Wrightsville Beach Elementary

Summary:

Wrightsville Beach Elementary is a highly-performing public elementary school in Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina, serving 263 students from kindergarten through 5th grade. As part of the New Hanover County Schools district, which is ranked 70 out of 242 districts in the state, Wrightsville Beach Elementary consistently ranks among the top elementary schools in North Carolina.

The school's academic performance is exceptional, with a 5-star rating from SchoolDigger and student proficiency rates that significantly outpace the district and state averages. For example, in the 2023-2024 school year, 91.3% of 3rd graders, 88% of 4th graders, and 90.2% of 5th graders were proficient or better in mathematics, compared to 68.5%, 65.9%, and 67.6% for the district, and 62.7%, 56.6%, and 58.1% for the state, respectively. This sustained high performance is a testament to the school's effective teaching practices, strong leadership, and engaged student body.

While Wrightsville Beach Elementary's academic success is impressive, the school's student population is significantly less diverse than the surrounding schools in the district, with a predominantly white student body. Additionally, the school serves a relatively affluent community, with only 8.75% of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, much lower than the district and state averages. This raises questions about the school's efforts to promote diversity and inclusion, and whether the academic success is equitably distributed across all student subgroups. When compared to other high-performing elementary schools in the area, such as Winter Park Model Elementary, Holly Tree Elementary, and Porters Neck Elementary, Wrightsville Beach Elementary stands out as a consistent top performer.


Detail:

Public K-5

 220 Coral Drive
       Wrightsville Beach, NC  28480


(910) 256-3171

District: New Hanover County Schools

SchoolDigger Rank:
30th of 1,505 North Carolina Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $11,028 Help


Students who attend Wrightsville Beach Elementary usually attend:

Middle:    M C S Noble Middle

Student/teacher ratio:  13.6 Help
Number of students:  263

Racial breakdown:

White:
93.2%
Hispanic:
3.0%
Two or more races:
1.9%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  8.7% Help


 See top rated North Carolina elementary schools

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Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details Wrightsville Beach Elementary ranks better than 98% of elementary schools in North Carolina. It also ranks 3rd among 24 ranked elementary schools in the New Hanover County Schools District. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 96.32. (See more...)
Student Body
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Compare Details Racial makeup is: White (93.2%), Hispanic (3%), two or more races (1.9%). (See more...)
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Compare Details 8.7% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. This is the lowest percentage in the New Hanover County Schools District. (See more...)
Teachers
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Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Wrightsville Beach Elementary is 13.6. 13 elementary schools in the New Hanover County Schools District have better student/teacher ratios. (See more...)
Help
Compare Wrightsville Beach Elementary employs 19.2 full-time teachers.
Finance
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Compare Details The average total spent per student at Wrightsville Beach Elementary is $11,028. 12 elementary schools in the New Hanover County Schools District spend more per student.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Wrightsville Beach Elementary:

SchoolDigger ranks Wrightsville Beach Elementary 30th of 1505 North Carolina public elementary schools. (See Wrightsville Beach Elementary in the ranking list.)

Elementary School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Female students:
Gifted and Talented students:
Male students:
White students:


New Hanover County Schools:

SchoolDigger ranks New Hanover County Schools 70th of 242 North Carolina school districts. (See district ranking list.)


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Rank History for Wrightsville Beach Elementary

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Rank History for all students at Wrightsville Beach Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2006 88.51 63rd 1276 95.1%
2007 90.28 30th 1293 97.7%
2008 93.20 32nd 1324 97.6%
2009 90.92 30th 1354 97.8%
2010 89.76 38th 1363 97.2%
2011 89.56 39th 1381 97.2%
2012 89.94 41st 1388 97.0%
2013 87.08 137th 1403 90.2%
2014 97.30 10th 1390 99.3%
2015 97.92 3rd 1440 99.8%
2016 96.91 7th 1425 99.5%
2017 95.88 17th 1429 98.8%
2018 97.01 7th 1434 99.5%
2019 96.87 9th 1473 99.4%
2021 99.01 4th 1489 99.7%
2022 97.76 8th 1514 99.5%
2023 96.54 20th 1502 98.7%
2024 96.32 30th 1505 98.0%
See the entire list of North Carolina Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Wrightsville Beach Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 93.63 24th 1361 98.2%
See the entire list of Best North Carolina Elementary Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at Wrightsville Beach Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 95.08 15th 1405 98.9%
2019 96.21 7th 1424 99.5%
2021 98.89 2nd 1440 99.9%
2022 97.07 6th 1458 99.6%
2023 97.23 6th 1459 99.6%
2024 98.24 3rd 1455 99.8%
See the entire list of Best North Carolina Elementary Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Gifted and Talented students at Wrightsville Beach Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 65.12 205th 612 66.5%
2021 73.17 71st 494 85.6%
2022 67.93 127th 500 74.6%
2023 68.58 28th 582 95.2%
2024 70.35 50th 669 92.5%
See the entire list of Best North Carolina Elementary Schools for Gifted and Talented Students!

