Wilmington Early College High School

Castle Hayne, NC 28429

Phone: (910) 362-7789
Fax: (910) 362-7424
District: New Hanover County School District

9

GreatSchools Rating

public • Grades 9,10,11,12,13 • 264 students

Wilmington Early College High School, a public school located in Castle Hayne, NC, serves grades 9-12 in the New Hanover County School District.It has received a GreatSchools Rating of 9 out of 10, based on a variety of school quality measures.

Wilmington Early College High School is a public school located in Castle Hayne, NC. 264 students attend Wilmington Early College High School.

School Ratings

Category Rating Details
Test Scores 9/10 The Test Score Rating examines how students at this school performed on standardized tests compared with other schools in the state. The Test Rating was created using 2025 North Carolina End-of-Course Tests data from North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, and using 2025 North Carolina End-of-Grade Tests data from North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.
College Readiness 10/10 The College Readiness Rating uses this high school's graduation rates, college entrance exam participation and performance, or AP, IB, or Dual Enrollment participation to determine how well schools are preparing students for success in college and beyond. The College Readiness Rating was created using the following data from the 2021 Civil Rights Data Collection: percentage of students enrolled in IB, AP or Dual Enrollment classes in grades 9-12, using 2025 4-year high school graduation rate data from North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, using 2025 Average ACT score data from North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, using 2025 ACT percent college ready data from North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, and using 2025 demographic data from North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.
Student Growth 7/10 The Student Progress Rating measures whether students at this school are making academic progress over time based on student growth data provided by the Department of Education. Specifically, this rating looks at how much progress individual students have made on state assessments during the past year or more, how this performance aligns with expected progress based on a student growth model established by the state Department of Education, and how this school's growth data compares to other schools in the state. The Growth Rating was created using 2024 Student growth data from North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.

Posted: April 21, 2016

Posted: April 21, 2016

Posted: April 21, 2016

Posted: April 21, 2016

The administration has no respect students privacy. Uses general terms to bypass and confidentiality. Would not recommend doing any counseling or private talk anywhere near any faculty or staff - definitely not near the principal.

Posted: December 11, 2015

My son loves attending WECHS - lots of one-on-one instruction and support. He enjoys attending school with other students who are serious about their academic future but still have fun.

Posted: December 11, 2015

Posted: December 11, 2015

Posted: December 11, 2015

Posted: December 11, 2015

This is our first year at the school and we love it. It is a great high school/college experience. The classes are small and the students and staff become a family. The only negative I have is that communication could be better. Parents are often given information about events, activities, and times at the last minute. The school website is not up to date with correct times for things and it does not list of the events, and there is no regular communication from staff to parents. This is especially true for club activities.

Overall, we love this school and are grateful for the opportunity to attend here.

Posted: December 10, 2015

The teachers are fantastic! Take time to ensure students learn both in and out of the classroom. The staff make it a point that every student has supported both at school and at home. My daughter has discovered her leadership skills as a student at WECHS. I LOVE this school!

Posted: March 17, 2015

This school has many flaws in the core of the administration; there are many restrictions that are put on the students, that are either not clearly stated, or simply do not make sense. Things such as inability to use vending machines inhibit the student's will to enjoy this school like any other publicly available school.

Posted: October 29, 2013

I am a parent of 2 students whom have or are currently attending Wilmington Early College High School. To simply say that WECHS is a normal high school is just not enough. Wilmington Early College offers each student Two Degrees & opens doors to the future that normal high school just does not. The teachers are there for the students day & night to make sure that they have everything needed to succeed. The support & guidance provided helps each & every student towards the end goal of getting into the college of their dreams with not just a high school diploma but an Associate s Degree as well. I am not just someone randomly speaking; I am someone who s oldest daughter graduated from WECHS s last year with an Associate s Degree thanks to the support of the teachers & is currently at NC State. I am a parent of a daughter currently at WECHS heading in the same direction. If you are a student who wants to learn, succeed, get into college & wants support from a great group of teachers then WECHS is your school. If you are a parent who wants your child to have all the tools available to help them succeed plus a support system for you, then WECHS is the school for your family.

Posted: October 29, 2013

Our son going to Wilmington Early College was like winning the lottery. The principle loves our children, the teachers are excellent, and the classes are small. The students are brilliant and sociable. They take all advanced classes. They graduate with a two year Associates Degree upon completion of the Early College in four or five years. What an excellent program from top to bottom. When I attended the school overview I was thinking, I wish I could go back in time and attend there myself. Pete W.

Posted: October 28, 2013

I like this school. It offers students the opportunity to be exposed to college environment while still in High School under the guidance of high school administrators and parents. My child has matured a lot in just the first semester of his freshman year. He has gotten very serious about his education. They not only realize that college demands more individual responsibility, but they learn to protect themselves from potentially dangerous adults.

Posted: October 28, 2013

Wilmington Early College High School allows for an incredible opportunity for our child's education. Within four years, our child will not only graduate high school but simultaneously graduate with an Associates Degree in Science from Cape Fear Community College. Our experience with this school from our principal to the teachers, the initial presentation has been phenomenal. This has been our second year and the volume of work to prepare the students is increasing considerably yet the staff has a great handle on all details of every aspect. Not only are there high school classes but online classes, college classes, summer classes, clubs, pre-testing for college, trips and more. This is a great school that truly care about each and every student and we are very fortunate to be a part of WECHS!

