ÿÈÕ³Ô¹Ï

Best 28403 North Carolina Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 8 public schools serving 4,733 students in 28403, NC (there are , serving 1,294 private students). 79% of all K-12 students in 28403, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
The top-ranked public schools in 28403, NC are Isaac M Bear Early College High School, John T Hoggard High School and Roland-grise Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public schools in zipcode 28403 have an average math proficiency score of 50% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 54% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in 28403, NC have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 46% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the North Carolina public school average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).

Best 28403, NC Public Schools (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Isaac M Bear Early College High School
(Math: ≥90% | Reading: 85-89% )
Rank:
10/
10
Top 1%
630 Macmillan Avenue
Wilmington, NC 28403
(910) 350-1387
Gr: 9-12 | 251 students Student-teacher ratio: 25:1 Minority enrollment: 39%
Rank: #22.
John T Hoggard High School
(Math: 71% | Reading: 71%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
4305 Shipyard Blvd
Wilmington, NC 28403
(910) 350-2072
Gr: 9-12 | 2,178 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 33%
Rank: #33.
Roland-grise Middle School
(Math: 57% | Reading: 61%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
4412 Lake Ave
Wilmington, NC 28403
(910) 350-2136
Gr: 6-8 | 848 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 33%
Rank: #44.
Winter Park Model Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
204 S Macmillan Ave
Wilmington, NC 28403
(910) 350-2159
Gr: K-5 | 291 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
Rank: #55.
Edwin A Alderman Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
2025 Independence Blvd
Wilmington, NC 28403
(910) 350-2031
Gr: K-5 | 274 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 63%
Rank: #66.
Wilmington Preparatory Academy
Charter School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
134 Cinema Drive
Wilmington, NC 28403
(910) 799-6776
Gr: K-8 | 92 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 91%
Rank: #77.
College Park Elementary School
(Math: 35% | Reading: 29%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
5001 Oriole Drive
Wilmington, NC 28403
(910) 350-2058
Gr: K-5 | 444 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 77%
Rank: #88.
Forest Hills Global Elementary School
(Math: 19% | Reading: 19%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
602 Colonial Drive
Wilmington, NC 28403
(910) 251-6190
Gr: K-5 | 355 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 86%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public schools in 28403, NC?
How many public schools are located in 28403?
8 public schools are located in 28403.
What percentage of students in 28403 go to public school?
79% of all K-12 students in 28403 are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in 28403?
28403 public schools minority enrollment is 46% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the North Carolina public schools average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).

Recent Articles

Year-Round Schooling in 2026: Updated Parent Guide
Year-Round Schooling in 2026: Updated Parent Guide
Explore the latest 2026 data, trends, costs, and parent planning tips in the ongoing debate over year-round schooling vs the traditional calendar.
No Child Left Behind: Past, Present, and Future of U.S. School Policy
No Child Left Behind: Past, Present, and Future of U.S. School Policy
Explore how No Child Left Behind evolved into ESSA, what it means for 2025‑26 schooling, and what parents need to know about testing, admissions planning, and funding.
Understanding Public School Fees & Optional Costs Guide
Understanding Public School Fees & Optional Costs Guide
Discover what public school fees are required versus optional, with 2026 updates for parents, students, and educators on budgeting and planning.

Quick Links