Choosing a school in Wilmington, NC can feel overwhelming, especially if you are new to the area or sending your first child to kindergarten.The good news is that you have more options than you might realize. This guide breaks down every school type in New Hanover County, from traditional public schools to charter, private, and homeschool options, so you can confidently decide what is best for your family.

Disclaimer: All information listed is current as of August 2026 and is based on publicly available information. Tuition, program availability, and fees may change. Always confirm details directly with each school. If you have updates, please email wilmingtonmomnc@gmail.com.

---

PRE-SCHOOL & NC PRE-K Ages 2 – 5

1. NC PRE-K (Free)
2. Head Start (Free)
3. Daycares (fee-based)
   NCHDHHS Child Care Provider Search
4. Afterschool (fee-based)

Public Pre-K is available in New Hanover County for kids ages 2 – 5. For the all the details on locations and how to get your child enrolled, check the NHC School Pre-K page.

NC Pre-K is North Carolina’s statewide, publicly funded pre-kindergarten program designed to prepare four-year-old children for school. It targets children from families with limited income or other risk factors that may impact school readiness, such as developmental delays, English as a second language, or living in underserved areas. Eligible children must be four years old by August 31 of the school year. The program focuses on building foundational skills in literacy, math, social-emotional development, and physical growth through a high-quality, play-based curriculum taught by licensed early childhood teachers. NC Pre-K is free for qualifying families, and programs are offered in public schools, private centers, and Head Start classrooms that meet state standards. Parents need to submit an application, provide proof of age, residency, and income, and meet deadlines set by their local Pre-K provider. The goal of NC Pre-K is to ensure children enter kindergarten ready to learn and succeed.

Pre-School Guide – Coming Soon!

Fun fact! Did you know in North Carolina, Kindergarten is optional?

Public Schools (Free & Zoned) K-12

All public schools in Wilmington are part of New Hanover County Schools. These schools are free to attend and often known as your assigned school – “neighborhood” or “traditional” schools as they are assigned based on your home address. By law, they are required to provide services for IEPs (Individualized Education Program) and learning differences or those with special needs/ disabilities.
Your zoned school will cover all the basics, ELA (English Language Arts), math, history, science, and the typical specials (music, PE, library, art). All offer at least a 30-minute recess every day, and some offer some extra outdoor time when scheduling and weather allows! 

Find your assigned school using the NHCS School Locator. This is the first step before applying anywhere else.

---

Enrollment Basics

• Registration opens in March – See the New Hanover County Schools website for all details
• Bus transportation is provided, but you must enroll in the option
• School meals are available, including free or reduced options (must apply)
• After school care is available through YMCA programs
• Uniforms are not required

Local tip: Where you live matters. Even a short move can change your assigned school. Schools throughout New Hanover County are assessed and given a School Performance Grades of A-F. Visit the NC School Report Cards to learn more about your zoned school’s most recent grade. But the best way to get a feel for the school is to go on an in-person tour so that you can talk to the staff one-on-one!

---

Year Round Public Schools

Year-round schools are another K-5 option, that also include bus transportation. You must enter the lottery to have a chance to attend the year-round school in your area. 

• If you are north of Market or Eastwood, you are zoned for Eaton. 
• If you are south of those roads, your year-round option is Dr. John Codington Elementary. 

Many families love the year-round schedule that typically consists of 9 weeks on and 3 weeks off (with a 4 week break over the summer), with a goal of decreasing “learning loss” over a long summer break. The challenge can be if you have another child who is on a traditional school schedule with a longer summer. As always, you have to consider what works best for your family.

---

Open Choice (Out of District)

If you want a different public school than your assigned one, you can apply through Open Choice.  

• Lottery based & applications close April prior to school year
• Only available if space opens in the students grade level
• Transportation is not provided
• Timely pick-up of student
• No patterns of disruptive behavior or disciplinary referrals
• The parent/legal guardian must not violate the conduct requirements as outlined in the Board Policy 5020 and must maintain positive communications with the school and its employees with no history of disruptive, volatile, hostile, or aggressive communications or actions.  

