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Needs Improvement

#2583 of 2,648 schools in NC

Pender Innovative Learning Academy

School · Pender County Schools

1886 NC Hwy 133, Rocky Point, NC 28457

Enrollment

48

Student-Teacher

9.6:1

Score

2.9

Grades

Kindergarten – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

North Carolina schools

#2,583 of 2,648

In Rocky Point

#5 of 5

public schools

In district

#19 of 19

Pender County Schools

School environment

9.1 / 10

Excellent

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Pender Innovative Learning Academy

2.9/10

School in Rocky Point · grades Kindergarten – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Cape Fear Middle

5.9/10

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

Cape Fear Elementary

5.3/10

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

About Pender Innovative Learning Academy

Pender Innovative Learning Academy is a public school in Rocky Point, NC, part of Pender County Schools. Pender Innovative Learning Academy serves approximately 48 students, and covers grades Kindergarten-12th, and has a 9.6:1 student-teacher ratio. Pender Innovative Learning Academy has a current MySchoolScout rating of 2.9 out of 10 and ranks #2,583 of 2,648 schools in NC.

Structured state assessment records for Pender Innovative Learning Academy show 18% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2022-2025) and 25% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2022-2025).

How it compares3.2 pts below district
  • This school 2.9 · Needs Improvement
  • District avg 6.1
  • NC avg 6.2

What Parents Should Know

At 48 students, Pender Innovative Learning Academy is on the smaller side. That usually buys more individual attention and teachers who know every kid by name, with the trade-off of fewer electives and extracurriculars than a larger school can staff. Ask what activities it actually offers.

At 9.6:1 students to teachers, Pender Innovative Learning Academy sits well below the national average. Smaller classes like that usually mean more one-on-one time between students and teachers.

Pender Innovative Learning Academy 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 · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress1.1Needs Improvement25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data2
Annual Change-6.3 pts/yr
Data Period2022–2025
TrendDeclining
Academics1.3Needs Improvement25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency11.8% (2025 NC)
Reading/ELA Proficiency11.8% (2025 NC)
Math vs. State Avg-44.2 pts
Reading vs. State Avg-41.8 pts
Overall Proficiency12% (2025 NC, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)48% (model expectation from 2025 NC)
vs. Expected-36.4 pts
Adjusted Percentile1th
College Readiness1.5Needs Improvement30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
AP Participation2.1%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment9.1Excellent20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio9.6:1
Per-Pupil Spending$11,425

Pender Innovative Learning Academy — Students at Pender Innovative Learning Academy score 12% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 48%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

93.8%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores NC NC (2024-25)

Math Proficiency 18.0% (multi-year average, 2022-2025)
School
State
56.0% (2025 NC)
ELA Proficiency 24.5% (multi-year average, 2022-2025)
School
State
53.6% (2025 NC)

Based on 4 test records from NC state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

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

2022
Math
24.2%
ELA
37.3%
2025
Math
11.8%
ELA
11.8%

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 1.1/10.

How Pender Innovative Learning Academy Compares

See how Pender Innovative Learning Academy performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
2.9/10
3th percentile in NC
Academic
1.3/10
Needs Improvement
Growth
1.1/10
Needs Improvement
Environment
9.1/10
Excellent
AP Courses
1
State avg: 3
Advanced STEM
3/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
94%
Teaching Staff
10:1 student-teacher ratio
5 teachers

Programs & Offerings

AP/IB Programs1 AP course offered
2.1% participation·State avg: 3 AP courses·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses3 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

1886 NC Hwy 133, Rocky Point, NC 28457

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Pender Innovative Learning Academy may also want to explore other schools in the area. PENDERLEA CHRISTIAN ACADEMY (rated 5.8/10, 6.4 miles away), which scores notably higher. Additionally, WILMINGTON CHRISTIAN ACADEMY (rated 4.6/10, 9.8 miles away, in nearby Wilmington), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Rocky Point, see our Rocky Point schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 11.1 mi
School Distance Rating
Cape Fear Middle Rocky Point 0.0 mi 5.9
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
Macon Virtual Academy Franklin, NC 2.4
NEW HOPE CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Thomasville, NC 3.5
Discovery Program at The Springs Statesville, NC 3.7
CHARLOTTE LEADERSHIP ACADEMY Charlotte, NC 4.2
BIBLE WESLEYAN CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Graham, NC
The SCORE Center Reidsville, NC

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Pender Innovative Learning Academy

What grades does Pender Innovative Learning Academy serve?

Pender Innovative Learning Academy serves students in grades Kindergarten through 12th.

How many students attend Pender Innovative Learning Academy?

Pender Innovative Learning Academy has an enrollment of approximately 48 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Pender Innovative Learning Academy?

The student-teacher ratio at Pender Innovative Learning Academy is 9.6:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Pender Innovative Learning Academy rank in NC?

Pender Innovative Learning Academy ranks #2,583 of 2,648 schools in NC.

What is Pender Innovative Learning Academy's MySchoolScout rating?

Pender Innovative Learning Academy has a current MySchoolScout rating of 2.9 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 Pender Innovative Learning Academy?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Pender Innovative Learning Academy has 18% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2022-2025) and 25% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2022-2025).

Is Pender Innovative Learning Academy a charter school?

No, Pender Innovative Learning Academy is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Pender Innovative Learning Academy a Title I school?

No, Pender Innovative Learning Academy is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Pender Innovative Learning Academy?

93.8% of students at Pender Innovative Learning Academy 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
5 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
27 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Kindergarten – 12th
Enrollment
48
Student-Teacher Ratio
9.6:1
Teachers (FTE)
5
Free/Reduced Lunch
93.8%
Type
alternative
Setting
Fringe Rural
County
Pender County

District

Pender County Schools
District Enrollment
11,075
Schools in District
19
Per-Pupil Spending
$11,425
District Rank
#19 of 19

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