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The first day of school for students is Wednesday, August 12. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to school and having an awesome school year.

W.A. Bess Elementary is proud to be a 2022 Blue Ribbon School and an A+ School, where the arts are part of daily instruction. Teachers use creative, hands-on activities to support all learning styles and keep students engaged and excited about learning.

Thanks to our partnership with Kintegra Health, we offer a telehealth clinic here at our school. Students, who are experiencing a minor illness or condition, can be seen by a medical provider virtually.
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The Board of Education will meet on Monday, August 17, at 5:30 p.m. at the Gaston County Schools Central Office, 943 Osceola Street, Gastonia. The public is invited to attend. If you are unable to attend the meeting, you can watch it live on YouTube, the Gaston County Schools website, or Spectrum Channel 21.
Mark your calendars for Saturday, August 1 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The Ready, Set, Grow: A Community Back-to-School Event hosted by the Gaston County Early Literacy Collaborative. Learn more here.
School starts Wednesday, August 12! We’re excited to welcome students back for a great year.
The school supply list for the 2026–2027 school year is now available.
We are pleased to welcome new students to Gaston County Schools. To begin the enrollment process, please download our student assignment application.
Why W.A. Bess Elementary?
Four reasons why we are the right school for your child.
A+ School
We're an A+ School, where the arts are part of daily instruction. Teachers use creative, hands-on activities to support all learning styles and keep students engaged and excited about learning.
Academics
The faculty and staff at W.A. Bess Elementary set high expectations for all students. By working together in a collaborative environment, students stay actively engaged and take ownership of their learning.
Bulldog Pride
Our students take pride in being Bulldogs because it means standing out, working hard and achieving success through leadership, kindness and a strong commitment to learning.

Clubs and Activities
We offer a variety of clubs that give students opportunities to explore their interests and develop new skills. Students can join Robotics, Math Masters, Battle of the Books and Student Council to challenge themselves and build leadership.
Our Calendar
Check out the upcoming events at W.A. Bess Elementary School.



