Average
#1130 of 2,648 schools in NC
Top 43% in state
Cape Fear Center for Inquiry
Elementary School · Cape Fear Center for Inquiry
2525 Wonder Way, Wilmington, NC 28401
Enrollment
404
Student-Teacher
13.9:1
Score
6.7
Grades
Kindergarten – 8th
Enrollment
404
Student-Teacher
13.9:1
Score
6.7
Grades
Kindergarten – 8th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
North Carolina schools
#1,130 of 2,648
In Wilmington
#26 of 43
public schools
School environment
8.7 / 10
Excellent
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Cape Fear Center for Inquiry
Elementary School in Wilmington · grades Kindergarten – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
J. C. Roe Center
0.9 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Waterview Learning Academy
1.0 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Cape Fear Center for Inquiry
Cape Fear Center for Inquiry is a public elementary school in Wilmington, NC, part of Cape Fear Center for Inquiry. Cape Fear Center for Inquiry serves approximately 404 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-8th, and has a 13.9:1 student-teacher ratio. Cape Fear Center for Inquiry has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.7 out of 10 and ranks #1,130 of 2,648 schools in NC.
Structured state assessment records for Cape Fear Center for Inquiry show 66% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 72% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
- This school 6.7 · Average
- NC avg 6.4
What Parents Should Know
Cape Fear Center for Inquiry is a charter school: publicly funded, but run with more independence than a traditional district school. Many charters are built around a specific model or focus, so it's worth understanding this one's mission, how enrollment works, and how it differs from the district schools nearby.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Cape Fear Center for Inquiry — Students at Cape Fear Center for Inquiry score 68% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 77%).
Test Scores NC NC (2024-25)
Based on 42 test records from NC state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 5.7/10.
How Cape Fear Center for Inquiry Compares
See how Cape Fear Center for Inquiry performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Location
2525 Wonder Way, Wilmington, NC 28401
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Cape Fear Center for Inquiry may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Wilmington School of the Arts (rated 8.6/10, 2.4 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is The International School at Gregory (rated 8.3/10, 2.7 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Dr John Codington Elem (rated 7.8/10, 2.0 miles away), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Wilmington, see our Wilmington schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 2.9 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| J. C. Roe Center Wilmington | 0.9 mi | — |
| WATERVIEW LEARNING ACADEMY Wilmington | 1.0 mi | 5.1 |
| Sunset Park Elementary Wilmington | 1.2 mi | 5.4 |
| Lake Forest Academy Wilmington | 1.6 mi | 5.4 |
| Edwin A Alderman Elementary Wilmington | 1.6 mi | 4.7 |
| PINE VALLEY UMC WEE CARE PRESCHOOL & KINDERGARTEN Wilmington | 1.6 mi | — |
| Dr John Codington Elem Wilmington | 2.0 mi | 7.8 |
| Pine Valley Elementary Wilmington | 2.0 mi | 7.7 |
| PEACE ROSE MONTESSORI Wilmington | 2.5 mi | 6.4 |
| Williston Middle Wilmington | 2.6 mi | 3.6 |
| John T Hoggard High Wilmington | 2.2 mi | 7.4 |
| Wilmington School of the Arts Wilmington | 2.4 mi | 8.6 |
| The International School at Gregory Wilmington | 2.7 mi | 8.3 |
| Forest Hills Global Elementary Wilmington | 2.8 mi | 3.4 |
| PEACE ROSE MONTESSORI SCHOOL Wilmington | 2.8 mi | 5.4 |
| Roland-Grise Middle Wilmington | 2.5 mi | 7.0 |
| CAPE FEAR ACADEMY Wilmington | 2.7 mi | 6.1 |
| New Hanover High Wilmington | 3.1 mi | 4.2 |
| NEW HORIZONS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Wilmington | 2.6 mi | 3.7 |
| PATHWAYS MIDDLE AND HIGH Wilmington | 2.9 mi | 3.6 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 28401 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$52,159
Median Home Value
$263,000
Median Rent
$1,183/mo
Population
21,820
College Educated
33.7%
Homeownership
40.5%
Avg Commute
17.7 min
Poverty Rate
22.1%
Median Age
41.6
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Beverly Hills Elementary Concord, NC | 6.7 |
| Camden Intermediate Camden, NC | 6.7 |
| Catawba Elementary School Catawba, NC | 6.7 |
| First Ward Creative Arts Academy Charlotte, NC | 6.7 |
| Glendale-Kenly Elementary Kenly, NC | 6.7 |
| J W Seabrook Elementary Fayetteville, NC | 6.7 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Cape Fear Center for Inquiry
What grades does Cape Fear Center for Inquiry serve?
Cape Fear Center for Inquiry serves students in grades Kindergarten through 8th.
How many students attend Cape Fear Center for Inquiry?
Cape Fear Center for Inquiry has an enrollment of approximately 404 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Cape Fear Center for Inquiry?
The student-teacher ratio at Cape Fear Center for Inquiry is 13.9:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Cape Fear Center for Inquiry rank in NC?
Cape Fear Center for Inquiry ranks #1,130 of 2,648 schools in NC.
What is Cape Fear Center for Inquiry's MySchoolScout rating?
Cape Fear Center for Inquiry has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.7 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Cape Fear Center for Inquiry?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Cape Fear Center for Inquiry has 66% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 72% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
Is Cape Fear Center for Inquiry a charter school?
Yes, Cape Fear Center for Inquiry is a charter school. Charter schools are publicly funded but independently operated, often with more flexibility in curriculum and teaching methods.
Is Cape Fear Center for Inquiry a Title I school?
No, Cape Fear Center for Inquiry is not currently a Title I school.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Kindergarten – 8th
- Enrollment
- 404
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 13.9:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 29
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Midsize City
- County
- New Hanover County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 14.4%
- Phone
- (910) 362-0000
Resources & Links
District
Cape Fear Center for Inquiry- District Enrollment
- 404
- Schools in District
- 1
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $11,259
- District Rank
- #1 of 1
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