Rank History for Male students at Wrightsville Beach Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 97.55 4th 1413 99.7%
2019 95.80 15th 1430 99.0%
2021 98.40 7th 1444 99.5%
2022 97.16 9th 1464 99.4%
2023 94.75 39th 1461 97.3%
2024 92.29 69th 1464 95.3%
See the entire list of Best North Carolina Elementary Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for White students at Wrightsville Beach Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools NC State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 95.42 4th 1178 99.7%
2019 94.18 14th 1183 98.8%
2021 96.39 6th 1172 99.5%
2022 95.18 7th 1194 99.4%
2023 91.61 33rd 1183 97.2%
2024 91.03 40th 1166 96.6%
See the entire list of Best North Carolina Elementary Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: North Carolina Dept of Public Instruction, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

Wrightsville Beach Elementary Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 





Data source: North Carolina Dept of Public Instruction

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Enrollment information for Wrightsville Beach Elementary

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Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1988 204 34 1 0 1 n/a n/a 0 240
1989 142 30 0 0 0 n/a n/a 0 172
1990 133 37 0 0 0 n/a n/a 0 170
1991 128 18 1 0 0 n/a n/a 0 147
1992 173 16 2 0 0 n/a n/a 0 191
1993 178 23 2 1 0 n/a n/a 0 204
1994 184 21 6 0 2 n/a n/a 0 213
1995 202 17 0 4 0 n/a n/a 0 223
1996 202 17 0 4 0 n/a n/a 0 223
1997 195 17 0 5 0 n/a n/a 0 217
1998 199 22 1 2 0 n/a n/a 0 224
1999 206 21 1 3 0 n/a n/a 0 231
2000 203 23 1 3 0 n/a n/a 0 230
2001 202 28 3 0 0 n/a n/a 0 233
2002 202 19 1 0 0 n/a n/a 0 222
2003 202 19 1 0 0 n/a n/a 0 222
2004 214 17 2 1 1 n/a n/a 0 235
2005 262 15 1 0 2 n/a n/a 0 280
2006 268 9 3 0 1 n/a n/a 0 281
2007 241 2 1 1 1 n/a n/a 1 247
2008 263 0 1 0 1 n/a n/a 6 271
2009 272 9 1 5 1 n/a n/a 0 288
2010 293 14 3 10 0 n/a n/a 0 320
2011 280 3 2 15 0 0 9 0 309
2012 298 3 1 16 0 0 9 0 327
2013 317 4 1 18 0 0 9 0 349
2014 308 4 5 21 0 0 8 0 346
2015 315 2 5 21 0 0 6 0 349
2016 309 2 7 36 0 0 2 0 356
2017 303 2 8 33 0 0 3 0 349
2018 298 3 2 35 0 0 4 0 342
2019 278 4 1 25 0 0 3 0 311
2020 280 3 4 20 0 0 4 0 311
2021 252 2 4 10 0 0 4 0 272
2022 240 4 3 11 0 0 8 0 266
2023 245 2 3 8 0 0 5 0 263

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Wrightsville Beach Elementary

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 240 10.0 24.0 18.8
1989 172 11.0 15.6 26.7
1990 170 10.0 17.0 21.8
1991 147 10.0 14.7 25.2
1992 191 10.0 19.1 9.4
1993 204 16.0 12.8 20.1
1994 213 15.0 14.2 16.9
1995 223 15.0 14.9 9.9
1996 223 15.0 14.9 9.9
1997 217 14.0 15.5 9.7
1998 224 18.0 12.4 6.3
1999 231 18.0 12.8 11.7
2000 230 18.0 12.8 11.7
2001 233 18.0 12.9 15
2002 222 14.0 15.9 15.8
2003 222 14.0 15.9 15.8
2004 235 14.0 16.8 14.5
2005 280 14.0 20.0 9.3
2006 281 14.0 20.1 3.6
2007 247 n/a n/a 4.1
2008 271 14.9 18.2 3.8
2009 288 17.5 16.5 4.9
2010 320 18.4 17.3 6.6
2011 309 17.6 17.5 6.5
2012 327 18.9 17.2 7.6
2013 349 19.9 17.5 9.7
2014 346 21.4 16.1 11
2015 349 21.0 16.6 9.5
2016 356 21.0 16.9 12.6
2017 349 21.9 15.9 12.6
2018 342 21.0 16.2 12.6
2019 311 20.1 15.4 12.9
2020 311 20.0 15.5 14.5
2021 272 18.5 14.6 3.7
2022 266 19.4 13.6 3.4
2023 263 19.2 13.6 8.7

