Best Hampstead Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public schools serving 5,261 students in Hampstead, NC (there are 1 private school, serving 67 private students). 99% of all K-12 students in Hampstead, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 93%).
The top-ranked public schools in Hampstead, NC are Topsail Annandale Elementary School, Topsail High School and South Topsail Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Hampstead, NC public schools have an average math proficiency score of 69% (versus the North Carolina public school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 65% (versus the 50% statewide average). Schools in Hampstead have an average ranking of 10/10, which is in the top 10% of North Carolina public schools.
Minority enrollment is 17% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public school average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).

Best Public Schools in Hampstead, NC (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Topsail Annandale Elementary School
(Math: 80% | Reading: 72%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
17385 Us Hwy 17
Hampstead, NC 28443
(910) 270-1977
Gr: PK-4 | 580 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #22.
Topsail High School
(Math: 70% | Reading: 75%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
245 St. Johns Church Road
Hampstead, NC 28443
(910) 270-2755
Gr: 9-12 | 1,945 students Student-teacher ratio: 29:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #33.
South Topsail Elementary School
(Math: 74% | Reading: 63%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
997 Hoover Road
Hampstead, NC 28443
(910) 270-2756
Gr: PK-5 | 618 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 23%
Rank: #44.
Topsail Middle School
(Math: 69% | Reading: 64%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
17445 Us Hwy 17
Hampstead, NC 28443
(910) 270-2612
Gr: 5-8 | 837 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: #55.
North Topsail Elementary School
(Math: 68% | Reading: 60%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
1310 Sloop Point Loop Road
Hampstead, NC 28443
(910) 270-0694
Gr: PK-5 | 529 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #66.
Surf City Middle School
(Math: 64% | Reading: 62%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
12345-b Literacy Lane
Hampstead, NC 28443
(910) 928-0087
Gr: 6-8 | 752 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 17%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public schools in Hampstead, NC?
The top-ranked public schools in Hampstead, NC include Topsail Annandale Elementary School, Topsail High School and South Topsail Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Hampstead?
6 public schools are located in Hampstead.
What percentage of students in Hampstead go to public school?
99% of all K-12 students in Hampstead are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 93%).
What is the racial composition of students in Hampstead?
Hampstead public schools minority enrollment is 17% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public schools average of 58% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public schools in Hampstead are often viewed compared to one another?

Recent Articles

Media Literacy as a Core Skill: How to Tell if a School Teaches It Well
Media Literacy as a Core Skill: How to Tell if a School Teaches It Well
Learn how to evaluate whether a public school teaches media literacy effectively, from fact-checking and source evaluation to digital citizenship and critical thinking.
Screen Time, Paper Learning, and the New Back-to-Basics Debate
Screen Time, Paper Learning, and the New Back-to-Basics Debate
Explore why some public schools are reducing screen time, bringing back paper learning, and rethinking the balance between technology and traditional instruction.
Student Data, AI Tools, and Privacy: Questions to Ask Your District
Student Data, AI Tools, and Privacy: Questions to Ask Your District
Learn how public schools use AI, protect student data, and the key privacy questions every parent should ask their school district in 2026.

Quick Links