Northampton County High School - West

Northampton County High School - West is a public high school located in Gaston, North Carolina.

The school's mission is, "The administration, faculty, and staff of Northampton County High School – West, are committed to educating all students and maintaining a safe and orderly environment. We believe that academic preparation is the foundation for succeeding in whatever profession or vocation one may choose in today’s world. We are committed to educating the whole person in a manner that promotes good moral values, health, and citizenship." The school website is http://www.northampton.k12.nc.us/west/

*Willie J. Bell - Principal;
*Albert Bennett - Assistant Principal

The school's origins date back to Gumberry High School, which was constructed in the mid 1970s and was located in Garysburg, North Carolina. In the late 1980s, the district decided to consolidate and open a new high school which was closer to the portion of Northampton county that borders Lake Gaston. It was not until 1991 that the Northampton County School Board opened the doors to newly constructed Northampton County High School West. Northampton County High School West is located in Gaston, North Carolina. Their colors are navy blue, grey and white, and they are known as the Mighty Hurricanes. The school is referred to as "West" by many students and community members. The school's population is predominately African American 85%, with 11% being Caucasian, 1% being Latino or Hispanic, and 3% being mixed or multicultural.

NCHS-West enrolls about 440 students per year and consists of two schools within its campus - Northampton County High School West (grades 9-12) and a freshman academy, NCHS-West STEM, the science, technology, engineering and math school for 9th graders. The STEM school is located within the West complex and houses about 70 of the 440 students. NCHS-West graduates about 89% of its seniors each year.

NCHS-West offers a various number of athletic programs. The school is a member of the Tar-Roanoke Athletic Conference (TRAC), and is classified by the North Carolina High School Athletic Assoiciation as a "A" or 1-A school. Bettie Ballard serves as an NCHSAA board member and NCHS-West Athletic Director. The programs offered include volleyball, basketball, American football, baseball, cheerleading, and marching and pep band. NCHS-West athletics are known primarily for its basketball and football programs. Hurricane athletics has had impressive seasons the last two years in basketball and football. The football team pulled off a 13-1 record in 2006 before losing to Manteo High School in the Eastern Finals, and a 14-2 record that landed them in the 2005 State Championship game against Elkin High School. The club has also made playoff appearances for the last 13 seasons.

Many students enter NCHS-West from Gaston Middle School, or transfer from local area schools. Students at NCHS-West primarily live in the commnities of Gaston, Garysburg, Pleasant Hill and Henrico, North Carolina. Other students live in Roanoke Rapids and Weldon, North Carolina.