New Hanover High School is a high school located in downtown Wilmington, North Carolina. New Hanover High is the oldest existing high school in Wilmington. The original building was designed by William J. Wilkins. Construction started in 1919, and was completed in 1922.
Serving 1,515 students in grades 9-12, New Hanover High School ranks in the top 30% of all schools in North Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 30%, and reading proficiency is top 30%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 65-69% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 51%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 52% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student:teacher ratio of 16:1 is higher than the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 60% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,515 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 16:1
- Minority Enrollment: 60%
- Graduation Rate: 81% (Btm 50% in NC)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30%
- Math Proficiency: 65-69% (Top 30%)
- Reading Proficiency: 52% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 40% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
New Hanover High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Most improved public schools
Diversity
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
New Hanover High School's student population of 1,515 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 97 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,515 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
97 teachers
Year Founded
1922
School Rankings
New Hanover High School ranks within the top 30% of all 2,617 schools in North Carolina (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of New Hanover High School is 0.69, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.71. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#744 out of 2617 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(21-22)65-69%
51%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
52%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40%
63%
Student : Teacher Ratio
16:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
1%
4%
Hispanic
25%
21%
Black
30%
25%
White
40%
43%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
4%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
(21-22)81%
86%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
99%
68%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (15-16)
4%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Wildcat
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is New Hanover High School's ranking?
New Hanover High School is ranked #744 out of 2,617 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in North Carolina.
What schools are New Hanover High School often compared to?
New Hanover High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like John T Hoggard High School, Eugene Ashley High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
65-69% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 51% NC state average), while 52% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
What is the graduation rate of New Hanover High School?
The graduation rate of New Hanover High School is 81%, which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 86%.
How many students attend New Hanover High School?
1,515 students attend New Hanover High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
40% of New Hanover High School students are White, 30% of students are Black, 25% of students are Hispanic, 4% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of New Hanover High School?
New Hanover High School has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does New Hanover High School offer ?
New Hanover High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is New Hanover High School part of?
New Hanover High School is part of New Hanover County Schools School District.
School Reviews
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