U.S. News and World Report annually publishes a list of the best elementary schools based on their ability to educate and lead to success for students of all socio-economic backgrounds.
Several elementary schools in the Wilmington area made the 2025 list based on a specific methodology. Half of the formula includes ratings of students who are at or above proficient on the math and reading/language arts state assessments. The other half of the equation incorporates test results related to socio-economic demographics.
According to U.S. News & World Report’s methodology, “In other words, the top-ranked schools have high academic performance and are successful in educating all of their students.”
More: These schools in the Wilmington area are considered low-performing, according to recent state data
More: These are the top-performing schools in the Wilmington area, according to state data
Here are the Wilmington area elementary schools that made the top 50 list. This ranking is out of 1,456 schools.
7th place: Wrightsville Beach Elementary School
At Wrightsville Beach Elementary School, 92% of students scored at or above the proficient level in math and 87% scored at or above the proficient level in reading, according to the rankings. Approximately 9% of the school population is economically disadvantaged.
9th place: Masonboro Elementary School
At Masonboro Elementary School, 93% of students scored at or above the proficiency level in math and 84% scored at or above the proficiency level in reading. Approximately 17% of the school’s students are economically disadvantaged.
22nd Union Elementary School
At Union Elementary School in Shallotte, 89% of students scored at or above the proficient level in math and 80% scored at or above the proficient level in reading. Approximately 99% of Union students are economically disadvantaged.
No.24: Ogden Elementary School
At Ogden Elementary School, 88% of students scored at or above the proficiency level in math and 81% scored at or above the proficiency level in reading. Approximately 16% of Ojen students are economically disadvantaged.
No.49: Eaton Elementary School
At Eaton Elementary School, 85% of students scored at or above the proficient level in math and 76% scored at or above the proficient level in reading. Approximately 29% of the school’s students are economically disadvantaged.
“We are honored to have been named to the U.S. News & World Report Best Schools list,” New Hanover County Schools Interim Superintendent Christopher Burns told Star News. “This achievement reflects the unwavering dedication and tireless efforts of our amazing teachers and staff, whose commitment to excellence shines through every day.”
Burns added, “It’s exciting to see 93% of the district’s teachers meet or exceed growth expectations and 80% of schools achieve similar success. These numbers It is a testament to the strength of our educational community and motivates us to continue to grow.” Building on this momentum, we look forward to reaching even greater heights. ”
The No. 1 school in the state was Lincoln Academy in Greensboro. At this school, 51% of students score at or above the proficient level in math and 61% score at or above the proficient level in reading. Approximately 57% of the school’s students are economically disadvantaged.
