Most parents say that W. A. Bess Elementary is the kind of school where students feel protected, known, and supported. It is in a quiet part of Gastonia. The teachers here are known for being friendly and stable. They know when a pupil needs a little push or simply a kind remark. There are posters of art and science made by students hanging in the hallways to emphasize that learning isn't just about reading. W. A. Bess's maths scores are around the same as the state average in North Carolina. The school has slowly gotten better by adding more practice sessions and peer-mentoring groups.

The number of students to teachers stays at a comfortable level, which makes courses feel more personal. W. A. Bess typically gets acclaim for its quiet classrooms and strong leadership, especially when compared to nearby Brookside and Robinson Elementary. Families that rent in this region can usually find three-bedroom homes for between $1,650 and $1,750 a month. This is a fair price given how close it is to jobs in Charlotte. A lot of pupils go on to Ashbrook or Hunter Huss High School, where college athletes and small-business executives from Gastonia itself have graduated.