Relocating to a new city is an exciting journey, but it comes with its own challenges, especially when finding the right schools for your children. If Wilmington, N.C., is your destination, you’re in luck. Known for its picturesque beaches and vibrant community, Wilmington also boasts a variety of top–notch educational institutions that cater to different learning styles and needs.
Whether you're relocating to the area or evaluating educational options for your family, Wilmington offers a well–established and dynamic school landscape that supports student success at every level. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the best schools in Wilmington, including public, private, and charter options, to help you make an informed decision for your family.
New Hanover County Schools
Wilmington is part of the New Hanover County School District, which is known for its dedication to academic excellence and community involvement. Here are some standout public schools in the area:
Masonboro Elementary School (grades K-5)
Niche rating: A
Masonboro Elementary School is a highly rated public institution in Wilmington, NC. Serving grades K–5, it boasts a student population of 575 and a student-teacher ratio of 16:1. The school is located in suburban Wilmington, just south of Masons Ridge and north of Tyndall.
The school emphasizes building foundational skills in literacy and mathematics while also fostering creativity through programs in art, music, and technology. According to state test scores, the overwhelming majority of students are at least proficient in math and reading. The school has received an overall Niche grade of A and ranks among the top hundred best public elementary schools in North Carolina.
Masonboro Elementary School is a highly rated public institution in Wilmington, NC. Serving grades K–5, it boasts a student population of 575 and a student-teacher ratio of 16:1. The school is located in suburban Wilmington, just south of Masons Ridge and north of Tyndall.
The school emphasizes building foundational skills in literacy and mathematics while also fostering creativity through programs in art, music, and technology. According to state test scores, the overwhelming majority of students are at least proficient in math and reading. The school has received an overall Niche grade of A and ranks among the top hundred best public elementary schools in North Carolina.
Eaton Elementary School (grades K–5)
Niche rating: A
Eaton Elementary School, situated in Wilmington, NC, serves students in grades K–5. With 440 students and a student–teacher ratio of 14:1, the school reports that most of its students are at least proficient in math and reading. Eaton Elementary is centrally located in Wilmington near Military Cutoff Road. and Market Street.
In addition to strong academics, Eaton offers enrichment in STEM, visual and performing arts, and physical education. The school embraces a holistic learning model, encouraging social and emotional development alongside academic excellence. It holds an overall Niche grade of A and is ranked #119 among North Carolina’s best public elementary schools.
Eaton Elementary School, situated in Wilmington, NC, serves students in grades K–5. With 440 students and a student–teacher ratio of 14:1, the school reports that most of its students are at least proficient in math and reading. Eaton Elementary is centrally located in Wilmington near Military Cutoff Road. and Market Street.
In addition to strong academics, Eaton offers enrichment in STEM, visual and performing arts, and physical education. The school embraces a holistic learning model, encouraging social and emotional development alongside academic excellence. It holds an overall Niche grade of A and is ranked #119 among North Carolina’s best public elementary schools.
Roland–Grise Middle School (grades 6–8)
Niche rating: A-
Roland–Grise Middle School is yet another highly rated public school located in Wilmington, NC, serving grades 6–8. It has an enrollment of 860 students and a student–teacher ratio of 17:1. The school has earned an overall Niche grade of A- and ranks #152 among the state’s best public middle schools.
Roland–Grise offers a variety of academic tracks, including advanced coursework and exploratory programs in world languages, music, and computer technology. The school’s music and band programs are particularly well–regarded, and many students continue into competitive arts programs at the high school level. It’s conveniently located across the road from Long Leaf Park, just up the road from John T. Hoggard High School.
Roland–Grise Middle School is yet another highly rated public school located in Wilmington, NC, serving grades 6–8. It has an enrollment of 860 students and a student–teacher ratio of 17:1. The school has earned an overall Niche grade of A- and ranks #152 among the state’s best public middle schools.
Roland–Grise offers a variety of academic tracks, including advanced coursework and exploratory programs in world languages, music, and computer technology. The school’s music and band programs are particularly well–regarded, and many students continue into competitive arts programs at the high school level. It’s conveniently located across the road from Long Leaf Park, just up the road from John T. Hoggard High School.
John T. Hoggard High School (grades 9–12)
Niche rating: A-
Situated just off Shipyard Blvd., the campus of John T. Hoggard High School includes academic buildings, athletic fields, and plenty of space for extracurricular activities. The school serves over 2,220 students in grades 9–12. The student-teacher ratio is favorable at 20:1.
