For the 2025 school year, there are 6 public schools serving 5,255 students in 28443, NC (there are , serving 67 private students). 99% of all K-12 students in 28443, NC are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
The top ranked public schools in 28443, 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.
Public schools in zipcode 28443 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 28443, NC 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 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best 28443, NC 51±¬ÁÏs (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Topsail Annandale Elementary School
(Math: 80% | Reading: 72%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
17385 Us Hwy 17
Hampstead, NC 28443
(910) 270-1977
Hampstead, NC 28443
(910) 270-1977
Grades: PK-4
| 587 students
Rank: #22.
Topsail High School
(Math: 70% | Reading: 75%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
245 St. Johns Church Road
Hampstead, NC 28443
(910) 270-2755
Hampstead, NC 28443
(910) 270-2755
Grades: 9-12
| 1,888 students
Rank: #33.
South Topsail Elementary School
(Math: 74% | Reading: 63%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
997 Hoover Road
Hampstead, NC 28443
(910) 270-2756
Hampstead, NC 28443
(910) 270-2756
Grades: PK-5
| 610 students
Rank: #44.
Topsail Middle School
(Math: 69% | Reading: 64%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
17445 Us Hwy 17
Hampstead, NC 28443
(910) 270-2612
Hampstead, NC 28443
(910) 270-2612
Grades: 5-8
| 855 students
Rank: #55.
North Topsail Elementary School
(Math: 68% | Reading: 60%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1310 Sloop Point Loop Road
Hampstead, NC 28443
(910) 270-0694
Hampstead, NC 28443
(910) 270-0694
Grades: PK-5
| 565 students
Rank: #66.
Surf City Middle School
(Math: 64% | Reading: 62%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
12345-b Literacy Lane
Hampstead, NC 28443
(910) 928-0087
Hampstead, NC 28443
(910) 928-0087
Grades: 6-8
| 750 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in 28443, NC?
The top ranked public schools in 28443, NC include Topsail Annandale Elementary School, Topsail High School and South Topsail Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in 28443?
6 public schools are located in 28443.
What percentage of students in 28443 go to public school?
99% of all K-12 students in 28443 are educated in public schools (compared to the NC state average of 92%).
What is the racial composition of students in 28443?
28443 public schools minority enrollment is 17% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public schools average of 57% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Recent Articles

Parents’ Guide to Special Education
Special education law is not easy to decipher, with several regulations that govern special education services for disabled students. In this article, learn about the core components of the laws, rights, and individual education plans that can help create the best public school environment for your child.

Surveillance Cameras: Violation of Rights or Improved Security?
A school district in Virginia has given the green light to schools that want to install surveillance cameras in common areas like cafeterias and hallways. We’ll look at whether this is a violation of student privacy or the best way to keep order in schools.

Teachers in 19 States Allowed to Physically Punish Students
As of 2014, nineteen states still allow corporal punishment – spanking and paddling the most common choices – in their public schools. However, some argue that not only are these punishments physically harmful, they also are disproportionately administered to students of color. As a result, House democrats have taken up the issue in a new bill that would ban all forms of corporal punishment nationwide.