New Hanover County Schools & Education
New Hanover County, North Carolina
School Score
37/100
Higher = better
Rating
Below Average
Graduation Rate
88.0%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
88.0%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 88.0%
Per-Pupil Spending
$6,880
National avg $13,239
State avg $6,969
School Score
37/100
Higher = better
State avg 40/100
State School Rank
#44
of 100 counties (1 = best)
Explore New Hanover County across the ByCounty Network
Education Overview
About Schools in New Hanover County, North Carolina
A Coastal Education Hub with 50 Schools
New Hanover County maintains a robust educational infrastructure with 50 public schools serving 27,668 students across 9 districts. The system includes 32 elementary schools, 7 middle schools, and 10 high schools to support its growing population. This extensive network provides a solid foundation for families living in the Wilmington area.
Competitive Graduation Rates and Efficient Spending
The county achieves an 88.0% graduation rate, matching the state average and exceeding the national benchmark of 87.0%. While per-pupil expenditure sits at $6,880—slightly below the state average of $6,969—the school score of 52.2 remains competitive with state performance. These metrics suggest the county efficiently manages resources to deliver academic results on par with state standards.
Diverse District Options and Charter Choice
New Hanover County Schools is the primary provider, educating 25,244 students across 42 schools. Families also have access to 7 charter schools, representing 14% of the total school landscape. Specialized options like the Cape Fear Center for Inquiry offer smaller environments with 409 enrolled students.
Urban and Suburban Learning Environments
Most students attend school in city or suburban settings, with only four schools located in rural areas. While the average school size is 553 students, high schools like John T Hoggard serve over 2,200 students, creating a large-campus atmosphere. Conversely, the Wilmington Preparatory Academy offers a more intimate setting with just 97 students.
Discover Homes Near Top-Rated Wilmington Schools
With a high graduation rate and diverse school types, New Hanover County is a top choice for education-focused homebuyers. Explore the variety of residential neighborhoods surrounding the county’s 50 public schools. School quality remains a vital factor in local property values and long-term community growth.
School Overview
Total Schools
50
in New Hanover County
Total Enrollment
27,668
students
School Districts
9
districts
Charter Schools
7
14% of total
School Type Breakdown
9 School Districts in New Hanover County
New Hanover County Schools
American Leadership Academy-Coastal
Cape Fear Center for Inquiry
Girls Leadership Academy of Wilmington
Island Montessori Charter
D.C. Virgo Preparatory Academy
Wilmington School of the Arts
Classical Charter Schools of Wilmington
Wilmington Preparatory Academy
50 Public Schools in New Hanover County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| John T Hoggard High | New Hanover County Schools | 9–12 | High | 2,226 |
| Emsley A Laney High | New Hanover County Schools | 9–12 | High | 2,220 |
| Eugene Ashley High | New Hanover County Schools | 9–12 | High | 1,975 |
| New Hanover High | New Hanover County Schools | 9–12 | High | 1,466 |
| Charles P Murray Middle | New Hanover County Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 882 |
| Roland-Grise Middle | New Hanover County Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 860 |
| Holly Shelter Middle | New Hanover County Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 858 |
| American Leadership Academy-Coastal | American Leadership Academy-Coastal | KG–9 | Charter | 777 |
| Williston Middle | New Hanover County Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 683 |
| Emma B Trask Middle | New Hanover County Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 673 |
| M C S Noble Middle | New Hanover County Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 652 |
| Myrtle Grove Middle | New Hanover County Schools | 6–8 | Middle | 645 |
| Ogden Elementary | New Hanover County Schools | KG–5 | Primary | 641 |
| Edwin A Anderson Elementary | New Hanover County Schools | KG–5 | Primary | 624 |
| Porters Neck Elementary | New Hanover County Schools | KG–5 | Primary | 605 |
| Masonboro Elementary | New Hanover County Schools | KG–5 | Primary | 575 |
| Murrayville Elementary | New Hanover County Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 569 |
| Heyward C Bellamy Elem | New Hanover County Schools | KG–5 | Primary | 556 |
| The International School at Gregory | New Hanover County Schools | KG–8 | Primary | 522 |
| Wrightsboro Elementary | New Hanover County Schools | PK–5 | Primary | 522 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$6,880
State avg $6,969
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in New Hanover County, North Carolina — FAQ
What does the school system look like in New Hanover County, North Carolina?
New Hanover County maintains a robust educational infrastructure with 50 public schools serving 27,668 students across 9 districts. The system includes 32 elementary schools, 7 middle schools, and 10 high schools to support its growing population. This extensive network provides a solid foundation for families living in the Wilmington area.
How do schools in New Hanover County perform academically?
The county achieves an 88.0% graduation rate, matching the state average and exceeding the national benchmark of 87.0%. While per-pupil expenditure sits at $6,880—slightly below the state average of $6,969—the school score of 52.2 remains competitive with state performance. These metrics suggest the county efficiently manages resources to deliver academic results on par with state standards.
What are the major school districts in New Hanover County, North Carolina?
New Hanover County Schools is the primary provider, educating 25,244 students across 42 schools. Families also have access to 7 charter schools, representing 14% of the total school landscape. Specialized options like the Cape Fear Center for Inquiry offer smaller environments with 409 enrolled students.
What is the school experience like in New Hanover County?
Most students attend school in city or suburban settings, with only four schools located in rural areas. While the average school size is 553 students, high schools like John T Hoggard serve over 2,200 students, creating a large-campus atmosphere. Conversely, the Wilmington Preparatory Academy offers a more intimate setting with just 97 students.
How can I find homes near good schools in New Hanover County, North Carolina?
With a high graduation rate and diverse school types, New Hanover County is a top choice for education-focused homebuyers. Explore the variety of residential neighborhoods surrounding the county’s 50 public schools. School quality remains a vital factor in local property values and long-term community growth.
Counties with Similar School Profile
Data Sources
Education data sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. School scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Coverage varies by county and reporting year. Not for use as the sole basis for educational decisions.