Once selected, the student may attend through the last grade level offered at the school. Keep in mind students can lose placement due to excessive tardies or attendance issues.

---

Magnet Schools (Lottery and Specialized Focus)

Magnet schools are public schools with a specialized curriculum.

Rachel Freeman School of Engineering: STEM focused with a year round calendar. Students learn coding and participate in hands on competitions.

Snipes Academy of Arts and Design: Arts integrated curriculum with opportunities for dance and instrumental music.

International School at Gregory (K-8): Spanish dual language immersion program. Students alternate between Spanish and English instruction.

---

Lab School Option

D.C. Virgo Preparatory Academy (K to 8)

A year round lab school operated in partnership with University of North Carolina Wilmington. The program focuses on the whole child and community connection.

Priority is given to students from low performing schools.

---

Charter Schools (Free and Lottery Based)

Charter schools are tuition free public schools that operate independently. Admission is determined by lottery. Local options include:

• American Leadership Academy Coastal (ALA Coastal): Prek-12
• Cape Fear Center for Inquiry: K-8
• Classical Charter Schools of Wilmington: K-5
• Girls Leadership Academy of Wilmington (GLOW Academy): K-12
• Island Montessori Charter School: K-8
• Wilmington School of the Arts

Transportation, uniforms, and after school programs vary by school.

---

Private Schools (Tuition Based)

Private schools are independently operated and offer a range of educational styles, including college prep, faith based, Montessori, and hybrid programs.

Typical tuition ranges from about 6,500 to over 26,000 per year.

---

NC Opportunity Scholarship

This program helps families afford private school tuition.

• Available to all North Carolina students in grades K through 12
• Awards typically range from $3,000 to $7,000
• Based on household income

Applications open in February 2026 and must be submitted each year.

---

Local Private Schools

Faith Based Options

• Calvary Christian School (PreK to 12)
• Carolina Christian Academy
• Coastal Christian High School (9 to 12)
• Myrtle Grove Christian School (Preschool to 8)
• Providence Preparatory Academy (K to 12, hybrid model)
• St. Mark Catholic School (PreK to 8)
• St. Mary Catholic School (PreK to 8)
• Wilmington Christian Academy (PreK to 12)

Other Private Options

• Cape Fear Academy (PreK to 12)
• Coast to Mountains Preparatory Academy (K-12)
• Friends School of Wilmington (PreK to 8)
• New Horizons Elementary (K to 5)
• Peace Rose Montessori (Preschool to 12)
• School of Wonder (K to 7)
• Waterview Learning Academy (6 to 12)
• Wilmington Academy of Arts and Sciences (4 to 8)
• Wilmington Outdoor Microschool (K to 8)

Specialized Learning Support

• Hill School of Wilmington (1 to 8)
• Southeastern Autism Academy (K to 12)

lori.abbott@nhcs.net

---

Homeschooling in Wilmington

Homeschooling offers flexibility but requires strong parent involvement. In North Carolina:

• Children are not required to enroll until age 7
• Parents choose the curriculum
• Annual standardized testing is required

---

Local Homeschool Co Ops and Programs

• Carolina Kids Co-Op
• Christian Homeschool Center (CHC)
• Christian Home Educators of Wilmington (CHEW) Co Op
• Farm School by the Sea
• Homeschool Families of New Hanover County
• Port City Homeschoolers
• School of Wonder
• Three Pines Project
• Tidal Learning of Wilmington
• Wilmington CIRCLE

These programs provide social opportunities, classes, field trips, and support for families.

---

How to Choose the Right School

Every family is different! There is no one size fits all school in Wilmington.

Whether you choose a zoned public school, magnet or charter option, private school, or homeschooling, the best choice is the one that fits your child, your schedule, and your family values.

If you are planning for kindergarten or moving to Wilmington, SAVE this guide and refer back to it as you explore your options.

Special thanks to Wilmington moms, Tori Pace, and online groups for helping to clarify questions I had for this resource post.