2024 Best Public High Schools in the Wilmington Area

• New Hanover County Schools, NC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.9 out of 5  119 reviews

Senior: Isaac Bear High School, located in Wilmington, NorthCarolina, is best known for its early college program. While being partnered with the University of North Carolina Wilmington, students are given the opportunity to take on-campus classes fully paid for during their junior and senior years of high school. Furthermore, as a current senior at Isaac Bear High school, I know how intensive and excellent this program is. During my first two years at Isaac Bear, I was taught the traditional North Carolina high school curriculum. However entering my third year, I became dual enrolled with the college. I had complete freedom to choose my own courses and design my own school schedule. Additionally, the school requires students to partake in fifty hours of volunteer service each year alongside clubs, guaranteeing a strong school and work resume. Overall, this program gave me a strong headstart on my future while guiding me on a path of success.... Read 119 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 230

• Student-teacher ratio 23:1

• New Hanover County Schools, NC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  101 reviews

Senior: Wilmington Early College High School is a top tier school, in my opinion. Yes it is small, but that's what makes it special. The closeness of the school creates a family environment which is something that I love about the school. Everyone knows everyone and the teachers and staff are only a few steps away happy to answer any questions or concerns that a student has. For me WECHS allowed me to become more confident and do things that I never thought I would be able to do like organize a lunch event for underclassmen. The best part about WECHS for me is that the students and faculty can be silly and have fun while still being dedicated to academics. As I am writing this I cannot think of a single bad moment at WECHS. It has been the only school I've attended where there have been no physical fights, no major arguments, or no presence of uncomfortableness. I think that the worst moment for me will have to be leaving this incredible school.... Read 101 reviews

• grade A

• Students 243

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• New Hanover County Schools, NC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  293 reviews

Senior: Hoggard is a great school for the area! I really do think it is the best school in Wilmington, NC. It offers quality academics, with both AP and IB classes, and it has strong athletics. Therefore, it's overall a decent school. However, compared to the rest of the state, Hoggard is subpar. The facilities at other schools are much nicer, such as Myers Park, which is a huge school with great funding. The leadership at Hoggard could be better as well because it doesn't seem like people care about the students, even if they say they do. Despite the negatives, I love my high school very much, and genuinely would not want to go anywhere else (in Wilmington). Go vikings!... Read 293 reviews

• grade A

• Students 2,172

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Pender County Schools, NC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.81 out of 5  170 reviews

Senior: Topsail High School has given me an excellent education as well as the support and guidance I needed for success. I was blessed with some amazing teachers whom now I look to as life and academic mentors. Getting involved was not hard to say the least, and as Student Body President, I am honored to say that Topsail is none other than home. Being a part of the honorable Yearbook Staff, State Semi-Finalist Varsity Lacrosse Team, and our incredible Theatre program have been a few of the programs I have immersed myself in. All of which have made me grow as a person, student, player, and leader. Likewise, I see many students getting involved in similar activities and thriving because of it. Go Pirates!... Read 170 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 1,547

• Student-teacher ratio 20:1

• New Hanover County Schools, NC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  211 reviews

Alum: My experience at New Hanover High was overall good. I went to two different high schools, and therefore have other experience to compare it to. I think New Hanover has a bad reputation, but little substance behind that reputation. It has the same problems as other schools. The best part of my time at Hanover was the dual enrollment program. It really helped me to feel more prepared for college and a little ahead of the game. The teachers at Hanover High were also very sweet and helpful. The worst part of my experience was probably all of the lockdowns and shelter in place events. I also did not have the best experience with the guidance counselors. They were extremely nice counselors, but not helpful to me in applying for colleges and trying to take advantage of the dual enrollment program; I had to end up working out all the solutions myself. Overall, I had a great experience at Hanover! I met good friends and have handfuls of good memories.... Read 211 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 1,543

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• New Hanover County Schools, NC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.58 out of 5  299 reviews

Alum: I can say that my overall experience with Laney was pretty great! I ran track, was on the step team and participated in a few clubs on campus and it was great. The administrators at the time weren’t the greatest but that’s as to be expected. I graduated in 2021, and I can say with confidence that I genuinely enjoyed my experience. There were a few fights here and there but nothing too concerning. This school is definitely a 10/10.... Read 299 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 2,114

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• New Hanover County Schools, NC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.63 out of 5  292 reviews

Senior: Ashley high school has been an amazing experience for me! The teachers create a welcoming environment and keep their students involved in hands-on activities. I have absolutely loved this school from the sports games, the student wide events, and the classes. My favorite experience at ashley was having a full school day and then getting to be involved in the pep rally homecoming week. It was sort of like an incentive to work hard that day and then enjoy the perks of an American high school. The worst part of my experience at Ashley were the fights. I feel we have room for improvement here at ashley and steps can be taken to prevent these fights.... Read 292 reviews

• grade B

• Students 1,931

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• New Hanover County Schools, NC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.6 out of 5  5 reviews

Freshman: It is very fascinating school. It's very different but has many opportunities. They're very welcoming and diverse, there's always a place for anyone. All the teachers are magnificent to work with and with the little amount of students you get more one to one time with teachers and I've done the best academically than I ever have in my whole life. I'm so extremely lucky to be able to attend the school, I'm excited to be here for another 4 years and graduate with an associates at 19 years old.... Read 5 reviews

• grade B

• Students 241

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1

• Wilmington, NC•

• Public School•

• 6-11

• •
  Rating 4.5 out of 5  6 reviews

Senior: When I first started going to GLOW (in 6th grade), I was not a fan of the school. I did not like going to an all-girls school. As time went on I grew to really enjoy going to GLOW. The thing that I like the most about GLOW is the teachers. They are all very supportive and involved. The teachers make genuine connections with their students and have supported me in all aspects of my life. When the time comes to graduate, I will be very sad that I am leaving behind my teachers, but hopefully, we will stay in contact.... Read 6 reviews

• grade B minus

• Students 380

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• New Hanover County Schools, NC•

• PK, 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.2 out of 5  5 reviews

Niche User: Mosley is an online based school, but we have teachers in every classroom that are trained for specific core subjects. In some cases, they will teach the class themselves rather than have the students use the online course. Regardless, they're always there to help out students with whatever coursework they may need help with. Students are able to sign up for an array of AP, honors, and elective classes through NCVPS.... Read 5 reviews

• grade B minus

• Students 118

• Student-teacher ratio 8:1

• Pender County Schools, NC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.65 out of 5  112 reviews

Alum: I enjoyed my experience as a student at Heide Trask High School. It was a place where I was able to become closer to my peers and staff. I made many memories and achievements there. The only complaint is that it could have prepared the student more for college. When I got to college it was completely different than I thought it was going to be and I felt like I wasn’t prepared as well as I could have been.... Read 112 reviews

• grade B minus

• Students 671

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Brunswick County Schools, NC•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.08 out of 5  145 reviews

Senior: My experience at North Brunswick has been exceptional. I am able to do a dual enrollment; allowing me to end up my Senior year with an AA in Science. It gives a firsthand experience of taking college courses and understanding academic rigor. I enjoy the challenge and the ability to control time and schedule while attending school, college, and sports. The number one tip I would give to upcoming students is to take advantage of the dual enrollment and don't wait until the last minute to complete work. Go Scorpions!... Read 145 reviews

• grade C+

• Students 1,334

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• New Hanover County Schools, NC•

• 6-12

• grade unavailable

• Students 12

• Student-teacher ratio 1:1