Jamie Killian
School Days: Mount Holly's public school guide (with nearby treats and trails)
As a continuation of our school series which began highlighting private and charter schools, we continue now to our public school guide. We started in Belmont and this week, we head to Mount Holly.

Despite Mount Holly's growth, it maintains a welcoming hometown feel, providing parks, businesses, farmers markets and more to area families. Because of this draw, real estate is booming and there are more eyes on the area than ever before. If you’re house hunting or just wondering about your neighborhood school options, Gaston County Schools utilizes edulog’s query system to link residents to their zone's schools. This makes the process of determining where students will go relatively seamless.
Here is an aerial view of all that Mount Holly has to offer.
Elementary Schools

Ida Rankin Elementary School
Near the heart of downtown Mount Holly, Ida Rankin is located a few blocks thriving local businesses, making it a prime candidate for community support and connection. With coffee, ice cream, parks and bakeries nearby, Ida Rankin Elementary School is in the perfect spot of an after-school walk or an end-of-the-week treat.

Address: 301 W. Central Ave., Mount Holly
Bell Schedule: 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Grades: Pre-K- 5th
Student population: 625
Student/teacher ratio: 11:1
Pinewood Elementary School
Just off 273, Pinewood is just by Mountain Island Lake Park Access, with proximity to the Carolina Thread Trail.

Address: 1925 N. Main St., Mount Holly
Bell Schedule: 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Grades: Pre-K- 5th
Student population: 525
Student/teacher ratio: 15:1
Middle School

Mount Holly Middle School
Located just behind Ida Rankin Elementary School, Mount Holly Middle School is the sole middle school for the town, making it a place where students come together collaboratively to continue learning. The proximity to downtown opens up opportunities for volunteering at nearby Ida Rankin or visiting River Street Park after school.

Address: 124 S. Hawthorne St., Mount Holly
Bell Schedule: 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Grades: 6-8
Student population: 660
Student/teacher ratio: 14:1
High School

East Gaston High School
East Gaston is located along the scenic routes of Mount Holly and Green Meadows Golf Course and has long since been a staple in the Mount Holly and Stanley communities. This community support has led to a revitalization of athletic programs in recent years as well as a rallying of support for their CTE programs.

Address: 1744 Lane Rd., Mount Holly
Bell Schedule: 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Grades:9-12
Student population: 875
Student/teacher ratio: 13:1