Emsley A Laney High School

2700 N College Rd
Wilmington, NC 28405
(School attendance zone shown in map)
9/
10
Top 20%
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 2,248 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 44% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 57% (majority Black).

Quick Stats (2025)

  • Grades: 9-12
  • Enrollment: 2,248 students
  • Student:Teacher Ratio: 20:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 44%
  • : 90% (Top 50% in NC)
  • : Top 20%
  • : 72% (Top 20%)
  • : 62% (Top 30%)
  • : 46% (Btm 50%)
  • 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

School Overview

Emsley A Laney High School's student population of 2,248 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 112 teachers has declined by 5% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
2,248 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
112 teachers
Year Founded
1976
Colors
Royal blue, Gold

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 0.62, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.71. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
This School
State Level (NC)
#420 out of 2617 schools
(Top 20%)
72%
51%
62%
50%
46%
63%
Student : Teacher Ratio
20:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
2%
4%
Hispanic
18%
21%
Black
18%
25%
White
56%
43%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
6%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
0.62
90%
86%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
99%
68%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
1%
1%
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education

School Notes

  • School Mascot: Buccaneer
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025

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?
2,248 students attend Emsley A Laney High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
56% of Emsley A Laney High School students are White, 18% of students are Black, 18% of students are Hispanic, 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 School District.

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Quick Stats (2025)

  • Grades: 9-12
  • Enrollment: 2,248 students
  • Student:Teacher Ratio: 20:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 44%
  • : 90% (Top 50%)
  • : Top 20%
  • : 72% (Top 20%)
  • : 62% (Top 30%)
  • : 46% (Btm 50%)
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education

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