Finding the right schools for your children – especially in a new community – can be a big challenge. McLean is fortunate to have good public schools nearby and many choices for charter and private schools in Gaston and Mecklenburg counties.

Public schools

Please note that school assignments can change as school boards update policies and add new facilities. Belmont is served by Gaston County Schools. We encourage those interested in schools to do their own research and to visit the many attractive options, their websites, and the online tools available for research. Our children currently are assigned to attend New Hope Elementary, Cramerton Middle and South Point High – all well ranked on statewide and nationwide school sites.

Here is a quick look at each, plus links to learn more.

New Hope Elementary School

137 Stowe Road, Gastonia. 7-minute drive from McLean. About 530 students in grades K-5.

New Hope Elementary gets high scores on Zillow and Niche and a perfect 10 out of 10 on Carolina School Hub.

“Our children have been challenged and encouraged by their teachers and as parents we have been delighted that the teachers have known our children on a personal level,” one parent wrote on Zillow.com.

Recent extracurricular activities include a robotics club and both computer and traditional arts programs.

Cramerton Middle School

601 Cramer Mountain Road, Cramerton. 8-minute drive from McLean. About 830 students in grades 6-8.

Cramerton Middle students outscored their peers statewide by 15-20% on recent standardized math and reading tests.

The school also has active and successful sports and music programs. The baseball and girls’ soccer teams went to county playoffs this spring, while the 7^th grade band and chorus received Superior ratings at the Carowinds Festival of Music.

South Point High School

906 South Point Road, Belmont. 7-minute drive from McLean. About 1,050 students in grades 9-12

Students and parents have many positive things to say about South Point High’s faculty, extracurricular activities and school spirit. “I have a great relationship with a lot my teachers. They have not only taught the course but also life lessons,” one student commented in a recent review on Niche.

“Our experience here with the school and the community here has been awesome,” wrote a parent who recently moved to Gaston County from out of state.

High-school football fans will love the South Point Red Raiders, a legendary program loved by the Belmont community and reminiscent of “Friday Night Lights”. The Red Raiders overwhelmed their first three playoff opponents by a total of 146-6 before edging Rocky Mount 16-7 to take the title.

Public charter schools

North Carolina has a rapidly growing network of public charter schools. Here are two near McLean that have high academic rankings.

Piedmont Community Charter School

2970 South New Hope Road, Gastonia. 11-minute drive from McLean. About 1,200 students in grades K-12.

Mountain Island Charter School

13440 Lucia-Riverbend Hwy., Mount Holly. 28-minute drive from McLean. About 1,150 students in grades K-12.

Independent & Faith based Schools

The Charlotte region has dozens of private schools. These three are within 15 minutes of McLean.

Gaston Day School

2001 Gaston Day School Road, Gastonia. Independent school with about 500 students in grades K-12.

Gaston Christian School

1625 Lowell Bethesda Road, Gastonia. About 875 students in grades K-12

Charlotte catholic high school

7702 Pineville Matthews Rd., Charlotte, NC 28226 – Grades 9-12.

Cramerton Christian Academy

426 Woodlawn Ave., Cramerton. About 340 students in grades K-12.

Additional magnet, independent and faith-based schools

Gaston Magnet Schools

Gaston County Schools is pleased to offer six magnet school programs. The programs are designed to create well-rounded students, who engage in innovative learning that helps them discover their potential. The programs are tailored to challenge students, provide them with what they need to succeed academically, and prepare them for a bright and promising future.
In the spring, each school uses an application and lottery process to determine the students who will attend. Contact the school for application submission and lottery dates.

