New Hanover High School is a high school located in downtown Wilmington, North Carolina. New Hanover High is the oldest existing high school in Wilmington. The original building was designed by William J. Wilkins. Construction started in 1919, and was completed in 1922.
Serving 1,437 students in grades 9-12, New Hanover High School ranks in the top 30% of all schools in North Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 30%, and reading proficiency is top 30%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 65-69% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 52% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student-teacher ratio of 16:1 is higher than the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 64% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,437 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 64%
- Graduation Rate: 80% (Btm 50% in NC)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30%
- Math Proficiency: 65-69% (Top 30%)
- Reading Proficiency: 52% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 40% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: New Hanover High serves the western part of Wilmington, NC, covering an area of approximately 57.6 square miles. Most families live within a 10-12 minute drive, with the furthest zone edge located about 8.6 miles from the school.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
New Hanover High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Most improved public schools
School Overview
New Hanover High School's student population of 1,437 students has declined by 6% over five school years.
The teacher population of 91 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,437 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
91 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
1922
School Calendar
School Motto
Strength Through Unity
School Rankings
New Hanover High School ranks within the top 30% of all 2,617 schools in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of New Hanover High School is 0.70, 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
#744 out of 2617 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)65-69%
51%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
52%
50%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
15:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
1%
5%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 37-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
27%
22%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 33-year historical data available below ↓
Black
32%
24%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
36%
42%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
4%
6%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Graduation Rate
80%
86.5%
Showing 2014–2023. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)45%
28.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
98%
72%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (15-16)
4%
5%
Showing 2007–2016. Full 18-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
School Mascot
Wildcats
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is New Hanover High School's ranking?
New Hanover High School is ranked #744 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in North Carolina.
What schools are New Hanover High School often compared to?
New Hanover 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?
65-69% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 52% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
What is the graduation rate of New Hanover High School?
The graduation rate of New Hanover High School is 80%, which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 86.5%.
How many students attend New Hanover High School?
1,437 students attend New Hanover High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
36% of New Hanover High School students are White, 32% of students are Black, 27% of students are Hispanic, 4% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of New Hanover High School?
New Hanover High School has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does New Hanover High School offer ?
New Hanover High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is New Hanover High School part of?
New Hanover High School is part of New Hanover County Schools.
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