Gaston Day School

2001 Gaston Day School Road

Gastonia, NC 28056

43 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-12
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on December 03, 2023

Enrolling my child in GDS was a decision I regret. Despite promises of a nurturing environment and quality education, our experience was disappointing. The school's administration is blatantly dishonest: my child's safety concerns were intentionally obscured or misrepresented. It's deeply concerning when a school fails to uphold its commitments and fails to provide accurate and timely information to parents and students.Attempts to address discrepancies or seek clarification were met with evasive responses or, in some cases, outright contradictions to previously provided information. This lack of integrity and transparency erodes trust and leaves parents and students feeling disregarded and uninformed.A school's administration should be a model of trustworthiness and honesty, especially when dealing with the education and well-being of students. It's disappointing that this institution falls short in this critical aspect.
Submitted by parent on October 02, 2023

Our child had some issues with a few other kids in middle school, and the administration worked with us and the other parents to resolve them. This school is not immune to kids being kids. He is now in the upper school, and is very happy and comfortable there. No school is perfect, but GDS is night/day better than the local public school district that he attended for elementary. Anybody bashing the administration, how did you handle your situation? Were you involved more than just a phone call to administration, expecting them to wave a magic wand and everything would simply disappear? Did you communicate with the other child's parents, did you speak to all the children involved?
Submitted by parent on September 14, 2023

Both of our sons started attending Gaston Day in middle school. The academic rigor, 1 on 1 attention with teachers, lifelong friendships, and preparation for college went above and beyond our expectations! As a college freshman, our oldest son told us that GDS more than prepared him for academic success at the college level. It was the best decision we ever made for both of them.
Submitted by parent on May 18, 2023

After a few years in public schools, my high IQ, dyslexic child began to hate school. There were only two schools recommended by the psychologist in the Charlotte area: Fletcher and Gaston Day. His dyslexic accommodations were never an issue at GDS. Additionally, the teachers not supported him, they rekindled his love for learning. This set him on a trajectory for excellence in academics and character. Although, the number of AP courses are not as abundant as in public schools, he will enter college as a sophomore having earned 5's on them (i.e., satisfies biology 101 and 102 general education requirements). Many of his classmates are also on the same track as well, which supports my enthusiasm for recommending GDS. Schools are not immune to imperfections, but GDS is pretty darn close. Unlike one of the reviews on here, we had a middle school issue with a problem student, but the administration handled it with care and common sense. I can truly say GDS was worth every penny! It is rigorous, managed well and exceptional in every way!
Submitted by parent on April 26, 2023

GDS is a true gem in the Charlotte area.
Submitted by parent on September 02, 2022

5 star reviews here are mostly submitted by stuff members. I am a parent of one of the former students there and i am totally disappointed and dissatisfied with the administration of this school. They are unprofessional and unfit to hold their jobs. There are lots of bulling incidents, sexual harassment and more going on in this school. Totally not recommending this school to anybody.
Submitted by parent on August 31, 2022

Gaston day school is not at all what the administration claims it to be. I came to Gaston Day hoping to avoid the horrible middle school years everyone seems to talk about, meanwhile Gaston day gave me just that. Upon first coming to the school I was denied being placed in an honors class. Gaston Day constantly speaks about how ahead of public school their curriculum is, however In my middle school class, I was learning things I had learned in 3'rd grade. While my teacher was good, and taught the subject well, I was shocked when the other people in my class had no idea what mean, median, and mode was. This is the "ahead of public school" education I got. While I was being deprived of the material I needed, I was also being constantly bullied by one of my peers. We reached out to the administration multiple times about this, and nothing was done. This started early on, and never stopped. The person was never punished, and I never felt comfortable in my school because of this. With no help from the administration or anything being done to stop this, I felt alone at school.While I eventually made a few good friends, and bonded with some teachers towards the end of the school year. What had happened could not be undone. This small amount of enjoyment at school would not make up for the daily negativity I felt. I left Gaston Day School extremely relieved that I would never have to experience this again. I would not recommend this school to anyone.
Submitted by parent on August 23, 2022

This is my children's second year at GDS. We are very happy with the school, both my children felt welcome since the very first day. They are learning and developing themselves, and the overall environment is great.
Submitted by parent on June 26, 2022

Our kids have had a wonderful experience at GDS. I feel like they are prepared for their futures.
Submitted by parent on May 14, 2022

I wish the administration of GDS school, specifically Middle school, was different. The person who is currently the head of the Middle school at GDS is our reason for leaving the school. Incinere, incapable, dishonest - this is what describes the current Middle school administration. Numerous issues are not addressed, but instead students are asked not to talk about them or "there will be consequences". One of the recent incidents was one of the boys got beat up in the boys bathroom for 'being different'. Numerous instances of girls being harassed by male students. I wish the school adhered to the code of conduct that they present with all the pomp and make students sign. Instead of raising the tuition to make up for mid-year withdrawals and declining enrollments, GDS must address the reason why families make a decision to transfer mid-year to a different school. GDS takes for granted that while there are other good private schools available, families made a decision to enroll at Gaston Day and pay over 2K each month. No, I would not recommend this school. Not only GDS is very limiting in what they are able to offer (e.g. foreign language in Middle school is via Duolingo, math program is 1 year behind the math curriculum at CMS district) , but the environment is not the one where your child will be empowered and successful.
Submitted by parent on April 22, 2022

