Gaston College is a community college located in Dallas, North Carolina. Serving Gaston County and Lincoln County, Gaston College enrolls over 5,000 students each term in curriculum programs and about 16,000 students in continuing education programs. As part of the statewide North Carolina Community College System, Gaston College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award Associate Degrees. Gaston College was granted a charter by the State of North Carolina in 1963 and began its first classes in temporary headquarters in September 1964. The college moved to its permanent campus on Highway 321 between Dallas and Gastonia two months later. Gaston College has three campuses and one regional training center: Twelve buildings comprise the Dallas Campus and contain approximately 450,868 square feet (41,887.0 m). There is an efficient road system and parking for more than 2,000 cars. College facilities are available for public use. Gaston College is a commuter institution and does not have dormitories or housing for rent. There is also a 5 star Child Development Center located on the Dallas campus.