- North Gaston High — 1.3 mi · Grades 9–12 · 1,061 students
- W C Friday Middle School — 1.4 mi · Grades 6–8 · 618 students
- Carr Elementary — 2.8 mi · Grades PK–5 · 665 students
- Gaston Early College High School — 2.9 mi · Grades 9–13 · 235 students
- Gaston Early College of Medical Sciences — 3.0 mi · Grades 9–12 · 174 students
- Costner Elementary — 3.3 mi · Grades PK–5 · 430 students
- Stanley Middle — 4.3 mi · Grades 6–8 · 602 students
- Brookside Elementary — 4.4 mi · Grades PK–5 · 512 students
with district
| Metric | Gaston County Schools | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 30,281 | 3,544 | ↑ Larger than avg |
| Number of Schools | 56 | 7 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $11,848/yr | $17,619/yr | ↓ 33% below avg |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 4/10 — Below Average | — | Below average |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 115 rated districts in NC → 36th percentile → 4/10.
Source: North Carolina Dept. of Public Instruction EOG, grades 3–8 Reading & Math Grade Level Proficient, 2024–25 school year. Full methodology →
About Gaston County Schools
Families in zip code 28034 (Dallas, North Carolina) are assigned to Gaston County Schools for public education through 13th. This overview covers the district’s funding levels, scale, rating, and what to expect from the enrollment process if you’re moving to or within this zip code.
Understanding the 4/10 Rating
With a rating of 4/10 (below average), Gaston County Schools ranks among North Carolina’s below average-rated school systems. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in North Carolina’s EOG grades 3–8 Reading & Math assessments (2024–25 school year). We average each district’s reading and math proficiency, then rank it against other districts in the same state to produce a 1–10 score. Because North Carolina is compared only against itself, the rating reflects how this district performs relative to its in-state peers.
Gaston County Schools carries a below-average rating, with reading and math proficiency rates below typical North Carolina benchmarks on state assessments. A below-average score reflects test performance relative to other districts — not necessarily teaching quality or school culture, and some of these districts have schools with strong communities and dedicated staff. Families should research specific school quality, visit in person, and ask about available programs. Also ask about open enrollment and magnet options that may offer alternatives to the default attendance-zone assignment.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 28034
Children in zip code 28034 are assigned to Gaston County Schools for public school enrollment, covering grades Pre-K – 13th. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 28034, not just your neighborhood. Two homes on opposite ends of the same zip code may be assigned to different schools within the same district.
To confirm your specific school assignments, contact Gaston County Schools at (704)866-6100 or visit www.gaston.k12.nc.us. Typical enrollment documents include proof of address, a government-issued birth certificate, immunization records, and any existing school records or IEP documentation. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, bring that documentation to enrollment — North Carolina districts are required to continue services within a reasonable period. Fall enrollment windows typically open in late winter or early spring; contact the district for exact dates and required steps.
School Districts and Home Values in Dallas
For families considering a purchase in the Dallas area, district assignment matters financially. Because Gaston County Schools serves zip code 28034, district assignment still factors into home-pricing comparisons between zip code 28034 and neighboring areas. District boundaries are address-specific — verify the exact district assignment for any property you’re seriously considering rather than assuming based on the neighborhood. A single block can place two adjacent homes in different districts with different ratings and different annual property tax implications.
Use the property tax estimator on this page to calculate estimated annual tax obligations based on your target purchase price. In North Carolina, property taxes are a primary funding source for public schools — your tax payments directly support Gaston County Schools programs and staff. Understanding both district quality and the associated tax burden is essential financial due diligence before committing to any home in zip code 28034.
Data Sources and Accuracy
All district information on this page is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data (CCD) 2024–2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s annual census of all public school districts — the same dataset used by researchers, journalists, and policymakers to analyze American public education. District boundaries, school assignments and phone numbers are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring; per-pupil spending comes from the US Census Bureau's Annual Survey of School System Finances, released about two years after the fiscal year it covers. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with Gaston County Schools before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 28034 data.