D.C. Virgo Enrollment Policy

D. C. Virgo Preparatory Academy, opened by UNCW in 2018, serves K-8 students in downtown Wilmington. D.C. Virgo is a free public laboratory school that admits students of any race, color, creed, disability, sexual orientation, nationality or ethnic origin. The school is one of nine schools created under the UNC System Lab School Initiative which pairs Colleges of Education with local schools in an effort to enhance student learning and provide high quality teacher and principal training. The Lab School initiative is the result of legislation passed by the North Carolina General Assembly in 2016.

Eligibility Requirements

Any child who is residing in New Hanover County and entering kindergarten during the 2025-2026 academic year or who is currently enrolled in an Eligible School at the time of the student’s application, may attend D.C. Virgo Preparatory Academy.

During each period of enrollment, D.C. Virgo Preparatory Academy shall enroll an eligible student who submits a timely application. If there are more applications than spaces available to fill our upcoming kindergarten class and any additional slots remaining in 1st through 8th grade, priority enrollment will be given in the order in which applications are received. Siblings of already enrolled students, and students who did not meet expected student growth in the prior school year based on any of the following: grades, observations, diagnostic and formative assessments, state assessments, or other factors, including reading on grade level, will also receive priority placement.

Once enrolled, students are not required to reapply in subsequent enrollment periods.

Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, D.C. Virgo Preparatory Academy may refuse admission to any student who has been expelled or suspended from a public school under G.S. 115C-390.5 through G.S. 115C-390.11 until the period of suspension or expulsion has expired.

Eligible Schools (2025-26)

American Leadership Academy-Coastal, Career Readiness Academy at Mosley, Classical Charter Schools of Wilmington, College Park Elementary, Edwin A Alderman Elementary, Forest Hills Global Elementary, Island Montessori Charter School, Rachel Freeman School of Engineering, Wilmington Preparatory Academy, Wrightsboro Elementary