For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public middle schools serving 2,954 students in Pender County, NC.
The top-ranked public middle schools in Pender County, NC are Topsail Middle School, Surf City Middle School and Penderlea Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Pender County, NC public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 51% (versus the North Carolina public middle school average of 48%), and reading proficiency score of 50% (versus the 50% statewide average). Middle schools in Pender County have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of North Carolina public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 34% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public middle school average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Middle Schools in Pender County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Topsail Middle School
(Math: 69% | Reading: 64%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
17445 Us Hwy 17
Hampstead, NC 28443
(910) 270-2612
Hampstead, NC 28443
(910) 270-2612
Gr: 5-8 | 837 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: #22.
Surf City Middle School
(Math: 64% | Reading: 62%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
12345-b Literacy Lane
Hampstead, NC 28443
(910) 928-0087
Hampstead, NC 28443
(910) 928-0087
Gr: 6-8 | 752 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: #33.
Penderlea Elementary School
(Math: 43% | Reading: 41%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
11 Garden Road
Willard, NC 28478
(910) 285-2761
Willard, NC 28478
(910) 285-2761
Gr: K-8 | 468 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
Rank: #44.
Cape Fear Middle School
(Math: 33% | Reading: 34%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1886 Nc Hwy 133
Rocky Point, NC 28457
(910) 602-3334
Rocky Point, NC 28457
(910) 602-3334
Gr: 6-8 | 430 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 54%
Rank: #55.
Burgaw Middle School
(Math: 21% | Reading: 30%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
500 South Wright Street
Burgaw, NC 28425
(910) 259-0149
Burgaw, NC 28425
(910) 259-0149
Gr: 6-8 | 236 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 58%
Rank: #66.
West Pender Middle School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
10750 Nc Hwy 53 West
Burgaw, NC 28425
(910) 283-5626
Burgaw, NC 28425
(910) 283-5626
Gr: 6-8 | 209 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 66%
Pender County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Pender Innovative Learning Academy (Closed 2025)
Alternative School
1886 Nc Hwy 133
Rocky Point, NC 28457
(910) 789-6073
Rocky Point, NC 28457
(910) 789-6073
Gr: K-12 | 38 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 34%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public middle schools in Pender County, NC?
The top-ranked public middle schools in Pender County, NC include Topsail Middle School, Surf City Middle School and Penderlea Elementary School.
How many public middle schools are located in Pender County?
6 public middle schools are located in Pender County.
What is the racial composition of students in Pender County?
Pender County public middle schools minority enrollment is 34% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public middle schools average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public middle schools in Pender County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public middle schools in Pender County include: Surf City Middle School vs. Topsail Middle School, Cape Fear Middle School vs. Burgaw Middle School, Burgaw Middle School vs. Cape Fear Middle School
Recent Articles
What Rising E-Bike and Traffic Concerns Mean for School Commutes
Discover how rising e-bike use and increasing traffic are changing school commutes, and what parents should evaluate before choosing a public school.
School Safety Beyond Lockdowns: What Parents Should Review
Learn how to evaluate a public school's safety beyond lockdown drills, including school climate, emergency planning, mental health support, and communication.
How to Judge Special Education Capacity Before You Enroll
Learn how to evaluate a public school's special education capacity before enrolling your child, from staffing and IEP implementation to inclusion and support services.