Wilmington, September 10, 2025
News Summary
Wilmington-area high schools have been ranked in the recent U.S. News & World Report list, which assesses educational performance across North Carolina. The rankings evaluate various critical metrics, including college readiness and graduation rates. Among the 587 ranked schools in the state, The Early College at Guilford tops the list at No. 31 nationally. The report reveals insights into educational outcomes and highlights schools in Brunswick, New Hanover, and Pender counties as well as areas for improvement.
Wilmington
Wilmington-area high schools have received their rankings in the latest 2025 U.S. News & World Report list, assessing the educational performance of high schools across North Carolina. The rankings highlight the schools’ effectiveness based on several critical parameters, including college readiness, state assessment proficiency, state assessment performance, underserved student performance, college curriculum breadth, and graduation rates.
U.S. News & World Report evaluated over 24,000 high schools nationwide, creating a comparative insight into educational outcomes and the capabilities of high schools in various states. In North Carolina alone, 587 high schools were ranked, placing the state at No. 28 nationally. An impressive 51 North Carolina schools made it into the top 10% of high schools across the country, indicating a strong presence of quality education.
Top Schools
The top-ranked school in North Carolina is The Early College at Guilford in Greensboro, which surpasses others by ranking No. 31 nationally. By contrast, the elementary leader of the nation is Basis Tucson North, located in Tucson, Arizona. The rankings among Wilmington-area schools exhibit both strengths and challenges, showcasing the diverse performance across Brunswick, New Hanover, and Pender counties.
Local School Rankings
The details of the Wilmington-area high schools based on their performance metrics are as follows:
| School Name | State Ranking | National Ranking | Overall Score | Graduation Rate | Enrollment | Student-Teacher Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| School A | No. 85 | No. 3,144 | 82.44 | Greater than 95% | 1,888 | 21:1 |
| School B | No. 89 | No. 3,320 | 81.45 | 88% | 2,178 | 19:1 |
| School C | No. 115 | No. 4,180 | 76.65 | Greater than 95% | 188 | 20:1 |
| School D | No. 117 | No. 4,194 | 76.57 | Greater than 95% | 251 | 26:1 |
| School E | No. 122 | No. 4,194 | 75.6 | Greater than 95% | 241 | 23:1 |
| School F | No. 136 | No. 4,752 | 73.45 | Greater than 95% | 322 | 28:1 |
| School G | No. 182 | No. 6,056 | 66.17 | 88% | 1,899 | 19:1 |
| School H | No. 234 | No. 7,311 | 59.16 | 82% | 1,512 | 17:1 |
| School I | No. 235 | No. 7,337 | 59.01 | 84% | 1,182 | 17:1 |
| School J | No. 280 | No. 8,245 | 53.94 | 92% | 2,248 | 20:1 |
| School K | No. 298 | No. 8,549 | 52.24 | Greater than 95% | 228 | 17:1 |
| School L | No. 319 | No. 9,081 | 49.27 | 81% | 1,560 | 18:1 |
| School M | No. 324 | No. 9,152 | 48.87 | 80% | 1,515 | 16:1 |
| School N | No. 404 | No. 11,746 | 34.38 | 91% | 734 | 16:1 |
| School O | Tied with lowest | Tied with lowest | Less than 25 | 92% | 672 | 19:1 |
Context and Implications
The rankings reveal a clear picture of how Wilmington-area high schools have fared in recent years, focusing on critical aspects of education that matter to students and parents. While several schools in the region demonstrate commendable performance, others require improvement to ensure that all students receive a quality education.
This evaluated data provides a roadmap for school administrators and educators to enhance educational strategies, ultimately benefiting student learning outcomes and future college readiness. As the educational landscape continues to evolve, understanding these rankings is crucial for making informed choices regarding educational paths.
Frequently Asked Questions
What factors were considered in the rankings of the high schools?
Factors include college readiness, state assessment proficiency, underserved student performance, and graduation rates, among others.
How many high schools were ranked in North Carolina?
A total of 587 high schools were ranked in North Carolina.
Which school ranked the highest in North Carolina?
The highest-ranked school in North Carolina is The Early College at Guilford in Greensboro, ranked No. 31 nationally.
What is the significance of the rankings?
The rankings highlight the performance of schools in various educational parameters, which can enhance transparency for parents and inform improvements in the education system.
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Additional Resources
- Star News Online
- Wikipedia: Wilmington, North Carolina
- NC News Online
- Google Search: North Carolina high schools ranking
- Delaware Online
- Google Scholar: High school rankings
- Boston Magazine
- Encyclopedia Britannica: High school education
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
