Three public school systems serve Wilmington and the southeast coast: New Hanover County Schools, the largest system, which includes Wilmington; Brunswick County Schools to the south of New Hanover County; and Pender County Schools to the north of Wilmington. Additionally, the region offers a growing list of independent (private) schools, both secular and religion-based, that meet a broad range of educational needs. As home schooling has become increasingly popular, we have included some helpful information about state and local resources and requirements.
Unless they are home-schooled, school-age children moving into New Hanover County should be immediately enrolled in a public or independent (private) school. To enroll a child in the public schools, the parent or guardian must bring to the school a certified copy of the child's birth certificate along with the child's Social Security card, completed health assessment, immunization records and proof of residence. Children entering kindergarten must be 5 years old on or before October 16 of that year. Parents of students who were enrolled in a different school should bring the student's last report card and copies of standardized test reports to the new school.
