Gaston County Schools includes more than 50 schools and has its office in Lowell, N.C. It includes more than 30 elementary schools, and more than 10 each middle and high schools, in addition to special schools. It enrolls more than 32,000 students in grades kindergarten through 12. It is governed by a nine-member board of education that sets policy and establishes guidelines for school operations. Its superintendent conducts the daily operations. It has several departments supporting its operations, including its elementary instruction, career technical education, health services, school nutrition and transportation departments. Gaston County Schools offer a wide variety of courses, including all subjects required by the state board of education, and various extracurricular activities.