There are a lot of fake reviews here obviously left by school’s stuff. After each detailed negative GDS leaves several 5-star ratings to boost. Very good example of dishonesty to create ‘picture perfect’ facade for a school with a lot of issues. Families are leaving mid-year, in some cases withdrawing more than one child.
Submitted by parent on April 07, 2022

Great school. My children are extremely happy there, and their development is evident.
Submitted by parent on March 10, 2022

GDS is a wonderful school. The administration and teachers are passionate, innovative, thoughtful and kind. The school does an excellent job preparing children for college with challenging academics and a wide variety of extracurricular activities. The school stresses hands on project based learning rather than repetitive worksheets and excessive homework. The school does an excellent job of teaching students important study and time management skills and guiding them to accept increasing responsibility.
Submitted by parent on October 23, 2020

Our son attended Gaston Day for 8 years, from Pre-K to middle school. The following interest survey for the (GSA) Gay Straight Alliance club is why we immediately removed him from this school. This was shared with middle schoolers as young as twelve with no parental consent and endorsed by the upper school dean who announced it in their virtual homeroom meeting. Unless a parent logged in to the school's Internet portal and looked in a specific area they would have no idea this was sent to their children within the first month of school. It was also posted under the misleading and innocuous name of "GSA Survey."At best this is a breach in trust between the school and parents and at worst this is the school getting into the business of sexuality for middle schoolers.Finally, it's worth noting Gaston Day includes fifth grade as middle school.The GSA survey:1. Please enter your school email address:2. How likely is it you'll attend a GSA Night meeting?3. What topics would you most like to learn about or discuss at a GSA Night meeting?4. Please rank these discussion group topics based on how likely you would attend these meetings: Pronouns, Stereotypes and Stigma, Coming Out, LGBTQ Representation in Media, Handling Homophobia, Intersectionality5. Please rank these educational topics based on how likely you would attend these meetings: Local Resources for Queer Youth, Transgender Day of Remembrance, The Stonewall Riots, Who was Harvey Milk?6. Would it be okay with you if the education presentations were open to parents as well (discussion groups would stay students only)?7. Are you usually available on Thursday afternoons?8. Does the 6-6:30 time slot work for you?9. Do you have any questions about GSA?10. Do you have any other comments, questions, or concerns?
Submitted by other on May 07, 2019

GDS is a school where most everyone is the same. Obviously, not everyone that attends there is rich, but most of them are. The fact that we hear that some students get a new iPhone every time a new model comes out is horrible. This is not the school's fault, but it reflects on the students' behavior and then eventually the academic setting of the school. If you are looking for a school that your child will most likely be bullied at for being different in any way, then send your child to Gaston Day. Many parents recommend the school St. Michael Catholic School in Gastonia, NC that is relatively close to GDS. A quote from the SMCS page: "SMCS is an amazing school that lacks nothing! Academics, athletics, and security are at the highest point. Their academics are above-level and will surely challenge your child! In 8th Grade Math, they learn the typical 10-12 grade public school curriculum. If you would like a cheaper option (in comparison with other private schools), SMCS is the place to look! The students are challenged and by your child’s graduation, they will be two years above NC grade level (depending on what classes they placed in, they may be at an even higher academic grade level!) Their clubs, activities, and sports are very inclusive and allow your child to integrate social skills into their regular school life. They have cameras throughout the school and in the summer prior to the 2019-2020 school year, they are completing renovations to even FURTHER enhance this security. Every aspect of education that you are looking for for your child is held in a single capsule: St. Michael Catholic School. Home? SMCS." Besides, this fact, unless your child is a perfect poster child then, trust me, they will be bullied at some point in time. Sending them there could possibly be throwing them to the wolves. The academics at GDS are not horrible, but they are not the best either.
Submitted by parent on October 23, 2017

Amazing school! I cannot imagine a more perfect fit for our child. We were blessed to have found this school. The campus is lovely and learning extends beyond the classroom. My child is being challenged academically to think critically and across the curriculum. The focus on writing and speaking is also excellent and will serve our child well as he prepares for college.
Submitted by parent on October 12, 2017

Gaston Day is a hidden gem among the greater Charlotte area private schools. The small class sizes, caring faculty and staff, top notch facilities, and absolutely amazing students and families has made our decision to attend Gaston Day one of the very best we have ever made. Go Spartans!
Submitted by parent on September 17, 2017

We could not have found a better school! We love it!
Submitted by teacher on December 02, 2016

I agree with several of the reviewers who have commented that the disciplinary policies at this school are carried out very inconsistently. Despite the fact that there is a lot of pomp and circumstance regarding students signing an honor code at the beginning of the school year, cheating and dishonesty are commonplace at GDS. There are absolutely no consequences for students whose parents are big donors to the school.
Submitted by student on July 19, 2016

I will admit that the academics at this school are very good, but my experience there was what lead to me leaving after only one year. I attended GDS for 7th grade on a scholarship/financial assistance basis and this was enough for my classmates to decide that I wasn't like them. I found the other kids there to be very elitist and spoiled. Another girl and I were horribly bullied because our families did not attend the country club or make a lot of money like the other parents. I had a boy in gym class harass me and when I stood up for myself, the teacher told me to apologize for being rude. The boy's mother worked at the school. My parents were also made to feel unwelcomed at functions by the teachers and other parents. At the end of the year, the principal sat down with me and my mother and said that maybe GDS was not a good fit for me. We could not have agreed more and I still consider that year my worst experience at school I've had. GDS may be nice for some kids and their families, but it is certainly not for anyone. The good education does not make up for feeling like a cast out among all of your classmates.