SHELBY CAMPUS
PK3 – Grade 5
Elizabeth Baptist Church
301 N. Post Rd.
Shelby, NC 28152
Located in the state’s southwest corner and foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Shelby is a city in Cleveland County, North Carolina, known for its history and culture. With more than 20,000 residents, Shelby is recognized for its small-town feel with access to big-city amenities.
Whether you’ve recently moved, are in the process of relocating, or are a longtime resident, you may have considered some options in the area, online school, or even homeschooling for your child. How do you select the right-fit school in Shelby, NC?
About Gaston Christian School – Shelby Campus
Gaston Christian School launched its satellite campus in Shelby after our Head of School, Dr. Marc Stout felt a great need to expand in the area. With the GCS main campus in Gastonia nearing capacity, many families in Shelby are looking for a high-quality, Christ-centered education for their children.
Gaston Christian School - Shelby Campus
301 N Post Rd. Shelby, NC
Our Shelby campus is conveniently located at Elizabeth Baptist Church on North Post Road. Many families travel from the following areas:
Areas We Serve
- Shelby
- Lawndale
- Cherryville
- Grover
- Fallston
- Mooresboro
- Belwood
- Waco
- Earl
- Gastonia
Community Involvement
Service and community are at the heart of a GCS education — you’ll discover many opportunities to stay connected once you’ve become a part of our family, including events such as the Cleveland County Fair and the Annual Golf Tournament.
Our school receives a lot of support from local businesses, churches, and private sponsors. We’re very grateful for how the community comes together, including our students who join their local clubs or volunteer in their churches. Many of our students are also part of the One More, One Less Project, that helps foster families in need.
Things To Do
Shelby is a vibrant city to explore with an abundance of family-friendly activities in and around the area. The famous Uptown Shelby has spectacular choices for shopping and dining, while there’s the Shelby Farmer’s Market and Pavilion for one-of-a-kind events.
Your family can explore well-known landmarks, such as:
- Crowders Mountain State Park
- Kings Mountain National Military Park
- Shelby City Park
- Hannah Park
Fun-filled opportunities abound in our community, including the seasonal Harvest Time Bible Camp. Before and after drop-offs and pick-ups, there are several places where parents can hang out, including the Cleveland Mall, local coffee shops, and shops within Uptown Shelby.
Why Families Choose GCS – Shelby Campus
As a parent, you’re looking for a private Christian school where your child will thrive academically and be nurtured to discover their unique gifts and talents. You’re searching for a place where your child will be in a community that shares the same godly values you instill at home.
At Gaston Christian School’s Shelby Campus, we understand what matters in your search. Small class sizes, differentiated instruction, and a biblical worldview will equip your child for their next step — whether they’re a rising student in preschool, kindergarten, or elementary school.
“Our girls are thriving at GCS Shelby — not only in academics but their love for the Lord, family, and friends. This campus is nurturing my kids’ love for Him and [teaching] how important it is to put Him first in their life; and not waiver to the worldly views around them. GCS is the best decision we’ve made for our children!”
-Brittany Austin, GCS Parent
“I have lived in the area for 49 years. We are new to the school but have worked for the local district for 20 years. [Our family] lives in Kings Mountain, [and we typically] commute for 15 minutes. The best route is through back roads, which is pretty smooth on most days. I love that GCS – Shelby Campus focuses on character development and that the curriculum aligns with Christian values.”
-Sharon McMahan, Administrative Assistant
See for Yourself — Visit Today
If you’re searching for the right Christian school in Shelby, North Carolina, we invite you to experience GCS – Shelby campus for yourself. Explore the enriching classrooms and learning centers, and meet teachers who will mentor and nurture your child.
SHELBY CAMPUS – TUITION RATES
Registration/Testing Fees (new students): $250 per student for Preschool; $350 per student for K-12.
This is paid when the application is submitted. A refund of 50% will be issued if the student is not offered enrollment after testing. Registration/Testing fees are not refundable or transferable if enrollment is offered.
Students Not Returning: If your student is not returning to GCS for the following school year, we need to know by January 31. After Jan. 31 there will be a $500 cancellation fee for each student.
