Isaac M Bear High

Isaac Bear Early College High School is located on the UNCW campus in Wilmington and serves approximately 250 students (9-12). The school is known for its emphasis on dual-enrollment, college readiness, high proficiency rates (90%+ passing in reading- & mathematics- state assessments), and graduation rates; it also operates with a small staff - Principal is Ronald Villines. Isaac Bear has a high student-to-teacher ratio of about 25:1 for an early-college, because of the small enrollment and lack of classroom FTEs in totality (e.g., total enrolled students). The demographics closely follow New Hanover County's trends over the past 20 years, and the school has a robust list of core-content instructor-faculty and counselor positions. The median-priced housing market around campus is in the range of $450k-550k. While Isaac Bear is a selective school, families who search for school choices often find themselves researching 'best elementary schools in North Carolina' - with this info as they plan long-term.

The school offers specialized programs, including the Future Teachers Career Academy, for students interested in pursuing a career in education.

1. How does a student apply?

Students apply via an application (including an essay) that must be submitted by rising 9th graders. Rising 9th graders typically apply between mid-December to mid-January.

2. Is transportation provided?

No. Transportation to and from the UNC Wilmington campus is the responsibility of the student.

3. What is the school schedule?

Classes are 9:15 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday - Thursday and 9:15 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. on Fridays.

4. What does the curriculum look like?

Students take high school courses for two years and then take UNCW courses in their junior and senior years. Students may earn up to 60 credits while still in high school.

5. Can students have full-access of the UNCW campus?

Students in 9th - 10th grade have limited access to the campus but are supervised. Upper classmen - 11th and 12th graders - have more access to campus for UNCW academic purposes. Students are always supervised and do not have access to restricted areas of campus, such as dorms.