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Very Good

#817 of 2,648 schools in NC

Top 31% in state

Isaac M Bear Early College High School

High School · New Hanover County Schools

630 MacMillan Avenue, Wilmington, NC 28403

Enrollment

251

Student-Teacher

27.9:1

Score

7.3

Grades

9th – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

North Carolina schools

#817 of 2,648

In Wilmington

#19 of 43

public schools

In district

#22 of 41

New Hanover County Schools

Academic performance

9.9 / 10

Excellent

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Isaac M Bear Early College High School

7.3/10

High School in Wilmington · grades 9th – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Winter Park Model Elementary

8.4/10

0.6 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

Roland-grise Middle

7.0/10

1.1 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Isaac M Bear Early College High School

Isaac M Bear Early College High School is a public high school in Wilmington, NC, part of New Hanover County Schools. Isaac M Bear Early College High School serves approximately 251 students, and covers grades 9th-12th, and has a 27.9:1 student-teacher ratio. Isaac M Bear Early College High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.3 out of 10 and ranks #817 of 2,648 schools in NC.

Structured state assessment records for Isaac M Bear Early College High School show 85% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 91% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

How it compares0.6 pts above district
  • This school 7.3 · Very Good
  • District avg 6.7
  • NC avg 6.4

What Parents Should Know

Isaac M Bear Early College High School runs 27.9:1 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.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress9.1Excellent25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data14
Annual Change-0.1 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2025
TrendStable
Academics9.9Excellent25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency100% (2025 NC)
Reading/ELA Proficiency98.5% (2025 NC)
Math vs. State Avg+44 pts
Reading vs. State Avg+44.9 pts
Overall Proficiency99% (2025 NC, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)70% (model expectation from 2025 NC)
vs. Expected+28.9 pts
Adjusted Percentile98th
College Readiness6.9Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate95%+
AP Participation2.8%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment2.5Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio27.9:1
Per-Pupil Spending$13,808
Chronic Absenteeism3.6%

Isaac M Bear Early College High School — Students at Isaac M Bear Early College High School score 99% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 70%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

21.5%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores NC NC (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 84.8% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
56.0% (2025 NC)
ELA Proficiency 90.7% (multi-year average, 2009-2025)
School
State
53.6% (2025 NC)

Based on 26 test records from NC state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2009
Math
95%
ELA
95%
2010
Math
95%
ELA
95%
2011
Math
95%
ELA
97.5%
2012
Math
84.5%
ELA
95%
2013
Math
74.5%
ELA
84.5%
2014
Math
95%
ELA
84.5%
2015
Math
84.5%
ELA
84.5%
2016
Math
84.5%
ELA
84.5%
2017
Math
5%
ELA
95%
2018
Math
95%
ELA
87%
2019
Math
95%
ELA
87%
2020*
Math
92%
2021*
Math
92%
2025
Math
100%
ELA
98.5%

* 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: 9.1/10.

How Isaac M Bear Early College High School Compares

See how Isaac M Bear Early College High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
7.3/10
69th percentile in NC
Academic
9.9/10
Excellent
Growth
9.1/10
Excellent
Environment
2.5/10
Needs Improvement
AP Courses
4
State avg: 3
Advanced STEM
4/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
22%
Teaching Staff
28:1 student-teacher ratio
9 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
3.6%

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs4 AP courses offered
2.8% participation·State avg: 3 AP courses·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses4 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22
Gifted & Talented Program Available
This school offers a gifted and talented program for qualifying students. · CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

630 MacMillan Avenue, Wilmington, NC 28403

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Isaac M Bear Early College High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. John T Hoggard High (rated 7.4/10, 1.6 miles away), with a very similar rating. Another option is Girls Leadership Academy of Wilmington (rated 7.0/10, 2.3 miles away), with a very similar rating. Additionally, Career Readiness Academy at Mosley PLC (rated 6.9/10, 1.9 miles away), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Wilmington, see our Wilmington schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 2.4 mi
School Distance Rating
Winter Park Model Elementary Wilmington 0.6 mi 8.4
Roland-Grise Middle Wilmington 1.1 mi 7.0
Wilmington School of the Arts Wilmington 1.1 mi 8.6
Wilmington Preparatory Academy Wilmington 1.4 mi 5.9
HILL SCHOOL OF WILMINGTON Wilmington 1.3 mi 5.4
PEACE ROSE MONTESSORI SCHOOL Wilmington 1.3 mi 5.4
SOUTHEASTERN AUTISM ACADEMY Wilmington 1.4 mi 6.4
College Park Elementary Wilmington 1.5 mi 3.4
John T Hoggard High Wilmington 1.6 mi 7.4
PATHWAYS MIDDLE AND HIGH Wilmington 1.4 mi 3.6
Holly Tree Elementary Wilmington 2.0 mi 8.0
Edwin A Alderman Elementary Wilmington 1.8 mi 4.7
Career Readiness Academy at Mosley PLC Wilmington 1.9 mi 6.9
PROVIDENCE PREPARATORY ACADEMY Wilmington 2.0 mi 4.7
PINE VALLEY UMC WEE CARE PRESCHOOL & KINDERGARTEN Wilmington 2.1 mi
Forest Hills Global Elementary Wilmington 2.0 mi 3.4
Girls Leadership Academy of Wilmington Wilmington 2.3 mi 7.0
PEACE ROSE MONTESSORI Wilmington 2.2 mi 6.4
FRIENDS SCHOOL OF WILMINGTON Wilmington 2.3 mi 6.9
ST MARK CATHOLIC SCHOOL Wilmington 2.4 mi 4.8

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 28403 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$50,988

Median Home Value

$337,600

Median Rent

$1,293/mo

Population

40,292

College Educated

47.6%

Homeownership

35.6%

Avg Commute

17.6 min

Poverty Rate

23.7%

Median Age

29.7

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
Yadkin Early College Yadkinville, NC 7.3
ABSS Early College at ACC Graham, NC 7.2
Cato Middle College High School Charlotte, NC 7.2
Chatham Central High Bear Creek, NC 7.2
Robbinsville High Robbinsville, NC 7.2
CHRIST SCHOOL Arden, NC 7.4

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Isaac M Bear Early College High School

What grades does Isaac M Bear Early College High School serve?

Isaac M Bear Early College High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Isaac M Bear Early College High School?

Isaac M Bear Early College High School has an enrollment of approximately 251 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Isaac M Bear Early College High School?

The student-teacher ratio at Isaac M Bear Early College High School is 27.9:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Isaac M Bear Early College High School rank in NC?

Isaac M Bear Early College High School ranks #817 of 2,648 schools in NC.

What is Isaac M Bear Early College High School's MySchoolScout rating?

Isaac M Bear Early College High School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 7.3 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 Isaac M Bear Early College High School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Isaac M Bear Early College High School has 85% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025) and 91% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2025).

Is Isaac M Bear Early College High School a charter school?

No, Isaac M Bear Early College High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Isaac M Bear Early College High School a Title I school?

No, Isaac M Bear Early College High School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Isaac M Bear Early College High School?

21.5% of students at Isaac M Bear Early College High School qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
71 Very Walkable
Transit Score
44 Some Transit
Bike Score
80 Very Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
251
Student-Teacher Ratio
27.9:1
Teachers (FTE)
9
Free/Reduced Lunch
21.5%
Type
regular
Setting
Midsize City
County
New Hanover County
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
3.6%
4-Year Graduation
95%+

District

New Hanover County Schools
District Enrollment
25,028
Schools in District
42
Per-Pupil Spending
$13,808
District Rank
#22 of 41

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