Average
#1958 of 2,648 schools in NC
Topsail High
High School · Pender County Schools
245 St. Johns Church Road, Hampstead, NC 28443
Enrollment
1,888
Student-Teacher
21.5:1
Score
5.4
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
1,888
Student-Teacher
21.5:1
Score
5.4
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Hampstead
#6 of 7
public schools
North Carolina high schools
#287 of 579
In district
#13 of 19
Pender County Schools
Academic performance
7.8 / 10
Very strong
About Topsail High
Topsail High serves 1,888 students in grades 9-12 in Hampstead, North Carolina, earning strong recognition as the 551st ranked high school out of 2,661 schools statewide, placing it in the 79th percentile. With 88 full-time equivalent teachers, the school maintains a 21.5:1 student-teacher ratio while delivering impressive academic results. The school's academic performance is particularly noteworthy, with 77% of students achieving proficiency or above in English Language Arts and 70% reaching proficiency in mathematics.
These solid achievement levels have earned Topsail High a 7.5 out of 10 rating from MySchoolScout and an outstanding 9.2 academic score, reflecting the school's commitment to student success across all grade levels. Students at Topsail High benefit from studying in a community where educational achievement is valued, as evidenced by the area's 38% college graduation rate and median household income of $86,162. The surrounding neighborhood demonstrates stability with a median home value of $323,700 and a low 7.4% poverty rate among the 25,655 residents of the 28443 ZIP code.
Topsail High is situated in a rural setting near town, providing students with a blend of small-town community feel and access to broader educational and extracurricular opportunities in Pender County.
What Parents Should Know
The student-teacher ratio at Topsail High is 21.5:1, which is higher than the national average. This may mean larger class sizes, so parents should ask about classroom support, teaching assistants, and how the school differentiates instruction for students who need extra help.
Located in a rural area, Topsail High may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Topsail High — Students at Topsail High score 67% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 67%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
22.8%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores NC NC (2024-25)
Based on 6 test records from NC state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↑ ImprovingAverage 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: 5.5/10.
How Topsail High Compares
See how Topsail High performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has remained stable from 58% (2019) to 56.7% (2025). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 61% (2019) to 77.4% (2025).
Location
245 St. Johns Church Road, Hampstead, NC 28443
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Topsail High may also want to explore other high schools in the area. SEA-Tech (rated 8.2/10, 11.5 miles away, in nearby Castle Hayne), which scores notably higher. Another option is Wilmington Early College High (rated 5.9/10, 12.3 miles away, in nearby Castle Hayne), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Emsley A Laney High (rated 4.4/10, 12.8 miles away, in nearby Wilmington), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Hampstead, see our Hampstead schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 12.4 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Topsail Annandale Elementary School Hampstead | 0.2 mi | 7.3 |
| Topsail Middle Hampstead | 0.3 mi | 5.8 |
| South Topsail Elementary Hampstead | 2.0 mi | 7.5 |
| North Topsail Elementary Hampstead | 2.6 mi | 7.4 |
| American Leadership Academy-Coastal Wilmington | 7.5 mi | 6.9 |
| Surf City Elementary Hampstead | 7.6 mi | 5.1 |
| Surf City Middle Hampstead | 7.6 mi | 6.4 |
| Porters Neck Elementary Wilmington | 9.2 mi | 7.1 |
| Ogden Elementary Wilmington | 11.6 mi | 7.1 |
| Murrayville Elementary Wilmington | 11.8 mi | 7.7 |
| SEA-Tech Castle Hayne | 11.5 mi | 8.2 |
| Rocky Point Elementary Rocky Point | 11.4 mi | 9.0 |
| Dr Hubert Eaton Sr Elem Wilmington | 12.5 mi | 8.3 |
| M C S Noble Middle Wilmington | 13.2 mi | 5.9 |
| Wilmington Early College High Castle Hayne | 12.3 mi | 5.9 |
| John J Blair Elementary Wilmington | 13.2 mi | 5.3 |
| Holly Shelter Middle Castle Hayne | 12.3 mi | 7.8 |
| Emsley A Laney High Wilmington | 12.8 mi | 4.4 |
| Emma B Trask Middle Wilmington | 12.8 mi | 7.5 |
| Castle Hayne Elementary Castle Hayne | 12.4 mi | 9.0 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 28443 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$89,392
Median Home Value
$356,500
Median Rent
$1,372/mo
Population
27,203
College Educated
39.6%
Homeownership
81.2%
Avg Commute
30.6 min
Poverty Rate
8%
Median Age
40.5
Community Profile
The community surrounding Topsail High has a median household income of $89,392. It is a well-educated community where 40% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $356,500, with a median rent of $1,372/month. The local poverty rate of 8.0% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 31 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Athens Drive High Raleigh, NC | 5.4 |
| Ben L. Smith High School Greensboro, NC | 5.4 |
| East Mecklenburg High School Charlotte, NC | 5.4 |
| Harding University High School Charlotte, NC | 5.4 |
| Leesville Road High Raleigh, NC | 5.4 |
| Middle Creek High Apex, NC | 5.4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Topsail High
What grades does Topsail High serve?
Topsail High serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend Topsail High?
Topsail High has an enrollment of approximately 1,888 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Topsail High?
The student-teacher ratio at Topsail High is 21.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Topsail High rank in NC?
Topsail High is ranked #1958 out of 2,648 schools in NC.
What is Topsail High's MySchoolScout rating?
Topsail High has a composite rating of 5.4 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Topsail High?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Topsail High has 60.6% math proficiency and 70.1% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Topsail High a charter school?
No, Topsail High is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Topsail High a Title I school?
No, Topsail High is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Topsail High?
22.8% of students at Topsail 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.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 1,888
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 21.5:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 88
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 22.8%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Fringe Rural
- County
- Pender County
- Phone
- (910) 270-2755
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Pender County Schools- District Enrollment
- 11,075
- Schools in District
- 19
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $11,425
- District Rank
- #13 of 19
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
Read our full methodologyRelated 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.