Programs

Elementary Program

Preschool at GCS is offered for three and four year olds. Parents may select from a two or three mornings per week three-year old program. For four-year olds, the school has three programs: two, three, or five mornings per week.

For three-year olds, students have Bible instruction and memorization; fine arts enrichment through music and art; regular show-and-tell; mastery of colors, shapes, days of the week, and months of the year. There is an emphasis on socialization and the concept of sharing.

For four-year olds, the students will have Bible instruction and memorization; an introduction to phonics and number concepts; manuscript writing; and fine arts enrichment through music, art, and poetry. There is an emphasis on socialization and the concept of sharing. Field trips are also planned to reinforce learning.

Kindergarten at GCS is offered for both half-day and full-day. Points of academic emphasis include Bible instruction and memorization; intensive phonics instruction and development of reading skills; instruction in written expression and telling time, counting, letter and number writing; and fine arts enrichment through music, art, and poetry. Field trips help to reinforce classroom learning.

First through Fifth Grades at GCS continue to build on the strong Biblical and academic foundation of kindergarten. ABeka is the primary source for curriculum. The Bob Jones University Press Bible and English programs are introduced in grade 3. Fine arts and computer instruction are also incorporated into the weekly schedule. Recorder instruction begins in 4th grade; band instruction is offered in 5th grade. Students also attend chapel, participate in educational programs, compete in a Math Olympics (grades 3-5), and a Gaston County Spelling Bee (grades 4 and 5). GCS students are encouraged to participate in various community and international service projects.

Middle School Program

The Gaston Christian School Middle School Program works in partnership with families to meet the developmental needs of students in grades 6-8. The middle school years are years of change as students put the days of elementary school behind them and prepare for the rigors of high school. To encourage families as they navigate these years of uncertainty, middle school teachers work diligently in multi-disciplinary teams to help meet the spiritual, academic, emotional, and physical challenges of this energetic age group. An eight-period day offers various academic core subjects, including Bible, English, history, math and science. GCS students also have opportunities to explore Spanish, study skills, general music, art, computer, band and physical education. An elective program on Wednesday afternoons provides exposure for students to specific areas of interest. Some selections include drama, hand chimes, chess, Bible studies, a middle school newspaper and computer enrichment.

Weekly chapel programs bring the student body together for corporate worship, praise and Biblical teaching. Students spend a day or more each fall on campus or at an on off- site location completing programs designed to build Christian character and promote team building. Middle school students also participate in various community and international service projects throughout the year.

Student life in the middle school is enhanced through class field trips, activities sponsored by the Student Government Association, Spirit Week, Field Day, and participation in Math Olympics, Creative Writing Festival, The Gazette Spelling Bee, and the Geography Bee.

A full range of athletic opportunities are available for middle school students at GCS. Options include boys and girls basketball, boys and girls soccer, boys and girls tennis, volleyball, softball, baseball, cheerleading, co-ed cross country and co-ed swimming.

High School Program

The Gaston Christian High School Program is designed to help meet both the spiritual and academic challenges of more than 220 students in grades 9 - 12. In keeping with the school's mission statement, all courses are college preparatory. In addition, a variety of Honors and Advanced Placement (AP) classes are available to qualifying students. Electives in journalism, yearbook, computer, art, band, drama, chorus, and weight training are also offered.

Since 1997, GCS seniors have posted College Board SAT scores that are substantially higher than national, state, and county averages. Ninety-eight percent of GCS graduates attend college. A number of these students have received substantial college scholarship offers. GCS has had six National Merit Scholars and eight Commended Scholars since 1998.

A weekly chapel program offers spiritual challenges to the students. Several days each fall are reserved for a spiritual emphasis retreat at Windy Gap. In the spring the school hosts a speaker for Spiritual Emphasis Day.

GCS high school students have many opportunities to develop athletic skills through participation in teams that compete in a 2-A conference for private schools. These options include boys and girls soccer, co-ed cross country, boys and girls tennis, girls volleyball, co-ed swimming, boys and girls basketball, girls cheerleading, boys baseball, girls softball, and co-ed golf.

In addition to athletics, GCS offers students the opportunity to participate in a fine arts program that includes chorus, an honors ensemble, art, band, and drama. The GCS high school program also offers a wide range of service-oriented clubs that focus on community and international projects. Academic groups include Mock Trial and Quiz Bowl, both of which compete against private and public schools in the region.