Best 28401 North Carolina Public Elementary Schools (2026-27)

For the 2026-27 school year, there are 8 public elementary schools serving 2,874 students in 28401, NC.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in 28401, NC are Cape Fear Center For Inquiry, Classical Charter Schools Of Wilmington and The International School At Gregory. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public elementary schools in zipcode 28401 have an average math proficiency score of 34% (versus the North Carolina public elementary school average of 50%), and reading proficiency score of 36% (versus the 49% statewide average). Elementary schools in 28401, NC have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of North Carolina public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 73% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the North Carolina public elementary school average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).

Best 28401, NC Public Elementary Schools (2026-27)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Cape Fear Center For Inquiry
Charter School
(Math: 64% | Reading: 69%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
2525 Wonder Way
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 362-0000
Gr: K-8 | 395 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #22.
Classical Charter Schools Of Wilmington
Charter School
(Math: 40-49% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
507 N 6th Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 763-1976
Gr: K-5 | 140 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 Minority enrollment: 83%
Rank: #33.
The International School At Gregory
Magnet School
(Math: 41% | Reading: 46%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
1106 Ann St
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 251-6185
Gr: K-8 | 514 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 67%
Rank: #44.
Sunset Park Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
613 Alabama Ave
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 815-6948
Gr: K-5 | 450 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 91%
Rank: #55.
Williston Middle School
(Math: 25% | Reading: 30%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
401 S 10th St
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 815-6906
Gr: 6-8 | 666 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 88%
Rank: #66.
Wrightsboro Elementary School
(Math: 27% | Reading: 27%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
2716 Castle Hayne Rd
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 815-6909
Gr: PK-5 | 502 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 75%
Rank: #77.
Lake Forest Academy
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
1802 S 15th Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 772-2515
Gr: K-8 | 45 students Student-teacher ratio: 3:1 Minority enrollment: 69%
Rank: #88.
D.c. Virgo Preparatory Academy
(Math: 6-9% | Reading: 10-14%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
813 Nixon Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 251-6150
Gr: K-8 | 162 students Minority enrollment: 96%
[+] Show Closed Public Schools in 28401 North Carolina

28401, North Carolina Public Schools (Closed)

School
Location
Quick Facts
813 Nixon St
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 251-6150
Gr: 6-8 | 206 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 92%
813 Nixon St
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 251-6150
1100 Mcrae St
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 elementary schools in 28401, NC?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in 28401, NC include Cape Fear Center For Inquiry, Classical Charter Schools Of Wilmington and The International School At Gregory.
How many public elementary schools are located in 28401?
8 public elementary schools are located in 28401.
What is the racial composition of students in 28401?
28401 public elementary schools minority enrollment is 73% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the North Carolina public elementary schools average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).

Recent Articles

How to Evaluate School Safety Beyond Headlines
How to Evaluate School Safety Beyond Headlines
Learn how to evaluate school safety beyond headlines by examining reliable data, school climate, emergency planning, bullying prevention, communication, student experiences, and everyday security practices before choosing a school.
Choosing a Public School for Executive Function Needs
Choosing a Public School for Executive Function Needs
Learn how to choose a public school for a child with executive function challenges by evaluating routines, classroom support, organization, accommodations, communication, transitions, and special education services before enrollment.
What School Climate Surveys Tell You Before Enrolling
What School Climate Surveys Tell You Before Enrolling
Learn how school climate surveys reveal student safety, belonging, relationships, engagement, and support, and how families can interpret results carefully before choosing a public school for their child today.

Quick Links