Gifted and Talented Academy at Pleasant Ridge Elementary

Grades k-5
1260 Floyd Lane, Gastonia, NC 28052
23 minutes / 14 miles
The Gifted and Talented Academy is designed for students who demonstrate academic excellence and have the ability to excel in a dynamic school environment. Students participate in in-depth study of science, math, reading, and other subjects; engage in problem-solving and critical thinking; use modern technology as a learning tool; develop leadership skills; and flourish in their capacity to think creatively and at a higher level.
Website: https://www.gaston.k12.nc.us/pleasantridgegiftedandtalentedacademy

Hawks Nest STEAM Academy

Grades K-5.
3430 Robinwood Road, Gastonia, NC 28054
17 minutes / 10.7 miles
Students are immersed in learning that balances science and technology with mathematics and engineering and infuses artistic concepts. The school offers incredible opportunities for children to focus on learning through specialized curriculum; concentrate on inquiry, research, and investigation; and spark creativity and exploration.
Website: https://www.gaston.k12.nc.us/hawksneststeamacademy

STEAM Academy at Stanley Middle

Grades 6-8
317 Hovis Road, Stanley, NC 28164
31 minutes / 17.9 miles
We are accepting students who will be in the sixth or seventh grade next school year (2018-2019). This STEAM Academy is our newest school choice program, and it focuses on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics.
Website: https://www.gaston.k12.nc.us/stanley

Gaston Early College High School

Grades 9-13
201 Hwy 321 South, Dallas, NC 28034
27 minutes / 16 miles
The Early College is an innovative partnership with Gaston College that offers students an opportunity to receive a high school diploma, complete college courses, and earn an associate in arts, associate in science or an associate in engineering degree. The Early College boasts rigorous academics, state-of-the-art technology, small classes that foster group discussion and interaction, enriching activities, and much more. Simply put, the Early College is a unique college experience for students while they are in high school.
Website: https://www.gaston.k12.nc.us/gastonearlycollege

Highland School of Technology

Grades 9-12. 550 students. 14:1 ratio.
1600 N. Morris St., Gastonia, NC 28052
23 minutes, 15 miles
Gaston County’s first magnet school and a 2017 National Blue Ribbon School, Highland is a world-class school that prepares students for a world-class future. Students complete courses in one of three academies: Health Sciences; Business, Legal, and Information Sciences; and Manufacturing/Engineering Technology and Graphics. Students are challenged to think critically so they are ready for success beyond graduation in college, high-demand careers, and life.
Website: https://www.gaston.k12.nc.us/highland

Public charter schools in Mecklenburg

Metrolina Regional Academy

5225 77 Center Dr., Charlotte, NC 28217. 30-minute drive. Recently ranked No. 1 among Charlotte area public schools in Charlotte Business Journal.
https://www.scholarsacademy.org/

Mecklenburg charter schools opening in 2019

Parents seeking options for K-8 students will have four more charter schools to choose from, two of them located in southwest Charlotte’s rapidly growing Steele Creek area.

Steele Creek Preparatory Academy

Opening with about 600 K-6 students, will be run by the Charter Schools USA chain, with Mecklenburg County Commissioner Matthew Ridenhour as its board chair. The school plans to expand to 765 K-8 students.

Steele Creek STEM Academy

Has agreed to change its name to avoid confusion, plans to start with about 550 K-8 students, growing to about 800 in coming years.

Additional independent and faith-based schools

Charlotte Country Day

1440 Carmel Road
Charlotte, NC 28226
43 minutes, 26.2 miles

Charlotte Latin School

9502 Providence Rd
Charlotte, NC 28277
41 minutes, 28.2 miles

Providence Day School

5800 Sardis Road
Charlotte, NC 28270
42 minutes 27.6 miles

Charlotte Christian School

7301 Sardis Rd
Charlotte, NC 28270
46 minutes, 29 miles

Carmel Christian School

1145 Pineville-Matthews Road
Matthews, NC 28105
45 minutes, 29.6 miles

Trinity Episcopal School

750 E 9th St, Charlotte, NC 28202
29 minutes, 21.3 miles

Palisades Episcopal School

13120 Grand Palisades Pkwy, Charlotte, NC 28278
21 minutes, 10.8 miles

Charlotte Jewish Day School

5007 Providence Road, Building E
Charlotte, NC 28226
46 minutes, 25.6 miles

Intellicor International Academy (Independent Islamic School)

4301 Shamrock Drive
Charlotte, NC 28215
44 minutes / 26.2 miles

Charlotte Islamic School

1700 Progress Ln
Charlotte, NC 28205
42 minutes, 24.3 miles