Looking Forward
High School Registration for 8th graders
Website
https://sites.google.com/a/gaston.k12.nc.
us/high-school-curriculum-guide/
Course of Study
Students follow the Future Ready Course of Study to receive a North Carolina high school diploma.
Students with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) may have the
opportunity to follow the Occupational Course of Study. Eligibility for this course of study is determined by the IEP team.
Each Course of Study has specific course requirements. In addition to a Course
of Study, students may elect to pursue the North Carolina Academic Scholars
program. The Academic Scholars program has a required minimum grade point
average.
English 4 Credits: I, II, III, IV
Math 4 Credits: (Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra II) or (Integrated Math I, II, II), and 4th class Science 3 Credits: Physical Science, Biology, Earth/Environmental
Social Studies 4 Credits: World History, Civics & Economics, American History I and II (or AP American History) and 1 Social Studies elective
World Languages Not required for high school graduation. A two-credit minimum is required for admission to a university in the UNC system.
Health & PE 1 Credit
Other Requirements 6 Credits required:
2 elective credits of any combination from either: Career and Technical Education (CTE), Arts Education, or World Languages
4 elective credits strongly recommended (four course concentration) from one of the following: Career and Technical Education (CTE), JROTC, Arts Education (e.g. dance, music, theater arts, visual arts), or Any other subject area (e.g. social studies, science, mathematics, English)
Additional Electives 6 Credits
Future Ready Course of Study
Academic Scholars
Students must:
● Begin planning for the program before entering ninth grade to ensure they obtain the most flexibility in their courses.
● Complete all the requirements of this North Carolina Academic Scholars Program
● Have an overall four-year un-weighted grade point average of 3.5
● Complete all requirements for a North Carolina high school diploma
Students who follow the Future Ready Course of Study also may earn the NC Academic Scholars
distinction. Students who qualify for this honor receive an honor sticker on their diploma and
recognition at graduation.
English 4 credits: English I, II, III, IV
Math Algebra I, Algebra II, Geometry, and a higher level course with Algebra II as prerequisite OR Integrated Mathematics I, II, III, and a higher level course with Integrated Mathematics III as prerequisite)
Science Science (Physics or Chemistry course, Biology, and an Earth/Environmental Science course)
Social Studies Social Studies (World History, Civics/Economics, American History I: The Founding Principles and American History II)*
Health and PE 1 Credit
World Languages Two (2) elective credits in a second language
Other Electives Four (4) elective credits constituting a concentration recommended from one of the following: Career and Technical Education (CTE), JROTC, Arts Education, Second Languages, any other subject area
Advanced Credits Higher level courses taken during junior and/or senior years which carry 5 or 6 quality points such as:
● AP, IB, Dual or college equivalent course
● Advanced CTE/CTE credentialing courses
● On-line courses
● Other honors or above designated courses Academic Scholars Course of Study
Grades
Gaston County high schools grade on a percentage basis as follows:
A = 93-100 B = 85-92 C = 77-84 D = 70-76
F = Below 70 Lowest Passing Grade is 70
Class Rank
Class Rank/Grade Point
Average (GPA) is calculated
at the end of each semester
by using the weighted 4.0
scale.
Honor Graduates
Gaston County high school seniors are eligible for graduation honors based on their weighted Grade Point Average (GPA). The student with the highest
weighted GPA is named valedictorian while the student with the second highest weighted GPA is named salutatorian. Students must complete a minimum of 32 credits to qualify for valedictorian and salutatorian honors. In the event of an exact numerical tie (calculated to three decimal places), co-valedictorians
and/or co-salutatorians are chosen. Students who achieve a weighted GPA at the following levels are designated as honor graduates:
Summa cum laude: Magna cum laude: Cum laude:
4.3+ 4.0 - 4.299 3.7 - 3.99
Weighted Grade Scale
Regular Courses
Honors, AP Prep Eng, and International Studies
Courses
Advanced
Placement/International Baccalaureate Courses
A = 4 B = 3 C = 2 D = 1 F = 0
A = 5 B = 4 C = 3 D = 2 F = 0
A = 6
B = 5
C = 4
D = 3
F = 0
Promotion Requirements
● 6 Units to be a Sophomore
● 13 Units to be a Junior
● 20 Units to be a Senior
● 28 Units to graduate (and successful
completion of competency standards)
Early Entry into College
The State of North Carolina and Gaston County Schools encourage motivated students to plan early (as early as freshman year) to finish in less than eight semesters of high school a rigorous course of study in preparation for community college and/or college/university entry. Students may begin a college program at a four-year college/university or the community college level and later transfer to a four-year college/university.
Careful planning is necessary so all required high school credits are completed early. This same careful planning is necessary so students choose community college courses that articulate into the University of North Carolina system universities (and possibly many other private colleges/
universities). Students should consult with parents, high school counselors, career development coordinators, community college and college/university admissions personnel as they plan for early entry into a college degree program.
All state testing requirements must be met for students to enter college early, including (but not limited
to) end-of-course tests and high school exit standards.
Online Courses
Online courses are available to Gaston County students through the N.C. Virtual Public School (NCVPS). Students taking online classes complete assignments using the Internet either during or after the regular school day. The NCVPS gives students the opportunity to enroll in courses that may not be available at their high school.
