As a local real estate agent and lifestyle journalist here in Wilmington, NC, I often get asked about the best schools in the area.
And with three kids of my own, believe me, I understand the importance of finding the right fit!
So, let’s dive into the world of private education in Wilmington, where you’ll find a surprising variety of options to consider.
Wilmington, NC’s Best Private Schools
Cape Fear Academy is a non-sectarian day school for kids from preschool through 12th grade. What I like about Cape Fear is its focus on individual attention and creating a close-knit community. With a 90% success rate on AP exams, they’re clearly doing something right!
Address: 3900 College Rd, Wilmington, NC 28412
If faith is a priority for your family, Wilmington Christian Academy might be a good option. It’s associated with Grace Baptist Church and offers a curriculum that emphasizes Christian values. They have programs from K5 through 12th grade, with a focus on hands-on learning and activities that help kids grow both academically and spiritually.
Address: 1401 N College Rd, Wilmington, NC 28405
The Friends School of Wilmington is a great choice for families who value hands-on learning and environmental education. They go up to 8th grade and have a nationally recognized curriculum that focuses on the whole child. Plus, they’re big on diversity and inclusion, which is always a plus in my book.
Address: 5814 Camellia Ln, Wilmington, NC 28409
Another Christian school worth checking out is Myrtle Grove Christian School. They aim to provide a well-rounded education with a strong emphasis on biblical principles. They use a blend of Christian and secular textbooks, and they weave those biblical worldview principles into every subject. They have a pretty good student-teacher ratio too, at 12 to 1.
Address: 806 Piner Rd, Wilmington, NC 28409
Calvary Christian School is another faith-based option, and it’s a ministry of Calvary Baptist Church. They offer classes from preschool all the way up to 12th grade. One thing that stands out about Calvary is their low student-teacher ratio, which never goes above 14:1. That means more individualized attention for your kids.
Address: 423 N 23rd St, Wilmington, NC 28405
For high schoolers, Coastal Christian High School is a solid choice. They offer a college-preparatory program with a focus on biblical “truth.” They have Honors and AP classes, and they’re committed to helping students excel academically while also growing in their faith.
Address: 1150 The King’s Highway, Wilmington, NC 28409
Innovative Academy takes a unique approach to education, correlating language arts and math with other subjects like history, science, and even verbal presentations. They have a strong focus on building a solid foundation in math and writing skills.
Address: 5656 Carolina Beach Rd, Wilmington, NC 28412
New Horizons Elementary School is all about the whole-child approach. They’ve been around since 1983, and they’re committed to academic excellence and character development. They believe in nurturing kids’ creativity and helping them grow both inside and outside the classroom.
Address: 3705 College Rd, Wilmington, NC 28409
Other Wilmington NC Private Schools Worth Considering
There are a few other private schools in Wilmington worth mentioning:
- Pine Valley United Methodist Church Wee Care Preschool & Kindergarten
- The Hill School of Wilmington
- Girls Leadership Academy of Wilmington (GLOW) – This one’s a public charter school, but it’s the only tuition-free, all-girls school in North Carolina.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right school for your kids is a big decision. As a parent and someone who knows Wilmington well, I encourage you to visit these schools, talk to the teachers, and really get a feel for the environment.
Each school has its own unique strengths, and the best fit for one child might not be the best fit for another.
Good luck with your Wilmington NC private school search!
About the Author:
Jeff Hamm is a licensed NC real estate broker and a lover of Wilmington, North Carolina.
When he’s not working, you can find Jeff exploring the Port City and surrounding area by boat, bicycle, and Jeep.