Founded in 1967, Gaston Day School is a nonsectarian, college-preparatory school for grades pre-school through 12 with approximately 500 students and 65 full and part-time faculty and staff.
Gaston Day attracts students from a five county area including Gaston, Mecklenburg, Lincoln, Cleveland, and York and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
It is also a member of the National Association of Independent Schools, the Southern Association of Independent Schools, and the North Carolina Association of Independent schools and approved by the North Carolina Department of Education.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Top Ranked NC School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-12
- Enrollment: 466 students
- Average class size: 15 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Gaston Day School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Student Body
Extracurriculars
School History
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-12
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Learning Academy
Year Founded
1967
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
466 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
19%
State avg.: 23%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
61 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
8:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
30%
Average Class Size
15 students
Number of AP Courses
9 courses
Advanced Courses
Biology, Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Chemistry, English Language, English Literature, Physics, US Government, US History
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Tuition Notes
$8,360 - $21,325
% on Financial Aid
45%
Admissions Director
Kevin Napp
Admissions Associate
Susan Gibson
Endowment Size
$8.5 million
Sports
Total Sports Offered
9 sports
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
14 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Blutopia, Chess Club, Classics Club, Drama Club, French Club, Middle School Literary Magazine, Peer Mentoring, Public Debate Club, Science Olympiad, Spanish Club, Student Government (middle and upper schools), Theatre Arts, Yearbook
Arts and Music Programs:
Upper School Literay and Arts Magazine
Blutopia, Chess Club, Classics Club, Drama Club, French Club, Middle School Literary Magazine, Peer Mentoring, Public Debate Club, Science Olympiad, Spanish Club, Student Government (middle and upper schools), Theatre Arts, Yearbook
Arts and Music Programs:
Upper School Literay and Arts Magazine
School Notes
- Founded in 1967, Gaston Day School is a nonsectarian, college-preparatory school for grades pre-kindergarten through 12 with approximately 500 students and 65 full and part-time faculty and staff. Gaston Day attracts students from a five county area including Gaston, Mecklenburg, Lincoln, Cleveland, and York and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. It is also a member of the National Association of Independent Schools, the Southern Association of Independent Schools, and the North Carolina Association of Independent schools and approved by the North Carolina Department of Education.
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
What schools are Gaston Day School often compared to?
Gaston Day School is often viewed alongside schools like Gaston Christian School by visitors of our site.
What sports does Gaston Day School offer?
Gaston Day School offers 9 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Soccer, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field and Volleyball.
What is Gaston Day School's ranking?
Gaston Day School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in North Carolina for: Largest student body, Most extracurriculars offered and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for Gaston Day School?
The application deadline for Gaston Day School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
School Reviews
5 9/15/2023
Both of our sons started attending Gaston Day in middle school. The academic rigor, 1 on 1 attention with teachers, lifelong friendships, and preparation for college went above and beyond our expectations! As a college freshman, our oldest son told us that GDS more than prepared him for academic success at the college level. It was the best decision we ever made for both of them.
5 11/9/2017
Choosing a school is a major decision and one that we did not take lightly. We explored the Charlotte area "Big 3" private schools because they were so well known, but it was not until we visited Gaston Day that we found exactly what we were seeking for our child. Gaston Day is a small, close-knit community of educators that truly focus on your child's needs. My child immediately connected with peers and is excited to go to school. Coming from a large public school setting, I was worried it would feel too small, but we knew immediately that this school was a perfect fit for our child and the small size ensures a personal connection and nurturing environment. Even better, the small size means our child will have numerous opportunities to be involved in extracurricular activities. The athletics program is competitive and inclusive and in a small school you do not see the typical "cliques" you see in larger public schools because here the athletes are also in music, art, and theater. Gaston Day offers a challenging academic curriculum, but the teachers are available to students, support their learning, and are truly are passionate about their field. More importantly, GDS helps develop students' citizenship through extensive service to the community. This school is worth the drive and I encourage you to come experience the "student-first" approach that is Gaston Day. Highly recommended!
5 10/14/2017
Gaston Day has been an excellent choice for our family. School faculty and staff have gone out of their way to make our transition into the high school comfortable and welcoming. The teachers are energetic and interested in the needs of each child. Thanks to the smaller size, they are able to individualize learning effectiveness. Instilling intellectual passion is also important and the teachers and staff model that for the students. I feel confident that we have found the perfect school!
5 10/14/2017
Choosing Gaston Day School for our son has been the best decision we have ever made. From the first time we set foot on campus, it has felt like home. The hospitality shown by students, faculty and staff, and families is second to none, the academics are challenging and teachers support students' learning, the food is top notch (an important component to a growing boy), and the campus and athletics facilities are beautiful. The campus grounds are breathtaking and allow for an outdoor classroom experience with authentic learning opportunities. For a school of its size the advanced academic classes, music, art, theater, and sports opportunities are exemplary. We look forward to watching our son grow academically, athletically, and as a citizen of the community through his experience at Gaston Day School. Gaston Day is living its mission and values and we are proud to be a part of the Gaston Day family.
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