The top reported proficiency rate is 61% in Science. The lowest is 39% in English language arts.
Original Research by School Decision on Lincoln Elementary
Lincoln Elementary is a small public elementary school serving prekindergarten through fifth grade in Leland, a rapidly growing suburb across the Cape Fear River from Wilmington. The school enrolls a diverse student body, with a substantial majority of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch and nearly equal representation across white, Hispanic, and Black students. The enrollment is stable and reflective of the town's broader demographics.
The school's academic standing shows mixed results on North Carolina's state assessments. In mathematics, about half of tested students in grades three through five scored at or above the proficiency threshold. Reading and language arts results were lower, with about two in five students meeting proficiency. Science proficiency was stronger, at roughly three in five, though science testing occurs less frequently and the assessment changed format this year, so year-to-year comparisons are not yet meaningful. The school tested more than three hundred students in math and reading, so these results reflect a broad snapshot of performance. Parents may want to discuss with the school what support systems are in place for students not yet meeting grade-level standards, particularly in reading.
Lincoln Elementary sits within Brunswick County Schools, a district that has not held a bond referendum since 2010 and now faces acute capacity pressures. All elementary schools in the district are approaching full capacity, and the district projects all schools will exceed capacity within the next few years. A large school bond referendum is scheduled for the November ballot and would fund new elementary and high schools plus renovations; if it fails, the next opportunity would not come until 2028. This context matters directly to families considering the area: the outcome will shape class sizes, attendance zones, and property taxes for the next decade. The district's 2024-2029 strategic plan commits to adopting common core curricula across all tested subjects and expanding career and college pathways; these changes will ripple through schools over the next several years.
The town itself is one of the fastest-growing communities in North Carolina, driven by large master-planned subdivisions including Brunswick Forest, Compass Pointe, and several others. Housing prices have risen modestly, and rental costs remain below the national average, though mortgage payments relative to median household income run above the national benchmark. The area emphasizes retail and service employment, with many residents commuting to Wilmington for work. Leland remains auto-oriented with limited walkable downtown; the town is working to create a planned downtown through the Gateway District. Parks, the library, and the Cultural Arts Center anchor civic life.
For a family choosing Lincoln Elementary, the appeal is a small, diverse school in a growing suburb with reasonable housing costs and good access to Wilmington. The academic results warrant attention, especially in reading; families should ask the school directly about its literacy strategy and how it serves students below grade level. The broader question is whether the school bond referendum passes, since capacity constraints will likely reshape attendance zones and resources across the district within a few years.
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