For the 2026 school year, there are 8 public schools serving 6,164 students in 28054, NC (there are 3 private schools, serving 386 private students). 94% of all K-12 students in 28054, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 93%).
The top-ranked public schools in 28054, NC are Hawks Nest Steam Academy, Piedmont Community Charter School and Ashbrook High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 28054 have an average math proficiency score of 46% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 44% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in 28054, NC have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 69% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the North Carolina public school average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best 28054, NC Public Schools (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Hawks Nest Steam Academy
Magnet School
(Math: 85-89% | Reading: 70-74%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
3430 Robinwood Rd
Gastonia, NC 28054
(704) 866-8467
Gastonia, NC 28054
(704) 866-8467
Gr: K-5 | 356 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 42%
Rank: #22.
Piedmont Community Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 65% | Reading: 58%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
2596 Robinwood Road
Gastonia, NC 28054
(704) 853-2428
Gastonia, NC 28054
(704) 853-2428
Gr: K-12 | 1,963 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 51%
Rank: #33.
Ashbrook High School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 42%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
2222 S New Hope Road
Gastonia, NC 28054
(704) 866-6600
Gastonia, NC 28054
(704) 866-6600
Gr: 9-12 | 1,386 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 82%
Rank: #44.
Brookside Elementary School
(Math: 41% | Reading: 37%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1925 Auten Rd.
Gastonia, NC 28054
(704) 866-6283
Gastonia, NC 28054
(704) 866-6283
Gr: PK-5 | 512 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 67%
Rank: #55.
Gardner Park Elementary School
(Math: 36% | Reading: 39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
738 Armstrong Park Road
Gastonia, NC 28054
(704) 866-6082
Gastonia, NC 28054
(704) 866-6082
Gr: PK-5 | 560 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 77%
Rank: #66.
Sherwood Elementary School
(Math: 29% | Reading: 28%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1744 Dixon Road
Gastonia, NC 28054
(704) 866-6609
Gastonia, NC 28054
(704) 866-6609
Gr: PK-5 | 553 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 84%
Rank: #77.
W P Grier Middle School
(Math: 24% | Reading: 28%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1622 E Garrison Boulevard
Gastonia, NC 28054
(704) 836-9604
Gastonia, NC 28054
(704) 836-9604
Gr: 6-8 | 659 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 90%
Rank: #88.
Warlick Academy
Alternative School
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1316 Spencer Mountain Road
Gastonia, NC 28054
(704) 836-9608
Gastonia, NC 28054
(704) 836-9608
Gr: 6-12 | 175 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 72%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in 28054, NC?
The top-ranked public schools in 28054, NC include Hawks Nest Steam Academy, Piedmont Community Charter School and Ashbrook High School.
How many public schools are located in 28054?
8 public schools are located in 28054.
What percentage of students in 28054 go to public school?
94% of all K-12 students in 28054 are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 93%).
What is the racial composition of students in 28054?
28054 public schools minority enrollment is 69% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the North Carolina public schools average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
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