Hampstead’s public schools outscore 68% of North Carolina districts
The grade covers the public school district serving Hampstead, from kindergarten through graduation, on state tests and graduation. Each state writes its own tests, so this is the one TownRatings grade compared within North Carolina, not nationally.
From North Carolina state tests taken in spring 2022, when 100% of students in the tested grades sat them, and the class of 2023’s four-year graduation rate, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education.
Hampstead’s schools, in brief
Better than its incomes would predict
Among the 229 North Carolina towns with household incomes within a quarter of Hampstead’s, its schools beat 77%, higher than their 68% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Above the state on both counts
Reading proficiency is 51% and math 55% in spring 2022, against 50% and 51% statewide; 94% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 86%. Test scores ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $12,360 per student, against $13,045 across North Carolina (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
One elementary school, then six middle and four high schools
Which school depends on the address at the later steps. Enrollment is up 16% since 2020–21. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
Topsail Montessori LLC (private) is in town. Every school ↓
Written from the figures on this page. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023; each school’s own letter uses 2020–21 results.
What’s behind Hampstead’s grade
B+: better than 68% of North Carolina school districts, #51 of 290 North Carolina towns. Test scores and graduation are both above the North Carolina average; graduation is the stronger of the two.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Hampstead, with each school’s own grade.
Kindergarten in Hampstead
South Topsail Elementary
Grades PK–5 · 618 students · 16:1 students per teacher
1st grade in Hampstead
South Topsail Elementary
Grades PK–5 · 618 students · 16:1 students per teacher
2nd grade in Hampstead
South Topsail Elementary
Grades PK–5 · 618 students · 16:1 students per teacher
3rd grade in Hampstead
South Topsail Elementary
Grades PK–5 · 618 students · 16:1 students per teacher
4th grade in Hampstead
South Topsail Elementary
Grades PK–5 · 618 students · 16:1 students per teacher
5th grade in Hampstead
South Topsail Elementary
Grades PK–5 · 618 students · 16:1 students per teacher
Hampstead’s public schools are run by Pender County Schools, which also serves Atkinson, Burgaw, St. Helena and Surf City and others. To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
The district
Spending and class size are shown but don’t count toward the grade. Each district’s own page has every school.
Close to the state in reading
Hampstead vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the North Carolina towns that share Hampstead’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Hampstead | B+ | Pender County Schools |
Every school in Hampstead
12 schools. Each public school’s letter compares its own 2020–21 reading and math results with North Carolina’s other public schools (the newest school-level results we have).
Questions about Hampstead’s schools
Are Hampstead’s schools good?
By North Carolina’s own tests, yes: the public schools Hampstead children attend outscore 68% of North Carolina’s school districts on tests and graduation, a B+ Schools grade, #51 of 290 North Carolina towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 77%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Hampstead in?
Pender County Schools, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 11,073 students in 19 schools (2024–25).
Where do Hampstead kids go to high school?
One of 4 high schools, depending on your address: Topsail High, Heide Trask High, Pender High and Pender Early College High.
What is Hampstead’s graduation rate?
94% of the class of 2023 in Pender County Schools graduated in four years, against 86% across North Carolina.
How much does Hampstead spend per student?
$12,360 in Pender County Schools (FY2024), against $13,045 across North Carolina. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Hampstead?
Yes: Topsail Montessori LLC (nonsectarian, grades PK–4, 94 students).
Parents talk
What Hampstead families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Hampstead → They have their own page.
School data: state test results (2021–22, with participation) and four-year graduation rates (class of 2023) reported to the U.S. Department of Education (EDFacts via ED Data Express); each school’s own letter uses its 2020–21 results (EDFacts via the Urban Institute); schools and enrollment from NCES (2024–25; private schools 2023–24); spending from the Census Bureau’s school finance survey (FY2024). The School Grade is our own summary, graded within North Carolina. Stars are from neighbors.