For the 2025 school year, there are 9 public schools serving 4,338 students in 28401, NC (there are 2 private schools, 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)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
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
Grades: K-8
| 404 students
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
Grades: 9-12
| 1,515 students
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
Grades: K-5
| 133 students
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
Grades: K-8
| 508 students
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
Grades: K-5
| 407 students
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
Grades: 6-8
| 661 students
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
Grades: PK-5
| 470 students
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
Grades: K-8
| 43 students
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
Grades: K-8
| 197 students
28401, North Carolina Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
813 Nixon St
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 251-6150
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 251-6150
Grades: 6-8
| 206 students
813 Nixon St
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 251-6150
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 251-6150
Grades: n/a
| n/a students
1100 Mcrae St
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 251-6155
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 251-6155
Grades: K-5
| 130 students
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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