 12.
Throughout our history, nearly 100% of Gaston Day Schools graduating classes have entered four-year colleges and universities immediately upon graduation. Located in Gastonia, North Carolina, the school serves communities in a five-county area: Gaston, Lincoln, Cleveland, Mecklenburg and York counties. Enrollment is approximately 500 students.
A rigorous curriculum of college-preparatory, honors, and Advanced Placement courses ensures that all students are well-prepared and academically challenged. Gaston Day School graduation requirements align with admission requirements for colleges across the United States. In addition to the core curriculum, students are also offered a variety of elective options in multiple departments, or they may pursue online coursework through Gaston Day Schools membership in the NCAIS Virtual Consortium. Each GDS senior is required to complete a year-long project that includes research and social contribution components, and culminates with a formal presentation in the spring. Across the upper school, critical-thinking, analytical, research, and presentation skills are areas of focus. The writing program has been recognized as one of the best in the United States, and in recent years, GDS science students have earned notable regional and national distinctions. Gaston Day School graduates regularly earn the most competitive and prestigious scholarships offered at colleges and universities across the United States.
Gaston Day upper school students are active well beyond the walls of the classroom or the hours of a school day. Approximately 70% of upper school students each year participate on school athletic teams. Upper school students also have a multitude of opportunities to participate in regionally and nationally award-winning music, art, and theatre productions. They may serve in Student Government, join one of over a dozen student clubs, or create a new club of their own. Upper school students are offered an ever-growing number of opportunities to cultivate and demonstrate independence, accountability, and personal responsibility. An Honor Code, enforced by a student-led Honor Council, ensures the utmost academic and social integrity of students. With daily open campus time instead of supervised study halls, upper school students are given the freedom to seek help from teachers, meet with friends in the library, or even throw a football in the quad. Opportunities for campus and community service abound, with students required to complete at least 25 hours of service each year.
