Emsley A. Laney High School is a four-year public high school in Wilmington, North Carolina, United States. The school was named after Emsley Armfield Laney, a business and community leader for several decades in Wilmington. It is a part of New Hanover County Schools.
Serving 2,243 students in grades 9-12, Emsley A Laney High School ranks in the top 20% of all schools in North Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 20%, and reading proficiency is top 20%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 72% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 62% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student-teacher ratio of 20:1 is higher than the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 45% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 58% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 2,243 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 20:1
- Minority Enrollment: 45%
- Graduation Rate: 90% (Top 20% in NC)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20%
- Math Proficiency: 72% (Top 20%)
- Reading Proficiency: 62% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 46% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Emsley A Laney High serves the north part of Wilmington, NC, covering an attendance area of approximately 89.1 square miles. Most families live within a typical 10-15 minute drive, with an average distance of 5.5 miles from the school to the edge of the zone, extending up to 9.4 miles at its furthest point.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Emsley A Laney High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Most improved public schools
Math Proficiency
Graduation Rate
School Overview
Emsley A Laney High School's student population of 2,243 students has grown by 6% over five school years.
The teacher population of 111 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
2,243 students
Total Classroom Teachers
111 teachers
Year Founded
1976
Colors
Royal blue, Gold
School Calendar
Campus Size
26.477 acres
School Rankings
Emsley A Laney High School ranks within the top 20% of all 2,617 schools in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Emsley A Laney High School is 0.63, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.72. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#420 out of 2617 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)72%
51%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
62%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
46%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
20:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
2%
5%
Hispanic
19%
22%
Black
18%
24%
White
55%
42%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
6%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
(21-22)90%
86%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)39.6%
28.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
94%
72%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
1%
1%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Buccaneer
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Emsley A Laney High School's ranking?
Emsley A Laney High School is ranked #420 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina.
What schools are Emsley A Laney High School often compared to?
Emsley A Laney High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like John T Hoggard High School, Eugene Ashley High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
72% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 62% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
What is the graduation rate of Emsley A Laney High School?
The graduation rate of Emsley A Laney High School is 90%, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 86%.
How many students attend Emsley A Laney High School?
2,243 students attend Emsley A Laney High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
55% of Emsley A Laney High School students are White, 19% of students are Hispanic, 18% of students are Black, 6% of students are Two or more races, and 2% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Emsley A Laney High School?
Emsley A Laney High School has a student ration of 20:1, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does Emsley A Laney High School offer ?
Emsley A Laney High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Emsley A Laney High School part of?
Emsley A Laney High School is part of New Hanover County Schools.
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