Lowell’s public schools score below 55% of North Carolina districts on tests and graduation
The grade covers the public school district serving Lowell, from kindergarten through graduation, on state tests and graduation. Each state writes its own tests, so this is the one TownRatings grade compared within North Carolina, not nationally.
From North Carolina state tests taken in spring 2022, when 100% of students in the tested grades sat them, and the class of 2023’s four-year graduation rate, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education.
Lowell’s schools, in brief
Better than its incomes would predict
Among the 323 North Carolina towns with household incomes within a quarter of Lowell’s, its schools beat 50%, higher than their 45% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 46% of tested students were proficient in reading and 49% in math, against 50% and 51% statewide; 100% of students in the tested grades sat the tests. The grade ↓
Graduation
85% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 86% across North Carolina. Districts ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $11,848 per student, against $13,045 across North Carolina (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
26 elementary schools, then one middle and 12 high schools
Which school depends on the address at every step. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
Gaston Christian School (private) is in town. Every school ↓
Written from the figures on this page. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023; each school’s own letter uses 2020–21 results.
What’s behind Lowell’s grade
B−: better than 45% of North Carolina school districts, #178 of 290 North Carolina towns. Both inputs trail the North Carolina average; test scores are the closer of the two to typical.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Lowell, with each school’s own grade.
6th grade in Lowell
Holbrook Middle
Grades 6–8 · 712 students · 14:1 students per teacher
7th grade in Lowell
Holbrook Middle
Grades 6–8 · 712 students · 14:1 students per teacher
8th grade in Lowell
Holbrook Middle
Grades 6–8 · 712 students · 14:1 students per teacher
Lowell’s public schools are run by Gaston County Schools, which also serves Belmont, Bessemer City, Cherryville and Cramerton and others. To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
The district
Spending and class size are shown but don’t count toward the grade. Each district’s own page has every school.
Below the state in reading
Lowell vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the North Carolina towns that share Lowell’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Lowell | B− | Gaston County Schools |
| Gastonia | B− | Gaston County Schools |
| McAdenville | — | Gaston County Schools |
| Ranlo | B− | Gaston County Schools |
All 3 neighbors share Gaston County Schools with Lowell, so their letters differ mainly through other districts.
Every school in Lowell
40 schools. Each public school’s letter compares its own 2020–21 reading and math results with North Carolina’s other public schools (the newest school-level results we have).
Questions about Lowell’s schools
Are Lowell’s schools good?
On North Carolina’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools Lowell children attend score below 55% of North Carolina’s school districts on tests and graduation, a B− Schools grade, #178 of 290 North Carolina towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 50%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Lowell in?
Gaston County Schools, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 30,995 students in 56 schools (2024–25).
Where do Lowell kids go to high school?
One of 12 high schools, depending on your address: Ashbrook High, Hunter Huss High, Forestview High, North Gaston High, South Point High, Stuart W Cramer High, East Gaston High, Bessemer City High, Highland Sch of Technology, Cherryville High, Gaston Early College High School and Gaston Early College of Medical Sciences.
What is Lowell’s graduation rate?
85% of the class of 2023 in Gaston County Schools graduated in four years, against 86% across North Carolina.
How much does Lowell spend per student?
$11,848 in Gaston County Schools (FY2024), against $13,045 across North Carolina. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Lowell?
Yes: Gaston Christian School (nonsectarian, grades PK–12, 1,159 students).
Parents talk
What Lowell families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Lowell → They have their own page.
School data: state test results (2021–22, with participation) and four-year graduation rates (class of 2023) reported to the U.S. Department of Education (EDFacts via ED Data Express); each school’s own letter uses its 2020–21 results (EDFacts via the Urban Institute); schools and enrollment from NCES (2024–25; private schools 2023–24); spending from the Census Bureau’s school finance survey (FY2024). The School Grade is our own summary, graded within North Carolina. Stars are from neighbors.