Best Public Schools in Zip Code 28016

The 28016 zip code area in North Carolina is home to 5 schools, including 3 elementary schools, 1 middle school, and 1 high school, all part of the Gaston County Schools district. While the district is ranked 149 out of 242 in the state and has a 2-star rating, one school in the area stands out as a clear academic performer.

Tryon Elementary consistently outperforms the other schools in the 28016 zip code, as well as the district and state averages, on standardized test scores. In the 2024-2025 school year, Tryon Elementary had significantly higher proficiency rates in Mathematics and Reading compared to the other local schools, the district, and the state. In contrast, the high school and middle school in the area, Bessemer City High and Bessemer City Middle, have struggled to maintain high performance, with low test scores and low statewide rankings.

Despite the challenges faced by the schools in the 28016 zip code, which serve a predominantly economically disadvantaged student population with very high percentages of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch, the data suggests that targeted interventions and support can lead to success, as evidenced by the strong performance of Tryon Elementary. The schools in the area also have relatively low per-student spending and student-teacher ratios, highlighting the need for additional resources to support the unique needs of their student populations.