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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Wilmington Public High Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 9 public high schools serving 9,443 students in Wilmington, NC.
The top-ranked public high schools in Wilmington, NC are Isaac M Bear Early College High School, John T Hoggard High School and Eugene Ashley High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Wilmington, NC public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 58% (versus the North Carolina public high school average of 58%), and reading proficiency score of 61% (versus the 58% statewide average). High schools in Wilmington have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of North Carolina public high schools.
Wilmington, NC public high school have a Graduation Rate of 88%, which is more than the North Carolina average of 86%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Emsley A Laney High School, with 92% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in North Carolina or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 40% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the North Carolina public high school average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).

Best Public High Schools in Wilmington, NC (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Isaac M Bear Early College High School
(Math: ≥90% | Reading: 85-89% )
Rank:
10/
10
Top 1%
630 Macmillan Avenue
Wilmington, NC 28403
(910) 350-1387
Gr: 9-12 | 260 students Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Rank: #22.
John T Hoggard High School
(Math: 71% | Reading: 71%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
4305 Shipyard Blvd
Wilmington, NC 28403
(910) 350-2072
Gr: 9-12 | 2,082 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 35%
Rank: #33.
Eugene Ashley High School
(Math: 71% | Reading: 68%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
555 Halyburton Memorial Parkwy
Wilmington, NC 28412
(910) 790-2360
Gr: 9-12 | 1,893 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 29%
Rank: #44.
Emsley A Laney High School
(Math: 72% | Reading: 62%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
2700 N College Rd
Wilmington, NC 28405
(910) 350-2089
Gr: 9-12 | 2,243 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 45%
Rank: #55.
New Hanover High School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 52%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
1307 Market St
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 251-6100
Gr: 9-12 | 1,437 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 64%
Rank: #66.
American Leadership Academy-coastal
Charter School
(Math: 47% | Reading: 56%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
1135 Pandion Dr
Wilmington, NC 28411
(910) 839-0012
Gr: K-11 | 1,002 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #77.
Career Readiness Academy At Mosley Plc
Alternative School
(Math: 30-39% | Reading: 60-69%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
3702 Princess Place Drive
Wilmington, NC 28405
(910) 251-6161
Gr: 9-12 | 150 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 69%
Rank: #88.
Girls Leadership Academy Of Wilmington
Charter School
(Math: 30% | Reading: 46%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
4100 Sunglow Drive
Wilmington, NC 28405
(910) 338-5258
Gr: 6-12 | 362 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 58%
Rank: #99.
J. C. Roe Center
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
2875 Worth Drive
Wilmington, NC 28412
(910) 395-4472
Gr: 6-12 | 14 students Student-teacher ratio: 1:1 Minority enrollment: 93%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public high schools in Wilmington, NC?
The top-ranked public high schools in Wilmington, NC include Isaac M Bear Early College High School, John T Hoggard High School and Eugene Ashley High School.
How many public high schools are located in Wilmington?
9 public high schools are located in Wilmington.
What is the racial composition of students in Wilmington?
Wilmington public high schools minority enrollment is 40% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the North Carolina public high schools average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public high schools in Wilmington are often viewed compared to one another?

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