Average
#1566 of 2,648 schools in NC
Cape Fear Middle
Middle School · Pender County Schools
1886 NC Hwy 133, Rocky Point, NC 28457
Enrollment
449
Student-Teacher
13.2:1
Score
5.9
Grades
6th – 8th
Enrollment
449
Student-Teacher
13.2:1
Score
5.9
Grades
6th – 8th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
North Carolina schools
#1,566 of 2,648
In Rocky Point
#2 of 5
public schools
In district
#10 of 19
Pender County Schools
Equity
7.4 / 10
Very Good
Shortlisting around Cape Fear Middle?
Use this profile as one decision point, then compare nearby options, source confidence, and commute fit before picking a neighborhood around it.
Shortlist starter
Start with these real page-level signals, then use the full table and map below.
Cape Fear Middle
Middle School in Rocky Point · grades 6th – 8th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Pender Innovative Learning Academy
0.0 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Cape Fear Elementary
0.1 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Cape Fear Middle
Cape Fear Middle is a public middle school in Rocky Point, NC, part of Pender County Schools. Cape Fear Middle serves approximately 449 students, and covers grades 6th-8th, and has a 13.2:1 student-teacher ratio. Cape Fear Middle has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.9 out of 10 and ranks #1,566 of 2,648 schools in NC.
Structured state assessment records for Cape Fear Middle show 43% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 44% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
- This school 5.9 · Average
- District avg 5.6
- NC avg 5.7
What Parents Should Know
Cape Fear Middle sits in a rural area, which can mean longer drives for some families. Rural schools are often community anchors with smaller classes, but check transportation, after-school options, and access to specialized services before you commit.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Cape Fear Middle — Students at Cape Fear Middle score 51% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 46%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
99.3%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores NC NC (2024-25)
Based on 36 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: 4.2/10.
How Cape Fear Middle Compares
See how Cape Fear Middle performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Location
1886 NC Hwy 133, Rocky Point, NC 28457
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Cape Fear Middle may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Holly Shelter Middle (rated 7.5/10, 4.1 miles away, in nearby Castle Hayne), which scores notably higher. Another option is Emma B Trask Middle (rated 7.1/10, 7.6 miles away, in nearby Wilmington), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Burgaw Middle (rated 3.7/10, 9.6 miles away, in nearby Burgaw), a more accessible option. For more schools in Rocky Point, see our Rocky Point schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 11.1 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Pender Innovative Learning Academy Rocky Point | 0.0 mi | 2.9 |
| Cape Fear Elementary Rocky Point | 0.1 mi | 5.3 |
| Heide Trask High Rocky Point | 2.6 mi | 5.6 |
| Rocky Point Elementary Rocky Point | 2.7 mi | 9.2 |
| Castle Hayne Elementary Castle Hayne | 4.0 mi | 8.6 |
| Holly Shelter Middle Castle Hayne | 4.1 mi | 7.5 |
| SEA-Tech Castle Hayne | 5.8 mi | 6.6 |
| Wilmington Early College High Castle Hayne | 6.1 mi | 8.0 |
| PENDERLEA CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Rocky Point | 6.4 mi | 5.8 |
| Emma B Trask Middle Wilmington | 7.6 mi | 7.1 |
| Wrightsboro Elementary Wilmington | 7.8 mi | 4.1 |
| Emsley A Laney High Wilmington | 7.8 mi | 6.5 |
| Murrayville Elementary Wilmington | 8.3 mi | 8.1 |
| Pender Early College High Burgaw | 9.5 mi | 8.5 |
| Burgaw Middle Burgaw | 9.6 mi | 3.7 |
| WILMINGTON CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Wilmington | 9.8 mi | 4.6 |
| C.F. Pope Elementary Burgaw | 10.4 mi | 5.0 |
| Girls Leadership Academy of Wilmington Wilmington | 10.7 mi | 7.0 |
| D.C. Virgo Preparatory Academy Wilmington | 10.8 mi | 5.2 |
| R Freeman Sch of Engineering Wilmington | 11.1 mi | 2.5 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 28457 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$66,860
Median Home Value
$233,300
Median Rent
$866/mo
Population
11,131
College Educated
17.4%
Homeownership
82.1%
Avg Commute
30.9 min
Poverty Rate
12.3%
Median Age
37.4
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| A L Stanback Middle Hillsborough, NC | 5.9 |
| Central Middle Dobson, NC | 5.9 |
| Elizabeth City Middle Elizabeth City, NC | 5.9 |
| Forbush Middle East Bend, NC | 5.9 |
| Granite Falls Middle Granite Falls, NC | 6.0 |
| Lexington Middle School Lexington, NC | 6.0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Cape Fear Middle
What grades does Cape Fear Middle serve?
Cape Fear Middle serves students in grades 6th through 8th.
How many students attend Cape Fear Middle?
Cape Fear Middle has an enrollment of approximately 449 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Cape Fear Middle?
The student-teacher ratio at Cape Fear Middle is 13.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Cape Fear Middle rank in NC?
Cape Fear Middle ranks #1,566 of 2,648 schools in NC.
What is Cape Fear Middle's MySchoolScout rating?
Cape Fear Middle has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.9 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 Middle?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Cape Fear Middle has 43% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 44% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
Is Cape Fear Middle a charter school?
No, Cape Fear Middle is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Cape Fear Middle a Title I school?
No, Cape Fear Middle is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Cape Fear Middle?
99.3% of students at Cape Fear Middle qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
Powered by 
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 6th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 449
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 13.2:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 34
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 99.3%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Fringe Rural
- County
- Pender County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 29.0%
- Phone
- (910) 602-3334
Resources & Links
District
Pender County Schools- District Enrollment
- 11,075
- Schools in District
- 19
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $11,425
- District Rank
- #10 of 19
How we rate schools
A clear 1–10 score built from public data — growth, academics, and learning environment. No hidden criteria, no pay-to-play.
See how we rateRelated reading
Get school insights in your inbox
New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.