Gaston Christian School: Tuition, Admissions, and Educational Philosophy

Gaston Christian School (GCS) is a Christian school located in Gaston County, North Carolina, committed to providing students with a comprehensive academic and spiritual education rooted in God's Word. Established in 1979, the school was founded by a group of local pastors and Christian parents who sought a learning environment that prioritized both academic excellence and spiritual development within a structured, God-honoring setting. GCS aims to extend its mission beyond its students, encompassing parents and the local community, with a vision of glorifying God in the classroom, on the sports field, and throughout the community.

Admissions Process

The admissions process at Gaston Christian School is designed to identify students who are likely to thrive in its unique educational environment. The school seeks to understand each child and family through a multi-faceted approach.

General Requirements

All applicants are required to submit a complete application packet, accompanied by an application fee. The application fee is $250 in some cases and $350 in others with a 50% refund issued only if the student is not offered enrollment.

Grade-Specific Requirements

The admission process varies slightly depending on the grade level:

Preschool: Students entering Preschool must be the age of their class by August 31st and should demonstrate overall readiness.
Kindergarten: Students entering Kindergarten must be 5 years old on or before August 31st and should demonstrate overall readiness to begin school.
1st-5th Grade: Applicants for 1st through 5th grade must submit a copy of their most recent report card and standardized test scores.
Middle School and High School: Middle and High School applicants must submit copies of their most recent report card and standardized test scores. The school assesses whether it has the resources necessary to support the student's learning needs.

Additional Steps

Once the application packet is received, the school will contact the applicant to schedule the following:

On-Campus Visit and Family Interview: This allows the school to get to know the student and family better.
Admissions Testing: Required for certain grade levels to assess the student's academic abilities.
Tour of Classes: While in-class shadowing is not offered, a guided tour of the classes can be provided.

It's worth noting that admissions into High School after the first four weeks of the school year are rare.

Special Needs Considerations

Gaston Christian School states that, due to limited resources, they may not be adequately equipped to meet the needs of students requiring unique or specialized learning programs.

Non-Discrimination Policy

Gaston Christian School maintains a non-discriminatory policy, admitting students of any race, color, national, and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school.

Tuition and Fees

Understanding the costs associated with Gaston Christian School is crucial for prospective families. While specific tuition figures for Gaston Christian School were not provided, information regarding Cramerton Christian Academy (CCA), another school in the area, offers a helpful point of reference:

Cramerton Christian Academy Tuition Example

5K - 5th Grade: \$7,670
6th - 12th Grade: \$8,455

CCA also offers multi-child grants:

Second Child: \$700
Third Child: \$1,100

For families with more than three children, each subsequent child receives the third child grant.

Additional Fees at Cramerton Christian Academy

Application Fee: \$200 (non-refundable and non-transferable)
Continuous Enrollment Fee: \$100 (non-refundable, added to FACTS account on February 1st)
Athletics: Middle School Teams (\$100), Junior Varsity (\$150/sport), Varsity (\$200/sport)
Graduation: Kindergarten (\$50), High School (\$100)
Child Care: Before Care (\$45/week), After School Care (\$45/week), Kidz Kare (\$45/day)

Inclusions

CCA's inclusive tuition rates encompass annual tuition, books and equipment (which remain the property of the school), access to the Family Portal, lab fees, supply fees, NCCSA and AACS membership fees, achievement testing, fine arts programs (excluding NCCSA and TriCom competition), admittance to home sporting events (excluding tournaments), student accident insurance, day field trips, retreats, and a yearbook.

Financial Aid and Discounts

Gaston Christian School offers several avenues for financial assistance:

Sibling/Family Discount: Full tuition is billed for the oldest child; subsequent children (excluding preschool) receive a 10% discount.
Minister's Discount: Full-time, ordained ministers may qualify for a 50% tuition discount per K-12 child.
Legacy Discount: Offered to children of Gaston Christian School graduates.
Financial Aid: Limited financial aid may be available for K-12 families.

To assess financial need, GCS uses FACTS Grant & Aid Assessment (FGAA), an outside service. Applicants must complete a FACTS application (\$45 processing fee) and submit Federal Form 1040 Income Tax Return, W-2 forms, and supporting documentation for non-taxable income. The GCS Financial Aid Committee reviews FGAA recommendations and approves grants based on need and available funds. Awards are applied to tuition after all applicable discounts and outside scholarships. Priority is given to applications completed by May 1, but later applications are considered if funds are available.

NC Opportunity Scholarship

The NC Opportunity Scholarship is available for income-eligible families, providing them with the option to choose a private education.

Read also: Generation of Disciples

Academics and Programs

Gaston Christian School provides a comprehensive academic program with a focus on spiritual development.

Faculty

All teachers at Gaston Christian School are required to hold a Bachelor's Degree, and 47% of the middle and high school teachers have advanced degrees (Master’s or Ph.D). Teachers participate in continuing education regularly. The average tenure of K-12 teachers is 11 years.

Curriculum

While specific curriculum details for Gaston Christian School were not provided, Cramerton Christian Academy utilizes the Abeka Curriculum with support from BJ Press, reflecting a commitment to a biblical worldview.

Advanced Placement and Honors Courses

Gaston Christian School offers nine AP classes and 20 Honors courses. The school partners with NorthStar Academy for online courses. Juniors and Seniors can also enroll in the College and Career Promise Program through the NC Community College System.

Safety and Security

Student safety is a priority at Gaston Christian School. The school employs two Gaston County Sheriff Deputies during school hours and utilizes security cameras around campus and inside buildings.

Additional Programs

Before and After School Care: Before school care is supervised by a teacher. After-school care is available until 6:00 pm.
Lunch Program: On the Gastonia campus, lunch is provided by Flik in the Student Life Center. The East Cleveland campus offers options to bring lunch or order hot lunch from community restaurants.

School Culture and Values

Gaston Christian School emphasizes a distinct set of values and expectations for its students.

Dress Code

Modesty is the standard. Clothing must be clean, properly fitted, and neat in appearance, avoiding distractions from the learning process. Dress slacks, casual slacks, or jeans are permitted, along with t-shirts and sweatshirts. Jeans must not be frayed, worn, or have holes or patches. Sweatpants and yoga pants are not allowed.

Biblical Worldview

Gaston Christian School aims to instill a biblical worldview in its students. Cramerton Christian Academy, for example, teaches from a biblical worldview that views God as the creator and sustainer of life, the source of knowledge, and the ultimate authority.

Accreditation and Affiliations

Cramerton Christian Academy is fully accredited by NCCSA (North Carolina Christian School Association) and nationally accredited by both NACSAA (North American Christian School Accrediting Agency) and Cognia. This accreditation signifies that the school meets high standards of educational quality and organizational effectiveness.

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