Highland School of Technology is a magnet public high school located in Gastonia, North Carolina. It is the first magnet school available to students in the Gaston County Schools public school district and draws students from each of the other nine high schools in the district.
Serving 538 students in grades 9-12, Highland School Of Technology ranks in the top 1% of all schools in North Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 1%, and reading proficiency is top 1%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is ≥95% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is ≥95% (which is higher 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 39% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 58% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- School Type: Magnet School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 538 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 39%
- Graduation Rate: ≥95% (Top 5% in NC)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 1%
- Math Proficiency: ≥95% (Top 1%)
- Reading Proficiency: ≥95% (Top 1%)
- Science Proficiency: ≥95% (Top 1%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Highland School Of Technology ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
Graduation Rate
School Overview
Highland School Of Technology's student population of 538 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 39 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
538 students
Total Classroom Teachers
39 teachers
Year Founded
2000
Colors
Royal blue, Gold
School Motto
Prepare students for a world-class future
School Rankings
Highland School Of Technology ranks within the top 1% of all 2,617 schools in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Highland School Of Technology is 0.59, 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
#3 out of 2617 schools
(Top 1%)
(Top 1%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)≥95%
51%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
≥95%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≥95%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
6%
5%
Hispanic
14%
22%
Black
15%
24%
White
61%
42%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
4%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
(21-22)≥95%
86%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
32%
72%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
2%
1%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Gaston County Schools
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Highland School Of Technology's ranking?
Highland School Of Technology is ranked #3 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the top 1% of public schools in North Carolina.
What schools are Highland School Of Technology often compared to?
Highland School Of Technologyis often viewed alongside schools like Early College Of Forsyth Co, Nesbitt Discovery Academy by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
≥95% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while ≥95% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
What is the graduation rate of Highland School Of Technology?
The graduation rate of Highland School Of Technology is 95%, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 86%.
How many students attend Highland School Of Technology?
538 students attend Highland School Of Technology.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
61% of Highland School Of Technology students are White, 15% of students are Black, 14% of students are Hispanic, 6% of students are Asian, and 4% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Highland School Of Technology?
Highland School Of Technology has a student ration of 14:1, which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does Highland School Of Technology offer ?
Highland School Of Technology offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Highland School Of Technology part of?
Highland School Of Technology is part of Gaston County Schools.
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