Since 1983 New Horizons Elementary School has provided students with a foundation for lifelong learning, leadership, and academic excellence.
The student-centered community at New Horizons focuses on physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development.
Teachers empower students through inquiry based lessons that inspire critical thinking and discovery.
Small classes ensure personal attention for every student, and technology is infused throughout the curriculum.
New Horizons prepares students to be active, engaged citizens.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Top Ranked NC School
- Grades: Kindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 108 students
- Acceptance rate: 75%
- Average class size: 18 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
New Horizons Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in North Carolina for:
Category
Attribute
Acceptance Rate
School Overview
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-5
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Mild Learning Differences
Year Founded
1983
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
108 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
6%
State avg.: 23%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
15 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
7:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
70%
Average Class Size
18 students
List of Courses Offered
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Acceptance Rate
75%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Amanda Jacobs
Admissions Associate
Amanda Jacobs
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
7 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Baking Club, Chess Club, Craft Club, Stem Club
Arts and Music Programs:
After School, Music Club
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Running Club
Baking Club, Chess Club, Craft Club, Stem Club
Arts and Music Programs:
After School, Music Club
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Running Club
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate of New Horizons Elementary School?
The acceptance rate of New Horizons Elementary School is 75%, which is lower than the national average of 86%. New Horizons Elementary School's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in North Carolina with low acceptance rates.
What is New Horizons Elementary School's ranking?
New Horizons Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in North Carolina for: Lowest average acceptance rates.
When is the application deadline for New Horizons Elementary School?
The application deadline for New Horizons Elementary School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
School Reviews
5 9/8/2023
We could not be more grateful to have found this extraordinary school for our son. We only wish we'd learned about NHES while our teenage children were in elementary school, as we'd have immediately enrolled them, too! NHES manages the rare balance of all the things we'd hoped for as parents: nurturing and rigor, inquiry and wonder, support and challenge., and truly fosters a love of learning, a respect for self, community, and environment. The term "whole-child" isn't merely a slogan here, but rather a directive, one to which each teacher and administrator are fully committed. Our son has blossomed over the three years he's been a student at this special school. We truly could not love it more!
5 8/25/2023
Finding new horizons was truly a gift. Not only does New Horizon foster the love of learning, but also nurtures the well-being of every child. I've seen my kids encouraged, supported and cared for at New Horizons. I see my kids happy. I love that there are opportunities for parent participation and that communication is never lacking. I am thankful that there is a New Horizons and for the incredible teachers and staff who dedicate their time and love into each child that make New Horizons a school family. My kids love their school and so do I.
5 8/25/2023
We are so thankful to have found New Horizons. Not only does New Horizons foster a love of learning, but also fosters the well-being of each individual child. I have seen my children encourage, supported and loved at New Horizons.I see my children happy. (Oh and 2 recesses a day is icing on the cake) I love that New Horizons offers many opportunities for parent participation and that communication is never lacking. Many thanks to the teachers and staff that dedicate their time and efforts into the students that make New Horizons a school family.
5 8/11/2023
I have two children at New Horizons. We love it so much and feel so lucky to be part of what is truly the greatest school family. The focus on whole child development is so special and the academics are outstanding. Both my kids love going to school here each day!
5 8/11/2023
New Horizons has become the school community we have always hoped for. I have watched both of my (very different) kids thrive and succeed here over the last five years. Their teachers have helped to encourage and ultimately cultivate a love of school and learning in my kids. On top of being impressed by the curriculum, I have loved how New Horizons fosters social and emotional learning as well. They help with real-world knowledge that will take my kids through life. Lastly, the community is like no other. Every staff member from every grade knows my children. My kids also know all of the other students in the school. The multi-grade interaction is invaluable and we are so thankful we found this sweet, amazing school.
5 8/11/2023
NHES is the school we dreamed of for our children. The students are outdoors as much as possible (and with 2 recess breaks each day), hands-on learning is a priority, the general atmosphere on campus is very cheerful and nurturing, and the class sizes are smaller. Parent involvement is encouraged, which has been wonderful for our family. When I walk into my child's classroom, I am always impressed with how supportive the classmates are to each other, and how confident and excited they are to show off their work and space. In addition, the teachers we have had have been phenomenal - we have been at NHES for 3 years, and I can't imagine another elementary school experience!
5 2/26/2016
New Horizons is an amazing school providing an excellent education in a warm nurturing environment. Great teachers make learning FUN! We relocated to Wilmington in 2014 and enrolled our children in the public schools - big mistake. New Horizons provides all the missing elements: Strong Academics unencumbered by NC standards, independent & small group projects, students have an interactive learning process, several recesses daily, dedicated PhEd, music & art teacher. The best part is that each & every teacher knows every student and cares that each & every one receives the best education (academically & socially). My daughter attends a private high school and her friends that are New Horizons alumni all say it was the best school they have ever attended!
5 12/7/2015
Years ago when we began searching Wilmington for an elementary school that had excellent academics, engaging and caring teachers, and a safe and welcoming environment, we luckily found New Horizons. What an amazing school and the only one we could find that closely resembled what we remembered elementary school SHOULD be! The small class sizes help teachers hone in on each child's progress, plus create an atmosphere where all of the school students know each other -- just like a big family. The kids are taught to respect themselves and others, to think outside the box, and to lead and have confidence in their abilities. I know from experience that the school provides excellent preparation for middle school, both academically and socially! My children have been so lucky to have this "happy place" in their educational careers, and it has been a wonderful place for them to grow and flourish. We couldn't be happier with our school!
5 10/20/2015
We feel so lucky to have found New Horizons! Our children have thrived here and it has been everything we hoped our children's elementary school experience would be. Just a wonderful place for children to learn and grow. Excellent academics, amazingly dedicated faculty, active and creative learning environment with a focus on character development. We love this whole child approach. Our kids are happy and engaged and we would recommend NHES to anyone!
5 9/19/2015
New Horizons is a wonderful, enriching environment where I have seen my son flourish over the past 3 years. The amazing teachers have fostered his love of learning and encouraged his curiosity. I could not imagine him at a better school. We are truly grateful that this school is in Wilmington.
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