School Overview
New Hanover High School, located in the historic downtown district of Wilmington, North Carolina, is a landmark institution with a rich legacy dating back to its founding in 1922. As the oldest high school in the New Hanover County school system, it is well-known for its distinctive Collegiate Gothic architecture—including the iconic "Williston" building—which has earned it a place on the National Register of Historic Places. The school balances this historical significance with a comprehensive modern curriculum, serving a diverse student body and maintaining a long-standing reputation as a centerpiece of the Wilmington community.

Beyond its academic offerings, New Hanover High is deeply integrated into the cultural fabric of the city, often referred to as the "Home of the Wildcats." The school is highly regarded for its robust athletic programs, performing arts initiatives, and a wide array of extracurricular clubs that foster school spirit and student engagement. By combining its deep-rooted traditions with contemporary educational standards, New Hanover High continues to be a prominent choice for students in the Wilmington area, emphasizing both academic achievement and the preservation of its storied heritage.
1,466
Total Students
98.6
Full-Time Teachers
14.9
Student/Teacher Ratio
96.6%
Free/Reduced Lunch
Student Demographics

Student Demographics Data Table

Student Demographics for New Hanover High
Demographic Student Count
White609
Hispanic318
Black470
Asian10
Two or More57
American Indian1
Pacific Islander1
  • White
    609 (41.5 %)
  • Black
    470 (32.1 %)
  • Hispanic
    318 (21.7 %)
  • Two or More
    57 (3.9 %)
  • Asian
    10 (0.7 %)
  • American Indian
    1 (0.1 %)
  • Pacific Islander
    1 (0.1 %)
School Location
School Details
Status: Open
School Level: High School
School Type: Regular School
Charter Status:* Public Non-Charter
Virtual Instruction: No virtual instruction
Shared Time Status: No
District: New Hanover County Schools
Phone: (910)251-6100
Website: http://www.nhcs.k12.nc.us/nhhs
Grade Range: 9th - 12th
Total Students: 1,466
Full-Time Teachers (FTE): 98.6
Pupil/Teacher Ratio: 14.9
NSLP Participation:1 Yes participating without using any Provision or the CEO
Qualified Free Lunch: 1,414
Qualified Reduced Lunch: 2
Grades Taught
Grade 9 376
Grade 10 429
Grade 11 376
Grade 12 285

Grades Taught Data Table

Grades Taught and Student Counts for New Hanover High
Grade Student Count
Grade 9376
Grade 10429
Grade 11376
Grade 12285
Gender Ratio

Student Gender Ratio Data Table

Student Gender Ratio for New Hanover High
Gender Student Count Percentage
Female65344.5%
Male81355.5%
Nearby High Schools (Within 10 Miles)