The NCVPS oversees the program, determines course offerings and operates the registration system. Therefore, Gaston County Schools does not control the course selections and the number of students allowed to enroll in a class. Once the registration period opens, each school’s e-learning advisor in consultation with the school administration and counselors has the ability to enroll students. The number of students who may enroll in a course is limited and courses fill quickly. The e-learning advisor works with the school counselor to assist students with course selection and the enrollment process.
The NCVPS notifies all schools about course offerings and registration. Courses and enrollment dates are posted on the NCVPS website, www.ncvps.org, when the information is released by the NCVPS.
To enroll in an online course, students and their parents must contact their school counselor to complete a screening form that assesses the student’s potential for success in an online class and an enrollment signature form. Once the forms are completed (with the appropriate signatures) and returned to the school, the counselor may begin the enrollment process.
Career and College Promise (CCP)...
is an exciting program that offers North Carolina high school students “a clear path to success in college or in a career.”
The program is designed to prepare students for life after high school by giving them access to an affordable college education and instilling the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in a competitive workforce.
Eligible high school students may participate in the Career and College Promise program to earn:
● Course credit from Gaston College that transfers to all institutions in the University of North Carolina system and to many of the state’s independent colleges and universities;
● A credential, certificate or diploma from Gaston College in a technical career field; or
● A high school diploma and two years of college credit through the Gaston Early College High School, which is housed on the Gaston College campus.
Career and College Promise is available at no cost to all eligible students who maintain a B grade average.
For more information about Career and College Promise, contact your school counselor or visit www.gaston.edu/programs/hs_students/index.php
Gaston Early College
Gaston Early College High School School Website - Click Here!
Gaston Early College High School (GECHS) is an exciting innovative high school located on the Gaston College campus in Dallas, N.C. The Early College High School is operated by Gaston County Schools and Gaston College through a joint partnership. This exclusive, non- traditional high school offers Gaston County students a unique opportunity to receive a high school diploma while earning an Associate of Arts degree from the community college.
The Gaston Early College High School boasts state-of-the-art technology and rigorous academics. The school opened in August 2012 and allows high school students to take college courses at no additional cost. After graduation, students may transfer to a four-year college or university.
Course Offerings
Students take accelerated high school and college-level courses in English, math, science, social studies, digital communications,
humanities, foreign language, business, sociology, psychology, health/physical education and music/art. Elective courses also are available.
Selection Process
Selection for the Gaston Early College High School is conducted through an application, interview and lottery process. Students who are current eighth graders may apply to attend the Early College High School. Students should contact their school counselor for an application and more information.
Gaston Early College, cont.
Benefits
● Small school setting of no more than 250 students
● Continuous support for academic success Associate of Arts degree
● Free, transferable college credit while attending high school
● Programs and courses that boost academic achievement
● Graduate with a high school diploma and a two-year college transfer degree
● Classroom instruction by exceptional teachers and college instructors
Goals
● Provide exceptional educational opportunities for students who seek a challenge above and beyond the traditional high school curriculum.
● Foster a “college-going” culture and encourage students to complete the Associate of Arts degree program.
● Offer a college experience for first-generation college students who may not have the financial means to attend.
Impressive Opportunities
● Offers accelerated studies with a more challenging curriculum.
● Expands and enriches student knowledge and prepares students for four-year college classrooms.
● Provides students a chance to learn about college life while still in high school.
● Features collaboration with post-secondary institutions that develops a seamless education experience.
● Gives students internship, job shadowing, and community service experiences and opportunities to network with business leaders.
● Opens doors for college scholarships.
Highland School of Technology
Highland School of Technology-School Website - Click Here!
A full-day comprehensive high school, Highland School of Technology (HST) is Gaston County Schools’ first “school of choice.” Designed around an Academy Pathway, it features rigorous academic and technical curricula for students in grades 9-12.
HST prepares students for entrance into quality four-year universities and two-year community college degree or certificate programs and/or entry into high-demand career pathways in the
workplace.
Highland is the first 9-12 high school in the state to receive the School of Excellence status and was recognized as a model school by the International Center for Leadership in Education.
As a school of choice, students and their families interested in benefiting from HST’s unique curricula and real-world experiences need to complete application materials, participate in the lottery process and meet Board of Education established entrance criteria.
Information about the lottery process is available in late January each year. Mailings will be sent to eligible students and online applications may be printed and submitted. The website is http://highlandtech.us. The lottery is held when students are in the eighth grade. A waiting list is
established from the lottery. Students must be Gaston County residents to apply and attend Highland.
South Point Counselors
Mrs. Melissa Hambright
Works with students last name beginning A - G (mnhambright@gaston.k12.nc.us)
Sophomore and Junior Newsletter & Email Group
Mrs. Laurie WhitesideWorks with students last name H - O (lewhiteside@gaston.k12.nc.us) Freshman Newsletter & Email Group
Mrs. Shelley CollinsWorks with students last name P - Z (sfcollins@gaston.k12.nc.us)
Senior Newsletter & Email Group
Mrs. Melony Andrews
Works with all students as the guidance secretary (msandrews@gaston.k12.nc.us )
* All student transcripts require a minimum of 24 hour notice
* To keep cost down, we ask that when submitting a request for a transcript that you provide a stamped envelope (transcripts require two stamps).
906 South Point Road Belmont , NC 28012 704-825-3351 704-825-2820 - Fax
Stuart Cramer Counselors
lmiller@gaston.k12.nc.us
Lauren Miller (A-K)
cwkiser@gaston.k12.nc.us
Carol Kiser (L-Z)
101 Lakewood Road Belmont , NC 28012 704-866-5700
704-825-8950 - Fax
