New Hanover County Education: Which school had most students enrolled in 2023-24 school year?

John T. Hoggard High School had the highest enrollment among New Hanover County schools, welcoming 2,117 students during the 2023-24 school year, according to the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.

Among the 49 schools in New Hanover County, Eugene Ashley High School ranked second in enrollment numbers with 1,861 students, while New Hanover High School welcomed 1,458 students and ranked third in the 2023-24 school year.

John T. Hoggard High School is part of New Hanover County Schools district, which roughly covers institutions within New Hanover County and has a main office in Wilmington.

In the previous school year, John T. Hoggard High School also had the highest number of students among New Hanover County schools.

Despite steady enrollment, North Carolina schools continue to face significant funding challenges. The state’s per-student spending remains nearly $5,000 below the national average, limiting resources for teachers, classrooms, and student support programs. In fact, North Carolina ranks 48th out of 50 states in per-student funding (after adjusting for regional costs).

Staffing shortages have also become a growing concern, with teacher turnover rising to 11.5% in the most recent school year. Low salaries and high workloads make it difficult to retain experienced educators, potentially increasing class sizes and affecting learning quality.