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Wrightsville Beach Elementary

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1988 240 10.0 24.0 18.8
1989 172 11.0 15.6 26.7
1990 170 10.0 17.0 21.8
1991 147 10.0 14.7 25.2
1992 191 10.0 19.1 9.4
1993 204 16.0 12.8 20.1
1994 213 15.0 14.2 16.9
1995 223 15.0 14.9 9.9
1996 223 15.0 14.9 9.9
1997 217 14.0 15.5 9.7
1998 224 18.0 12.4 6.3
1999 231 18.0 12.8 11.7
2000 230 18.0 12.8 11.7
2001 233 18.0 12.9 15
2002 222 14.0 15.9 15.8
2003 222 14.0 15.9 15.8
2004 235 14.0 16.8 14.5
2005 280 14.0 20.0 9.3
2006 281 14.0 20.1 3.6
2007 247 n/a n/a 4.1
2008 271 14.9 18.2 3.8
2009 288 17.5 16.5 4.9
2010 320 18.4 17.3 6.6
2011 309 17.6 17.5 6.5
2012 327 18.9 17.2 7.6
2013 349 19.9 17.5 9.7
2014 346 21.4 16.1 11
2015 349 21.0 16.6 9.5
2016 356 21.0 16.9 12.6
2017 349 21.9 15.9 12.6
2018 342 21.0 16.2 12.6
2019 311 20.1 15.4 12.9
2020 311 20.0 15.5 14.5
2021 272 18.5 14.6 3.7
2022 266 19.4 13.6 3.4
2023 263 19.2 13.6 8.7

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.
Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Wrightsville Beach Elementary

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YearExpenditures from Federal FundsExpenditures from State and Local FundsTotal Expenditures Per Pupil (All Funds)
2019 $419 (3.8%) $10,609 (96.2%) $11,028

Data source: North Carolina Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Wrightsville Beach Elementary

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Rank
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Ranks 9th of 1473 Elementary schoolsRanks 20th of 1502 Elementary schools
 0.7%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
3rd Grade Mathematics (Wrightsville Beach Elementary)96.485.4
 11%
   3rd Grade Mathematics (New Hanover County Schools)69.468.1
 1.3%
   3rd Grade Mathematics (North Carolina)64.361.1
 3.2%
3rd Grade Reading (Wrightsville Beach Elementary)83.983.3
 0.6%
   3rd Grade Reading (New Hanover County Schools)61.653.7
 7.9%
   3rd Grade Reading (North Carolina)56.848
 8.8%
4th Grade Mathematics (Wrightsville Beach Elementary)94.389.1
 5.2%
   4th Grade Mathematics (New Hanover County Schools)63.365.2
 1.9%
   4th Grade Mathematics (North Carolina)57.355.3
 2%
4th Grade Reading (Wrightsville Beach Elementary)90.691.3
 0.7%
   4th Grade Reading (New Hanover County Schools)63.464.2
 0.8%
   4th Grade Reading (North Carolina)57.355.3
 2%
5th Grade Mathematics (Wrightsville Beach Elementary)91.493
 1.6%
   5th Grade Mathematics (New Hanover County Schools)67.666.3
 1.3%
   5th Grade Mathematics (North Carolina)60.255.9
 4.3%
5th Grade Reading (Wrightsville Beach Elementary)89.793
 3.3%
   5th Grade Reading (New Hanover County Schools)64.158
 6.1%
   5th Grade Reading (North Carolina)54.648
 6.6%
5th Grade Science (Wrightsville Beach Elementary)96.690.7
 5.9%
   5th Grade Science (New Hanover County Schools)8074.9
 5.1%
   5th Grade Science (North Carolina)72.665.3
 7.3%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students311263
 15.4%
African American42
 50%
American Indian00
Asian13
 200%
Hispanic258
 68%
Pacific Islander00
White278245
 11.9%
Two or More Races35
 66.7%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients12.9%8.7%
 4.1%


Schools Near Wrightsville Beach Elementary









Frequently Asked Questions about Wrightsville Beach Elementary

Yes! Wrightsville Beach Elementary is one of the best elementary schools in the state. It ranks 30th of 1505 North Carolina elementary schools.

In the 2022-23 school year, 263 students attended Wrightsville Beach Elementary.

Students at Wrightsville Beach Elementary are 93% White, 3% Hispanic, 2% Two or more races, 1% Asian.

Students who attend Wrightsville Beach Elementary usually go on to attend:

Middle : M C S Noble Middle


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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the North Carolina Dept of Public Instruction.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.





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