Posted: October 28, 2013

My child is a 9th grader. She chose the school because she felt that it had a challenging ciriculum (honors classes) but also a family feel. We have not been disappointed. The faculty and staff are great. They have speakers who come in and share about their career choices with the students. This helps the students make good choices when taking their community college courses in their later years at WECHS so they can achieve their career goal.

Posted: October 27, 2013

WECHS offers great opportunities for students seeking a college degree by allowing them to complete at least two full years of college by the time they graduate from high school. Since it's a small school within the larger community college, it is unique in many ways. First off, it's on a college campus so the students are typically respectful of their peers and their teachers. Second, it's personalized: every student is treated as an individual. It's also fast-paced: every high school class is honors level and the goal is for students to complete high school in two years. And finally, it's got great teachers: they care about students, they use cutting edge teaching strategies and technology, and they are passionate about their work. The administration is closely involved in the student's day-to-day lives. There is some lack of organization and inconsistency in communications, but overall it's a wonderful school.

Posted: October 27, 2013

We moved to Wilmington NC in July,it was a quick move because of job relocating us. We tried to get our son in regular High school but no space available any where than some one told us about Wilmington early college high school and we were lucky enough to get our son here. We have a very good experience and very positive experience here. My son was and is always magnet student. He won the junior scholar award in South Carolina. Just now his 3 months report card came he got straight A,s. His teachers are wonderful and school principle Ms. Moraine is very strict and same time very caring and active person. We wish this school,s success far and beyond.

Posted: October 27, 2013

We could not be more pleased with our child's experience at WECHS! The smaller class sizes allow for personalized attention. The focus is on academics--without the distractions of endless extracurricular activities. Everyone on staff strives to ensure the students' success. The principal is amazing! She's hands-on and involved, approachable and open to new ideas. This school is not for everyone, but if the fit is good for your child, you will not be disappointed.

Posted: October 27, 2013

Wilmington Early College High School is a non-traditional high school. Students can graduate with a high school diploma and an Associate's Degree. Students learn early to advocate for themselves and for what they want. Many students are actively involved in their communities and many of them plan on attending a four year college. The faculty is supportive and encourages students to always strive to do their best.

Posted: October 26, 2013

This is an awesome high school giving the students an opportunity to earn a high school diploma, as well as an Associates Degree in a field of their choosing. Since it is attached to a community college, there are several areas of study to choose from. Must apply and be accepted to attend, but well worth the effort.

Posted: October 18, 2013

WECHS provides a unique opportunity for the average student to receive a rigorous education. Students are exposed to a challenging curriculum in a small school setting. What is even better-students are exposure to a college setting while earning college credits, an associate's degree, a license, or a core diploma.

Posted: October 13, 2013

My son absolutely loves this school! The teachers & staff are great and really care about their students. This school offers all honor courses and allows the student to attend CFCC during their Junior, Senior, & Super Senior years! Graduating with a High School Diploma & an Associates Degree, for free! What a terrific school!

Posted: October 7, 2013

Currently, I am enjoying my time at WECHS. So far, everyone has been really nice and friendly, and the teachers are great and I'm really learning something here at WECHS.

Posted: August 18, 2012

This small school (earlier grades before going out to college campus) has very good teachers who care and provide students with every opportunity to succeed!

Reviews provided by GreatSchools™

# Name Type City State Overall Rating Distance
1 Cypress Pond at Porters Neck Apartment Complex Wilmington NC 5.1 mi
2 The Landing at Mill Creek Neighborhood/Subdivision Sneads Ferry NC 29.1 mi
3 Mallard Creek Neighborhood/Subdivision Jacksonville NC 33.4 mi
4 West River Neighborhood/Subdivision Jacksonville NC 34.1 mi
5 Countrywood Estates Neighborhood/Subdivision Jacksonville NC 36.2 mi
6 WilliamsburgPlantation Neighborhood/Subdivision Jacksonville NC 41 mi
7 The Bluffs on The New River Neighborhood/Subdivision Jacksonville NC 42.2 mi
8 Timber Creek Neighborhood/Subdivision Jacksonville NC 42.6 mi
9 Carolina Forest Neighborhood/Subdivision Jacksonville NC 42.7 mi
10 Country Club Estates Neighborhood/Subdivision Jacksonville NC 43 mi
11 Carolina Estates Neighborhood/Subdivision Jacksonville NC 43.9 mi
12 Wildflowers Neighborhood/Subdivision Richlands NC 46.3 mi
13 Killis Hills Neighborhood/Subdivision Richlands NC 46.4 mi
14 Trailwood Neighborhood/Subdivision Hubert NC 46.7 mi
15 Hall Creek - North Neighborhood/Subdivision Swansboro NC 48.7 mi
16 Deer Park Neighborhood/Subdivision Swansboro NC 49.8 mi
# Name City State Overall Rating Distance
1 Porters Neck Wilmington NC 7.5 mi
2 Sneads Ferry Sneads Ferry NC 31.6 mi
3 Richlands Area Beulaville NC 37.9 mi
4 Piney green Jacksonville NC 43 mi
5 Richlands Richlands NC 44 mi
6 Hubert Hubert NC 44.9 mi
7 Swansboro, NC Swansboro NC 49.1 mi
8 Swansboro Swansboro NC 50 mi
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