SCHOOL
TUITION / YEAR
SUPPLY FEE
Preschool – 3 Days (M-W-F)
$5,085
$240
Preschool – 5 Days
$5,800 (Half Day)
$6,770 (Full Day)
$240
Half Day Kindergarten
$5,980
$400
Full Day Kindergarten
$8,095
$540
Elementary (Grades 1-6)
$8,095
$625
$125 – Technology Fee (4th – 6th grades)
PER-FAMILY FEES
1st & 2nd Year Enrolled
3rd Year Enrolled & Following
Facility Charge
$300
$150
Security Fee
$50
$50
DISCOUNTS
Family Discount – Full tuition is billed for the oldest child in the family. Tuition for all other children, except preschool, is discounted 10%. This discount is for tuition only and does not apply to any other fees. (K-12 only)
Minister’s Discount – Full time, ordained ministers may qualify for a tuition discount of 50% per child. Please see the “Minister’s Discount” application online for more information. (K-12 only)
Referral Stipend – A referral stipend of $250 is available to current school families who refer a new family if that family enrolls and remains enrolled for the school year. The stipend is issued as a credit applied to the referring family’s tuition. Stipends are prorated if the new family leaves before the year is completed. (K-12 only)
Military Discount – A 10% tuition discount is available for families who have at least one parent on active military duty. Please see the “Active Military Discount” application online for more information. (K-12 only)
Legacy Discount – A $1,200 discount per student is available for full-time enrolled children of GCS graduates. Students enrolled less than full time are prorated as follows: Half-day Kindergarten– $900; Full-day Preschool (Three Day)- $800; Half-day Preschool (Five Days)- $700; Half-day Preschool (Three Days)- $600. (Available only to alumni not receiving staff or minister’s discounts)
REFUNDS
Students are considered enrolled for the entire school year; therefore, budgets and staffing are set accordingly. The early withdrawal of a student creates an opening which may not be filled. Enrollments canceled or students withdrawn after January 31, 2023 will be assessed a $500 withdrawal fee. If classes for the 2023-2024 school year have started at the time of withdrawal, the student will also be billed prorated fees for the days enrolled. The official date of withdrawal is the date the withdrawal form is completed and submitted to the school office. Any payments made in excess of withdrawal fees and prorated fees will be refunded.
TUITION ASSISTANCE
Students must be enrolled for the 2023-2024 school year to be considered for tuition assistance (K-12 only). Gaston Christian uses an outside service, FACTS Grant & Aid Assessment (FGAA), to evaluate the applicant’s need for assistance. The GCS Financial Aid Committee reviews the recommendations provided by FGAA and approves grants based on the determined need and the availability of funds budgeted for tuition assistance. The majority of the budgeted assistance is assigned to applications completed by May 1; however, later applications are considered if funds are available. Applications for assistance are submitted online. FGAA charges a $45 processing fee to the applicant.
FACTS
Opportunity Scholarship Program
Income Eligibility Guidelines
PAYMENT OPTIONS
You may choose one of the following options for paying tuition and fees (supply fee, facility charge, and security fee):
- One payment due on June 1, or at the time of enrollment if after June 1.
- Two equal payments due on June 1 and December 1.
- Twelve equal payments June through May. If student enrolls after June, monthly payments are divided equally over the months remaining between the month of enrollment and May.
Please indicate your choice of billing options on your enrollment form. If you are a returning student, your payment plan will remain the same. Contact the Business Office if you need to make a change.
Monthly statements are emailed during the third week of each month and will list the charges due at the beginning of the next month. Payments may be mailed, paid in person, paid by bank draft, or paid online through RenWeb. Please see the Business Office or website for more information on payment options.
DELINQUENT accounts
Payments are due on the first day of each month. A late payment fee of $30 is added for payments received after the tenth of each month. Students may be ineligible to attend class if accounts fall more than 30 days past due. Report cards will not be released and web access will be suspended if accounts are not current.
A $25 fee is charged for checks that are returned for insufficient funds.
ADMISSIONS
FINANCIAL AID
All new families must complete the admissions process and be fully enrolled at Gaston Christian School before applying for financial aid.
- Step 1: Navigate below and click on the FACTS link to complete the online application
- Step 2: Submit your Federal Form 1040 Income Tax Return, W-2 forms, and supporting documentation for non-taxable income to FACTS. You can upload documents by logging into your online account or fax them to 866-315-9264. Draft or preview copy tax documents will not be accepted.
Please allow 2 weeks for your application and supporting tax documents to be processed before contacting FACTS.
Gaston Christian School does accept the North Carolina Opportunity Scholarship.
Deadline for Financial Aid is May 1st. Applications received after the deadline will be processed based on the availability of funds.
FINANCIAL AID Criteria
- Financial assistance is available to students currently enrolled in grades K-12 at Gaston Christian School. Preschool students are not eligible for financial aid.
- Student must be in good standing academically and behaviorally.
- Grantees must re-apply for financial aid each year.
- An award of financial aid in one year does not imply that financial aid will be awarded in succeeding years, nor does it imply that the amount of aid granted will be the same in succeeding years.
- Completion of the financial aid application is not a binding agreement that any assistance is available or will be granted.
- For GCS families, who have unexpected needs after the May 1 deadline, the financial aid application may still be submitted. Any aid will be dependent on the availability of funds in the financial aid budget.