The top reported proficiency rate is 26% in Science. The lowest is 11% in English language arts.
Original Research by School Decision on R Freeman Sch of Engineering
R Freeman School of Engineering serves a small population of students in the pre-K through grade five range in Wilmington. The school's name reflects an engineering-themed focus, though the data does not detail the specific curricular pathways or program structure that distinguish it from other elementary schools in the district.
The student body is economically disadvantaged and racially concentrated. An overwhelming share of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. The majority of the school is Black, with meaningful populations of Hispanic and multiracial students, and very few white or Asian students. The school draws from a neighborhood context shaped by broader patterns in the city and county.
Test proficiency rates reported for grades three through five are quite low. In mathematics, roughly one in seven students met proficiency standards. In English language arts, the proportion was smaller still. Science proficiency, tested in fewer grades, stood at roughly one in four students. These results reflect substantial gaps in foundational skills for this cohort and grade band.
The school's enrollment is small for its grade span. Pre-K through kindergarten together account for a modest share of the total, while grades one through five are relatively balanced. No data on special education enrollment, English learner enrollment, chronic absenteeism, or disciplinary patterns were available, so a parent would need to contact the school directly to understand whether specialized supports, inclusion practices, or behavioral approaches align with their child's needs.
Wilmington itself is a mid-sized coastal city experiencing rapid growth, anchored by Novant Health, the University of North Carolina Wilmington, GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy, and a growing fintech sector centered on nCino. The historic downtown core is unusually walkable for North Carolina, built on a grid with riverfront parks, galleries, and cultural venues, though most of the broader city and surrounding areas require a car. The region has been ranked among the fastest-growing metros in the country, with significant residential expansion spilling into Brunswick and Pender counties. Housing values have climbed substantially over the past decade, and affordability has become a top resident concern.
The New Hanover County Schools district is currently planning major capital improvements. A bond referendum on the November ballot would fund replacement of Trask Middle School and Pine Valley Elementary, a new elementary school in the growing Riverlights area, and improvements to New Hanover High School, with nearly every school in the county slated to benefit in some way. The district has also embedded local African American history, including the story of the Freeman family and the Seabreeze Resort, into the curriculum.
A parent considering this school would want to look into further detail with the school itself regarding the specific engineering curriculum offered, the supports available for students working below grade level in core subjects, and how the school approaches acceleration or enrichment for students who may enter ahead.
See more original research from School Decision →