For the 2025-26 school year, there are 9 public high schools serving 9,395 students in Wilmington, NC.
The top ranked public high schools in Wilmington, NC are Isaac M Bear Early College High School, John T Hoggard High School and Eugene Ashley High School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Wilmington, NC public high schools have an average math proficiency score of 58% (versus the North Carolina public high school average of 58%), and reading proficiency score of 61% (versus the 58% statewide average). High schools in Wilmington have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of North Carolina public high schools.
Wilmington, NC public high school have a Graduation Rate of 88%, which is more than the North Carolina average of 86%.
The school with highest graduation rate is Emsley A Laney High School, with 92% graduation rate. Read more about public school graduation rate statistics in North Carolina or national school graduation rate statistics.
Minority enrollment is 39% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the North Carolina public high school average of 55% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public High Schools in Wilmington, NC (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Isaac M Bear Early College High School
(Math: ≥90% | Reading: 85-89% )
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
630 Macmillan Avenue
Wilmington, NC 28403
(910) 350-1387
Wilmington, NC 28403
(910) 350-1387
Gr: 9-12 | 251 students Student-teacher ratio: 25:1 Minority enrollment: 39%
Rank: #22.
John T Hoggard High School
(Math: 71% | Reading: 71%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
4305 Shipyard Blvd
Wilmington, NC 28403
(910) 350-2072
Wilmington, NC 28403
(910) 350-2072
Gr: 9-12 | 2,178 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 33%
Rank: #33.
Eugene Ashley High School
(Math: 71% | Reading: 68%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
555 Halyburton Memorial Parkwy
Wilmington, NC 28412
(910) 790-2360
Wilmington, NC 28412
(910) 790-2360
Gr: 9-12 | 1,899 student Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 28%
Rank: #44.
Emsley A Laney High School
(Math: 72% | Reading: 62%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
2700 N College Rd
Wilmington, NC 28405
(910) 350-2089
Wilmington, NC 28405
(910) 350-2089
Gr: 9-12 | 2,248 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 44%
Rank: #55.
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 | 1,515 student Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 60%
Rank: #66.
American Leadership Academy-coastal
Charter School
(Math: 47% | Reading: 56%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1135 Pandion Dr
Wilmington, NC 28411
(910) 839-0012
Wilmington, NC 28411
(910) 839-0012
Gr: K-10 | 862 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: #77.
Career Readiness Academy At Mosley Plc
Alternative School
(Math: 30-39% | Reading: 60-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
3702 Princess Place Drive
Wilmington, NC 28405
(910) 251-6161
Wilmington, NC 28405
(910) 251-6161
Gr: 6-12 | 86 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 70%
Rank: #88.
Girls Leadership Academy Of Wilmington
Charter School
(Math: 30% | Reading: 46%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
4100 Sunglow Drive
Wilmington, NC 28405
(910) 338-5258
Wilmington, NC 28405
(910) 338-5258
Gr: 6-12 | 344 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 60%
Rank: #99.
J. C. Roe Center
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
2875 Worth Drive
Wilmington, NC 28412
(910) 395-4472
Wilmington, NC 28412
(910) 395-4472
Gr: 6-12 | 12 students Student-teacher ratio: 1:1 Minority enrollment: 92%
Wilmington, 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 high schools in Wilmington, NC?
The top ranked public high schools in Wilmington, NC include Isaac M Bear Early College High School, John T Hoggard High School and Eugene Ashley High School.
How many public high schools are located in Wilmington?
9 public high schools are located in Wilmington.
What is the racial composition of students in Wilmington?
Wilmington public high schools minority enrollment is 39% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the North Carolina public high schools average of 55% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public high schools in Wilmington are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public high schools in Wilmington include: New Hanover High School vs. John T Hoggard High School, Eugene Ashley High School vs. John T Hoggard High School, Isaac M Bear Early College High School vs. John T Hoggard High School
Recent Articles
School Choice vs. Neighborhood Schools: Key Factors
Explore school choice vs. neighborhood schools in 2025. Learn key factors parents should weigh when deciding the best fit for their child.
Best School Match 2025: Public vs Charter vs Magnet
Compare 2025 public, charter, and magnet school options with updated data, trends, and strategies to find the best fit.
Public School Boundaries and Equity in 2025
Explore how public school boundaries shape access, equity, and opportunity for students in 2025. Learn the impact on families and education policy.