For the 2025-26 school year, there are 9 public schools serving 4,338 students in 28401, NC (there are , serving 268 private students). 94% of all K-12 students in 28401, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
The top ranked public schools in 28401, NC are Cape Fear Center For Inquiry, New Hanover High School and Classical Charter Schools Of Wilmington. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 28401 have an average math proficiency score of 37% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 39% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in 28401, NC have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 67% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the North Carolina public school average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best 28401, NC Public Schools (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Cape Fear Center For Inquiry
Charter School
(Math: 64% | Reading: 69%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
2525 Wonder Way
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 362-0000
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 362-0000
Gr: K-8 | 404 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #22.
New Hanover High School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 52%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1307 Market St
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 251-6100
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 251-6100
Gr: 9-12 | 1,515 student Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 60%
Rank: #33.
Classical Charter Schools Of Wilmington
Charter School
(Math: 40-49% | Reading: 40-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
507 N 6th Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 763-1976
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 763-1976
Gr: K-5 | 133 students Student-teacher ratio: 27:1 Minority enrollment: 86%
Rank: #44.
The International School At Gregory
Magnet School
(Math: 41% | Reading: 46%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1106 Ann St
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 251-6185
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 251-6185
Gr: K-8 | 508 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 63%
Rank: #55.
Sunset Park Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
613 Alabama Ave
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 815-6948
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 815-6948
Gr: K-5 | 407 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 89%
Rank: #66.
Williston Middle School
(Math: 25% | Reading: 30%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
401 S 10th St
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 815-6906
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 815-6906
Gr: 6-8 | 661 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 87%
Rank: #77.
Wrightsboro Elementary School
(Math: 27% | Reading: 27%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
2716 Castle Hayne Rd
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 815-6909
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 815-6909
Gr: PK-5 | 470 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 74%
Rank: #88.
Lake Forest Academy
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1802 S 15th Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 772-2515
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 772-2515
Gr: K-8 | 43 students Student-teacher ratio: 3:1 Minority enrollment: 67%
Rank: #99.
D.c. Virgo Preparatory Academy
(Math: 6-9% | Reading: 10-14%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
813 Nixon Street
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 251-6150
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 251-6150
Gr: K-8 | 197 students Student-teacher ratio: 28:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
28401, North Carolina Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
813 Nixon St
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 251-6150
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 251-6150
Gr: 6-8 | 206 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 92%
1100 Mcrae St
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 251-6155
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 251-6155
Gr: K-5 | 130 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 86%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in 28401, NC?
The top ranked public schools in 28401, NC include Cape Fear Center For Inquiry, New Hanover High School and Classical Charter Schools Of Wilmington.
How many public schools are located in 28401?
9 public schools are located in 28401.
What percentage of students in 28401 go to public school?
94% of all K-12 students in 28401 are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in 28401?
28401 public schools minority enrollment is 67% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the North Carolina public schools average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
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