Hoggard offers numerous Advanced Placement (AP) courses, honors classes, and dual-enrollment opportunities in partnership with local colleges. The school is considered a great option among public high schools in New Hanover County. Many students go on to attend post-secondary school at institutions like the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, Appalachian State University, and East Carolina University.
Situated just off Shipyard Blvd., the campus of John T. Hoggard High School includes academic buildings, athletic fields, and plenty of space for extracurricular activities. The school serves over 2,220 students in grades 9–12. The student-teacher ratio is favorable at 20:1.
Hoggard offers numerous Advanced Placement (AP) courses, honors classes, and dual-enrollment opportunities in partnership with local colleges. The school is considered a great option among public high schools in New Hanover County. Many students go on to attend post-secondary school at institutions like the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, Appalachian State University, and East Carolina University.
Isaac Bear Early College High School (grades 9–12)
Niche rating: A+
Isaac Bear Early College High School is a unique public high school in Wilmington affiliated with the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW). This academically focused school enrolls around 226 students in grades 9 through 12 and operates on a selective admissions process. With a student-teacher ratio of 21:1, the school maintains a rigorous curriculum geared toward high-achieving students. Impressively, 92% of students are proficient in math, and 90% are proficient in reading.
The school holds an A+ rating on Niche.com and consistently ranks among the best public high schools in North Carolina. Students begin taking college–level courses at UNCW as early as their junior year and graduate with significant college credit, often completing their associate degree by the time they finish high school.
Isaac Bear Early College High School is a unique public high school in Wilmington affiliated with the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW). This academically focused school enrolls around 226 students in grades 9 through 12 and operates on a selective admissions process. With a student-teacher ratio of 21:1, the school maintains a rigorous curriculum geared toward high-achieving students. Impressively, 92% of students are proficient in math, and 90% are proficient in reading.
The school holds an A+ rating on Niche.com and consistently ranks among the best public high schools in North Carolina. Students begin taking college–level courses at UNCW as early as their junior year and graduate with significant college credit, often completing their associate degree by the time they finish high school.
Private Schools
Wilmington’s private schools offer personalized education, small class sizes, and unique curricula. These schools are ideal for families seeking specialized programs or faith–based education.
Cape Fear Academy (grades pre-K–12)
Cape Fear Academy is Wilmington’s most academically rigorous and well-regarded private school, serving students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The school has an enrollment of around 780 students and a student–teacher ratio of 14:1. It offers an advanced college preparatory curriculum that includes Honors, Advanced Placement (AP), and dual-enrollment courses. The school has an outstanding college placement record, with 99% of graduates going on to four-year colleges and universities.
Beyond academics, Cape Fear Academy emphasizes leadership, character development, and global citizenship. Students participate in robust arts and athletics programs, competitive academic teams, and community service initiatives. The campus is expansive and well-equipped, featuring modern science labs, a dedicated performing arts center, athletic fields, and technology-integrated classrooms. The school’s overall Niche grade is an A+, ranking among the best college prep private high schools in North Carolina.
Beyond academics, Cape Fear Academy emphasizes leadership, character development, and global citizenship. Students participate in robust arts and athletics programs, competitive academic teams, and community service initiatives. The campus is expansive and well-equipped, featuring modern science labs, a dedicated performing arts center, athletic fields, and technology-integrated classrooms. The school’s overall Niche grade is an A+, ranking among the best college prep private high schools in North Carolina.
St. Mary Catholic School
St. Mary Catholic School offers a close-knit, faith-based educational environment for students in grades pre-K through 8. As part of the Catholic Diocese of Raleigh, the school emphasizes academic achievement rooted in spiritual formation and moral development. With approximately 240 students and a student–teacher ratio of 15:1, faculty and staff at St. Mary provide a nurturing atmosphere that encourages both academic success and personal integrity.
In addition to a solid core curriculum, St. Mary offers enrichment through art, music, foreign language, and technology classes, as well as extracurricular activities that include student council, sports teams, and community service. Religious instruction and regular participation in liturgical celebrations are integral to the school day, reinforcing a values-driven approach to learning.
In addition to a solid core curriculum, St. Mary offers enrichment through art, music, foreign language, and technology classes, as well as extracurricular activities that include student council, sports teams, and community service. Religious instruction and regular participation in liturgical celebrations are integral to the school day, reinforcing a values-driven approach to learning.
How the Andy Bovender Team Can Help
Relocating to a new city involves more than finding a house — it’s about finding the right community and environment for your family. That’s where the Andy Bovender Team comes in. With years of experience and a deep understanding of Wilmington’s neighborhoods and schools, we’re here to make your move seamless and stress-free.
Contact the Andy Bovender Team today.
Contact the Andy Bovender Team today.
