Average
#1256 of 2,648 schools in NC
Top 47% in state
Emsley a Laney High
High School · New Hanover County Schools
2700 N College Rd, Wilmington, NC 28405
Enrollment
2,248
Student-Teacher
20.1:1
Score
6.5
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
2,248
Student-Teacher
20.1:1
Score
6.5
Grades
9th – 12th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
North Carolina schools
#1,256 of 2,648
In Wilmington
#27 of 43
public schools
In district
#28 of 41
New Hanover County Schools
Equity
9.2 / 10
Excellent
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Emsley a Laney High
High School in Wilmington · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Emma B Trask Middle
0.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Murrayville Elementary
1.2 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Emsley a Laney High
Emsley a Laney High is a public high school in Wilmington, NC, part of New Hanover County Schools. Emsley a Laney High serves approximately 2,248 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 20.1:1 student-teacher ratio. Emsley a Laney High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.5 out of 10 and ranks #1,256 of 2,648 schools in NC.
Structured state assessment records for Emsley a Laney High show 58% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 63% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
What's said publicly about Emsley a Laney High
Synthesized from public, attributable sources. Updated April 2026.
Sources (2)
- This school 6.5 · Average
- District avg 6.7
- NC avg 6.4
What Parents Should Know
Emsley a Laney High is a large school: 2,248 students. Size usually brings more course choices and activities than a smaller school can staff, but kids can also blend into the crowd. Ask how the school keeps students known and supported.
Emsley a Laney High runs 20.1:1 students to teachers, above the national average. That often means bigger classes. Ask how the school supports kids who need extra help, and whether there are teaching assistants or small-group time.
40% of students at Emsley a Laney High were chronically absent in the 2022-23 school year, above the national average. Chronic absenteeism means missing 15 or more school days, and at high rates it drags on classroom pacing for everyone. Ask what the school does to help families get kids to class consistently.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
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Emsley a Laney High — Students at Emsley a Laney High score 63% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 46%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
99.7%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores NC NC (2024-25)
Based on 28 test records from NC state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
→ StableAverage 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: 7.1/10.
How Emsley a Laney High Compares
See how Emsley a Laney High 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
2700 N College Rd, Wilmington, NC 28405
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Emsley a Laney High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Wilmington Early College High (rated 8.0/10, 1.7 miles away, in nearby Castle Hayne), which scores notably higher. Another option is Girls Leadership Academy of Wilmington (rated 7.0/10, 3.6 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Career Readiness Academy at Mosley PLC (rated 6.9/10, 4.1 miles away), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Wilmington, see our Wilmington schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 4.9 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Emma B Trask Middle Wilmington | 0.2 mi | 7.1 |
| Murrayville Elementary Wilmington | 1.2 mi | 8.1 |
| Wilmington Early College High Castle Hayne | 1.7 mi | 8.0 |
| WILMINGTON CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Wilmington | 2.1 mi | 4.6 |
| SEA-Tech Castle Hayne | 2.3 mi | 6.6 |
| Wrightsboro Elementary Wilmington | 2.7 mi | 4.1 |
| Dr Hubert Eaton Sr Elem Wilmington | 3.1 mi | 8.6 |
| Girls Leadership Academy of Wilmington Wilmington | 3.6 mi | 7.0 |
| John J Blair Elementary Wilmington | 3.5 mi | 5.4 |
| Holly Shelter Middle Castle Hayne | 3.7 mi | 7.5 |
| Castle Hayne Elementary Castle Hayne | 3.8 mi | 8.6 |
| M C S Noble Middle Wilmington | 3.7 mi | 7.1 |
| PROVIDENCE PREPARATORY ACADEMY Wilmington | 4.1 mi | 4.7 |
| Career Readiness Academy at Mosley PLC Wilmington | 4.1 mi | 6.9 |
| College Park Elementary Wilmington | 4.3 mi | 3.4 |
| Wilmington Preparatory Academy Wilmington | 4.3 mi | 5.9 |
| ST MARK CATHOLIC SCHOOL Wilmington | 4.5 mi | 4.8 |
| R Freeman Sch of Engineering Wilmington | 4.4 mi | 2.5 |
| Ogden Elementary Wilmington | 4.3 mi | 9.0 |
| HILL SCHOOL OF WILMINGTON Wilmington | 4.9 mi | 5.4 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 28405 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$67,809
Median Home Value
$337,000
Median Rent
$1,405/mo
Population
35,159
College Educated
40.8%
Homeownership
57.4%
Avg Commute
21.5 min
Poverty Rate
13.3%
Median Age
38.9
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Cleveland High Clayton, NC | 6.5 |
| North Mecklenburg High School Huntersville, NC | 6.5 |
| West Forsyth High Clemmons, NC | 6.5 |
| Corinth Holders High Wendell, NC | 6.4 |
| East Wake High Wendell, NC | 6.4 |
| Garner High Garner, NC | 6.6 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Emsley a Laney High
What grades does Emsley a Laney High serve?
Emsley a Laney High serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend Emsley a Laney High?
Emsley a Laney High has an enrollment of approximately 2,248 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Emsley a Laney High?
The student-teacher ratio at Emsley a Laney High is 20.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Emsley a Laney High rank in NC?
Emsley a Laney High ranks #1,256 of 2,648 schools in NC.
What is Emsley a Laney High's MySchoolScout rating?
Emsley a Laney High has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.5 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 Emsley a Laney High?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Emsley a Laney High has 58% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 63% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).
Is Emsley a Laney High a charter school?
No, Emsley a Laney High is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Emsley a Laney High a Title I school?
No, Emsley a Laney High is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Emsley a Laney High?
99.7% of students at Emsley a Laney High qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
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Neighborhood Context
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Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 2,248
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 20.1:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 112
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 99.7%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large Suburb
- County
- New Hanover County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 39.5%
- Phone
- (910) 350-2089
- 4-Year Graduation
- 89.0%
Resources & Links
District
New Hanover County Schools- District Enrollment
- 25,028
- Schools in District
- 42
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $13,808
- District Rank
- #28 of 41
Other Schools in This District
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