Serving 266 students in grades 9-13, Wilmington Early College High School ranks in the top 1% of all schools in North Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 1%, and reading proficiency is top 1%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is ≥90% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 42%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is ≥90% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student-teacher ratio of 20:1 is higher than the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 46% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 58% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: 9-13
- Enrollment: 266 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 20:1
- Minority Enrollment: 46%
- Graduation Rate: ≥90% (Top 30% in NC)
- Math Proficiency: ≥90% (Top 1%)
- Reading Proficiency: ≥90% (Top 5%)
- Science Proficiency: ≥50% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Wilmington Early College High's attendance zone encompasses the entire school district of Castle Hayne, NC, covering approximately 328.6 square miles. Families can typically expect a drive of 15-20 minutes to the school, with the average distance to the zone's edge being 9.5 miles and the furthest edge located 37.2 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Wilmington Early College High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
School Overview
Wilmington Early College High School's student population of 266 students has grown by 15% over five school years.
The teacher population of 13 teachers has grown by 18% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-13
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
266 students
Total Classroom Teachers
13 teachers
School Calendar
School Rankings
The diversity score of Wilmington Early College High School is 0.64, 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.
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)≥90%
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
≥90%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≥50%
63%
Student-Teacher Ratio
20:1
15:1
Asian
3%
5%
Hispanic
18%
22%
Black
21%
24%
White
54%
42%
Two or more races
4%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
≥90%
86.5%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)5.3%
28.7%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
72%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (22-23)
1%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What schools are Wilmington Early College High School often compared to?
Wilmington Early College High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Sea-tech by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
≥90% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 42% NC state average), while ≥90% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
What is the graduation rate of Wilmington Early College High School?
The graduation rate of Wilmington Early College High School is 90%, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 86.5%.
How many students attend Wilmington Early College High School?
266 students attend Wilmington Early College High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
54% of Wilmington Early College High School students are White, 21% of students are Black, 18% of students are Hispanic, 4% of students are Two or more races, and 3% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Wilmington Early College High School?
Wilmington Early College High School has a student ration of 20:1, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does Wilmington Early College High School offer ?
Wilmington Early College High School offers enrollment in grades 9-13 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Wilmington Early College High School part of?
Wilmington Early College High School is part of New Hanover County Schools.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
A small school with an emphasis on academic achievement through partnership with Cape Fear Community College. Students have the opportunity to graduate high school with an associate degree.
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