For the 2026-27 school year, there are 9 public schools serving 4,311 students in 28401, NC (there are 2 private schools, serving 268 private students). 94% of all K-12 students in 28401, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
The top-ranked public schools in 28401, NC are Cape Fear Center For Inquiry, New Hanover High School and Classical Charter Schools Of Wilmington. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 28401 have an average math proficiency score of 37% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 39% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in 28401, NC have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 70% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the North Carolina public school average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best 28401, NC Public Schools (2026-27)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Cape Fear Center For Inquiry
Charter School
(Math: 64% | Reading: 69%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
2525 Wonder Way
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 362-0000
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 362-0000
Gr: K-8 | 395 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #22.
New Hanover High School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 52%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1307 Market St
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 251-6100
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 251-6100
Gr: 9-12 | 1,437 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 64%
Rank: #33.
Classical Charter Schools Of Wilmington
Charter School
(Math: 40-49% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
507 N 6th Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 763-1976
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 763-1976
Gr: K-5 | 140 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 83%
Rank: #44.
The International School At Gregory
Magnet School
(Math: 41% | Reading: 46%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1106 Ann St
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 251-6185
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 251-6185
Gr: K-8 | 514 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 67%
Rank: #55.
Sunset Park Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
613 Alabama Ave
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 815-6948
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 815-6948
Gr: K-5 | 450 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 91%
Rank: #66.
Williston Middle School
(Math: 25% | Reading: 30%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
401 S 10th St
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 815-6906
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 815-6906
Gr: 6-8 | 666 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 88%
Rank: #77.
Wrightsboro Elementary School
(Math: 27% | Reading: 27%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
2716 Castle Hayne Rd
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 815-6909
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 815-6909
Gr: PK-5 | 502 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 75%
Rank: #88.
Lake Forest Academy
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1802 S 15th Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 772-2515
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 772-2515
Gr: K-8 | 45 students Student-teacher ratio: 3:1 Minority enrollment: 69%
Rank: #99.
D.c. Virgo Preparatory Academy
(Math: 6-9% | Reading: 10-14%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
813 Nixon Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 251-6150
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 251-6150
Gr: K-8 | 162 students Minority enrollment: 96%
28401, North Carolina Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
813 Nixon St
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 251-6150
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 251-6150
Gr: 6-8 | 206 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 92%
1100 Mcrae St
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 251-6155
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 251-6155
Gr: K-5 | 130 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 86%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public schools in 28401, NC?
The top-ranked public schools in 28401, NC include Cape Fear Center For Inquiry, New Hanover High School and Classical Charter Schools Of Wilmington.
How many public schools are located in 28401?
9 public schools are located in 28401.
What percentage of students in 28401 go to public school?
94% of all K-12 students in 28401 are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in 28401?
28401 public schools minority enrollment is 70% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the North Carolina public schools average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
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