For the 2025-26 school year, there are 6 public middle schools serving 2,954 students in Pender County, NC.
The top ranked public middle schools in Pender County, NC are Topsail Middle School, Surf City Middle School and Penderlea Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Pender County, NC public middle schools have an average math proficiency score of 51% (versus the North Carolina public middle school average of 48%), and reading proficiency score of 50% (versus the 50% statewide average). Middle schools in Pender County have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of North Carolina public middle schools.
Minority enrollment is 34% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public middle school average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Middle Schools in Pender County (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Topsail Middle School
(Math: 69% | Reading: 64%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
17445 Us Hwy 17
Hampstead, NC 28443
(910) 270-2612
Hampstead, NC 28443
(910) 270-2612
Gr: 5-8 | 855 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: #22.
Surf City Middle School
(Math: 64% | Reading: 62%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
12345-b Literacy Lane
Hampstead, NC 28443
(910) 928-0087
Hampstead, NC 28443
(910) 928-0087
Gr: 6-8 | 750 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: #33.
Penderlea Elementary School
(Math: 43% | Reading: 41%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
11 Garden Road
Willard, NC 28478
(910) 285-2761
Willard, NC 28478
(910) 285-2761
Gr: K-8 | 484 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 48%
Rank: #44.
Cape Fear Middle School
(Math: 33% | Reading: 34%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1886 Nc Hwy 133
Rocky Point, NC 28457
(910) 602-3334
Rocky Point, NC 28457
(910) 602-3334
Gr: 6-8 | 449 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 54%
Rank: #55.
Burgaw Middle School
(Math: 21% | Reading: 30%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
500 South Wright Street
Burgaw, NC 28425
(910) 259-0149
Burgaw, NC 28425
(910) 259-0149
Gr: 6-8 | 228 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 64%
Rank: #66.
West Pender Middle School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
10750 Nc Hwy 53 West
Burgaw, NC 28425
(910) 283-5626
Burgaw, NC 28425
(910) 283-5626
Gr: 6-8 | 188 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 69%
Pender County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Pender County Alternative (Closed 2010)
Alternative School
798 Us Hwy 117 South
Burgaw, NC 28425
(910) 259-0156
Burgaw, NC 28425
(910) 259-0156
Gr: 4-12 | 35 students Student-teacher ratio: 4:1 Minority enrollment: 49%
Pender Innovative Learning Academy (Closed 2025)
Alternative School
1886 Nc Hwy 133
Rocky Point, NC 28457
(910) 789-6073
Rocky Point, NC 28457
(910) 789-6073
Gr: K-12 | 48 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 31%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public middle schools in Pender County, NC?
The top ranked public middle schools in Pender County, NC include Topsail Middle School, Surf City Middle School and Penderlea Elementary School.
How many public middle schools are located in Pender County?
6 public middle schools are located in Pender County.
What is the racial composition of students in Pender County?
Pender County public middle schools minority enrollment is 34% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public middle schools average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public middle schools in Pender County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public middle schools in Pender County include: Surf City Middle School vs. Topsail Middle School, Burgaw Middle School vs. Cape Fear Middle School, Cape Fear Middle School vs. Burgaw Middle School
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