Isaac Bear Early College High School, also called Isaac Bear, is a selective-enrollment school at 630 MacMillan Avenue, Wilmington, North Carolina. The premises are situated on UNCW campus and were founded in the auditorium of Annie H. Snipes Elementary school in the year 2006.
Serving 260 students in grades 9-12, Isaac M Bear Early College High School ranks in the top 1% of all schools in North Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 1%, and reading proficiency is top 1%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 90-94% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 42%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is ≥90% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student-teacher ratio of 24:1 is higher than the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 38% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 260 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 24:1
- Minority Enrollment: 38%
- Graduation Rate: ≥90% (Top 30% in NC)
- Math Proficiency: 90-94% (Top 1%)
- Reading Proficiency: ≥90% (Top 5%)
- Science Proficiency: ≥95% (Top 1%)
- Attendance Zone: Isaac M Bear Early College High School's attendance zone covers the entire district of Wilmington, NC, encompassing approximately 328.6 square miles. The typical drive to the school ranges from 20 to 30 minutes, with an average distance of 10.6 miles to the zone's edge and a furthest edge reaching up to 30.4 miles.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Isaac M Bear Early College High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
School Overview
Isaac M Bear Early College High School's student population of 260 students has grown by 10% over five school years.
The teacher population of 11 teachers has grown by 10% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
260 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
11 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
2006
School Calendar
School Rankings
The diversity score of Isaac M Bear Early College High School is 0.58, 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.
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)90-94%
42%
Showing 2011–2021. Full 12-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
≥90%
50%
Showing 2011–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)≥95%
61%
Student-Teacher Ratio
24:1
15:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
9%
5%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
18%
22%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
Black
4%
24%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
White
62%
42%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
6%
6%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
Graduation Rate
≥90%
86.5%
Showing 2014–2023. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)3.5%
28.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
24%
72%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
2%
1%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
Navy Blue, Teal
School Mascot
Bearhawk
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What schools are Isaac M Bear Early College High School often compared to?
Isaac M Bear Early College High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like John T Hoggard High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
90-94% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 42% NC state average), while ≥90% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
What is the graduation rate of Isaac M Bear Early College High School?
The graduation rate of Isaac M Bear Early College High School is 90%, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 86.5%.
How many students attend Isaac M Bear Early College High School?
260 students attend Isaac M Bear Early College High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
62% of Isaac M Bear Early College High School students are White, 18% of students are Hispanic, 9% of students are Asian, 6% of students are Two or more races, 4% of students are Black, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Isaac M Bear Early College High School?
Isaac M Bear Early College High School has a student ration of 24:1, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does Isaac M Bear Early College High School offer ?
Isaac M Bear Early College High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Isaac M Bear Early College High School part of?
Isaac M Bear Early College High School is part of New Hanover County Schools.
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