Isaac Bear Early College High School, also called Isaac Bear, is a selective-enrollment school at 630 MacMillan Avenue, Wilmington, North Carolina. The premises are situated on UNCW campus and were founded in the auditorium of Annie H. Snipes Elementary school in the year 2006.
Serving 260 students in grades 9-12, Isaac M Bear Early College High School ranks in the top 1% of all schools in North Carolina for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 1%, and reading proficiency is top 1%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 90-94% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 42%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is ≥90% (which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 50%).
The student-teacher ratio of 24:1 is higher than the North Carolina state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 38% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the North Carolina state average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 260 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 24:1
- Minority Enrollment: 38%
- Graduation Rate: ≥95% (Top 30% in NC)
- Math Proficiency: 90-94% (Top 1%)
- Reading Proficiency: ≥90% (Top 5%)
- Science Proficiency: ≥95% (Top 1%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Isaac M Bear Early College High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Community Size
School Overview
Isaac M Bear Early College High School's student population of 260 students has grown by 10% over five school years.
The teacher population of 11 teachers has grown by 10% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
260 students
Total Classroom Teachers
11 teachers
Year Founded
2006
Colors
Navy Blue, Teal
School Calendar
School Rankings
The diversity score of Isaac M Bear Early College High School is 0.58, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.72. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)90-94%
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
≥90%
50%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
(20-21)≥95%
61%
Student-Teacher Ratio
24:1
15:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
9%
5%
Hispanic
18%
22%
Black
4%
24%
White
62%
42%
Hawaiian
1%
n/a
Two or more races
6%
6%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
(21-22)≥95%
86%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
24%
72%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
2%
1%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
New Hanover County Schools
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), NC Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Bearhawk
Frequently Asked Questions
What schools are Isaac M Bear Early College High School often compared to?
Isaac M Bear Early College High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like John T Hoggard High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
90-94% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 42% NC state average), while ≥90% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 50% NC state average).
What is the graduation rate of Isaac M Bear Early College High School?
The graduation rate of Isaac M Bear Early College High School is 95%, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 86%.
How many students attend Isaac M Bear Early College High School?
260 students attend Isaac M Bear Early College High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
62% of Isaac M Bear Early College High School students are White, 18% of students are Hispanic, 9% of students are Asian, 6% of students are Two or more races, 4% of students are Black, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Isaac M Bear Early College High School?
Isaac M Bear Early College High School has a student ration of 24:1, which is higher than the North Carolina state average of 15:1.
What grades does Isaac M Bear Early College High School offer ?
Isaac M Bear Early College High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Isaac M Bear Early College High School part of?
Isaac M Bear Early College High School is part of New Hanover County Schools.
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