North Gaston High School

North Gaston High School is a public high school in the Gaston County Schools school district located in Dallas, North Carolina, United States. Its attendance range covers the central portion of northern Gaston County and it also serves the communities of Ranlo, Hardins, High Shoals, Ashebrook Park, Spencer Mountain, and parts of North Gastonia, as well as the surrounding rural areas. Page Willis serves as principal, and Jesse Martin serves as athletic director.^[2] Feeder middle schools are W.C. Friday and Holbrook.^[3]

North Gaston High School
Location
1133 Ratchford Drive Dallas, North Carolina 28034 United States
Coordinates	35°20′04″N 81°10′39″W
Information
Established	1971 (54 years ago) (1971)
School district	Gaston County Schools
Category	Public
CEEB code	340965
Principal	Page Willis
Teaching staff	61.54 (FTE)[1]
Enrollment	1,083 (2023–2024)[1]
Student to teacher ratio	17.60[1]
Color(s)	Black and gold
Athletics conference	Big South (3A)
Team name	Wildcats
Rivals	East Gaston
Website	gaston.k12.nc.us/Domain/40

History

North Gaston opened shortly after the merger of Gastonia City Schools, Gaston County Schools, and Cherryville City Schools; replacing Dallas High School and serving the central portion of northern Gaston County. The building was constructed at a cost of $2.5 million, or $19.4 million in current value.^[4]

Principals

John McClure (1971–1977)* Milton Shellman (1977–1982) James Costner (1982–1991) William "Butch" Adams (1991–1994) Steve Laws (1994–1997) Charles Ashley (1997–2000)

Gary Short (2000–2002) Christine Kisner (2002–2004) Brent Boone (2004–2011) Judy Moore (2011–2016) George Conner (2016–2022) Crystal Houser (2022–2024) Page Willis (2024-present)

(*) Dallas High School principal (1968–1971)

Facilities

Situated on 100 acres of land, the original single building was joined by a separate new classroom wing and a second gymnasium some years later.^[4]

Notable alumni

• Jake Buchanan, MLB pitcher^[5]
• Duane Ross, track and field Olympian, represented USA in the 110 metres hurdles at the 2004 Summer Olympics^[6]