аæèßäapp

Explore magnet schools and academies in аæèßäapp

The deadline for parents to submit an application is Friday, March 21 

Now is the time when parents begin thinking about the next school year.  As parents take a look at what’s available for their child’s education, it is important for them to know about the variety of choices that are offered in аæèßäapp.

Currently, аæèßäapp provides magnet schools and academies that are connected to six dynamic themes: careers, college prep/academically gifted, healthcare and medical sciences, leadership, performing arts, and STEAM.  In addition, an online learning option is available for grades K-12.

Parents are encouraged to explore each of the magnet schools and academies in аæèßäapp as it is never too early to begin planning for their child’s future.  The programs are designed to prepare students today so they can experience success tomorrow.

New for the 2025-2026 school year is the addition of a STEAM Academy at W.P. Grier Middle School.  Schools with a STEAM focus emphasize science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.  The STEAM Academy at Grier will be patterned after the STEAM concentration at Hawks Nest STEAM Academy and Stanley Middle School.  Adding the STEAM Academy coincides with the opening in August of a new school building on the Grier campus.

Below is a list of the 17 magnet schools and academies in аæèßäapp for 2025-2026:

â–  Elementary Schools
Gifted and Talented Academy @ Pleasant Ridge Elementary School
Hawks Nest STEAM Academy
Leadership Academy @ Costner Elementary School
Performing Arts Academy @ Pinewood Elementary School
 
â–  Middle Schools
Gifted and Talented Academy @ Cramerton Middle School
Leadership Academy @ W.C. Friday Middle School
STEAM Academy at W.P. Grier Middle School (new)
STEAM Academy @ Stanley Middle School
 
â–  High Schools
Career Academy @ Hunter Huss High School
Collegiate Prep Academy @ Forestview High School
аæèßäapp Early College High School
аæèßäapp Early College of Medical Sciences
Health Sciences Academy @ East аæèßäapp High School
Highland School of Technology
iAccelerate Academy @ Ashbrook High School
Leadership Academy @ North аæèßäapp High School
 
â–  Online Learning
аæèßäapp Virtual Academy (all grade levels)

How do I apply?
Typically, students enter our magnet schools and academies when they will be in kindergarten, sixth grade, or ninth grade; however, some programs have space available at other grade levels.  Students in аæèßäapp as well as students who currently attend a private school, charter school, home school, or virtual school may apply now for the 2025-2026 academic year.

For more information about each magnet school/academy option and to submit an online application, visit www.gaston.k12.nc.us/schoolchoice.  The deadline to apply is Friday, March 21 at 5:00 p.m.  The student placement lottery will be held in April.

OPEN HOUSE: Don’t overlook what we have to offer
Parents are encouraged to explore all learning options in аæèßäapp, and they can do so by attending school open houses.  Click here for the schedule.  

When parents begin seeking school choice, sometimes they look beyond the public school district in their community.  However, it is important for parents to realize that the traditional public schools have served generations of students and continue to offer quality academics, athletics, fine arts, extracurricular activities, and student support programs.  Public schools often have more resources and more programs, which results in more possibilities for students.

Virtual option for homeschoolers  
Some parents may opt for home schooling, but sometimes that can pose a challenge when students need certain classes.  Through the аæèßäapp Virtual Academy for grades K-12, homeschoolers can maintain their homeschool status while taking classes free-of-charge in аæèßäapp (parents do not have to pay a third-party provider for classes their child needs).  

Some of the more popular class options are sports and events marketing, higher level math courses such as pre-calculus and Advanced Placement (AP) calculus, and science courses such as North Carolina wildlife. Further, students in grades 6-8 can take higher level courses while in middle school and get ahead by earning high school credit.

Established in 2017, the аæèßäapp Virtual Academy provides personalized and individualized learning with flexible scheduling, which is what homeschoolers prefer.  However, a qualified teacher is there to deliver instruction, help when needed, and provide guidance as students navigate online learning.  Additionally, there are ways for parents to be directly involved in the teaching and learning process.  

For more information about the аæèßäapp Virtual Academy, call (704) 836-9125.