Topsail High School is a High School located in the unincorporated town of Hampstead, North Carolina. It is part of Pender County Schools and its current principal is Dr. Michael Sasscer. Topsail High School is now a North Carolina School of High Growth.
Serving 1,945 students in grades 9-12, Topsail High School ranks in the top 20% of all schools in North Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 20%, and reading proficiency is top 20%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 70% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 75% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student-teacher ratio of 29:1 is higher than the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 18% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 58% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,945 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 29:1
- Minority Enrollment: 18%
- Graduation Rate: 96% (Top 5% in NC)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20%
- Math Proficiency: 70% (Top 20%)
- Reading Proficiency: 75% (Top 10%)
- Science Proficiency: 66% (Top 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Topsail High serves the southeast part of Hampstead, NC, covering an area of approximately 133 square miles. Families can expect a typical drive of 15-20 minutes to the school, with the furthest edge of the zone being about 9.6 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Topsail High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Graduation Rate
School Overview
Topsail High School's student population of 1,945 students has grown by 28% over five school years.
The teacher population of 67 teachers has declined by 6% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,945 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
67 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
1976
School Calendar
School Rankings
Topsail High School ranks within the top 20% of all 2,617 schools in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Topsail High School is 0.32, 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
#309 out of 2617 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)70%
51%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
75%
50%
Showing 2012–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
66%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
29:1
15:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
1%
5%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 33-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
8%
22%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 33-year historical data available below ↓
Black
3%
24%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
82%
42%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
6%
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
96%
86.5%
Showing 2014–2023. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)22.2%
28.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
23%
72%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
1%
1%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
School Mascot
Pirate
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Topsail High School's ranking?
Topsail High School is ranked #309 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina.
What schools are Topsail High School often compared to?
Topsail High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Pender High School, Pender Early College High School, Heide Trask High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
70% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 75% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
What is the graduation rate of Topsail High School?
The graduation rate of Topsail High School is 96%, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 86.5%.
How many students attend Topsail High School?
1,945 students attend Topsail High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
82% of Topsail High School students are White, 8% of students are Hispanic, 6% of students are Two or more races, 3% of students are Black, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Topsail High School?
Topsail High School has a student ration of 29:1, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does Topsail High School offer ?
Topsail High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Topsail High School part of?
Topsail High School is part of Pender County Schools.
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