Why Choose Our School for Gifted Children?

Wilmington Academy of Arts and Sciences offers a challenging and nurturing environment for academically gifted and highly motivated learners in grades 4-8.

WAAS is the only school in the area whose main focus is the accelerated education and enrichment of gifted and academically-motivated students. The shared goal of our faculty is to produce students who are prepared with the skills to excel in high school, college, and beyond. When students complete their education at WAAS, they leave with the critical thinking and executive functioning skills necessary to thrive in today’s society. Along the way, we strive to cultivate a deep love for learning, and a strong, goal-oriented growth mindset.

WAAS provides a unique opportunity for families of 4-8 grade students who desire more than what can be provided in an environment geared toward high-stakes testing. While we do administer regular and standardized testing, we value a more holistic approach to education with many hands-on learning experiences. Students learning extends the North Carolina Standard Course of Study, and is focused on mastery, application, and individual growth. We maintain a low student/teacher ratio and our highly qualified teachers use research-based teaching practices and current technology to enhance instruction.

WAAS is Excitedly Preparing for the 2027-2028 Early Admissions Application Period this Fall!

Updated June 1st, 2026

Wilmington Academy of Arts and Sciences is very excited to announce our early admissions school tour dates taking place this September! Please share these dates with friends and family interested in applying for the 2027-2028 school year. 

To apply, parents are asked to attend one of our structured tours at WAAS. Parents are encouraged to attend our 8:45-10:00 am offerings in order to see our students and teachers in action, however we also offer a few evening dates as well if that is preferred. During our tours you will be provided with an introduction to our school community, an explanation of our mission, goal and philosophy, as well a tour of our building and grounds. To sign up for a tour, please click on the link below to sign up for your preferred time. 

WAAS Tour Sign Up- Early Admissions 2027-2028

Tours will be held on the following dates and times:

Wednesday, September 2nd- 8:45-10:00 am- Middle School Applicants

Thursday, September 3rd- 8:45-10:00 am- 4th/5th Grade Applicants

Wednesday, September 9th- 8:45-10:00 am- Middle School Applicants

Tuesday, September 15th- 8:45-10:00 am- 4th/5th Grade Applicants

    – 5:15- 6:30 pm – All Grade Level Applicants 

Wednesday, September 23rd– 8:45-10:00 am- All Grade Level Applicants

      – 5:15- 6:30 pm- All Grade Level Applicants

Tuesday, September 29th- 8:45-10:00 am- All Grade Level Applicants

Wednesday, October 7th- 8:45-10:00 am- All Grade Level Applicants  

Tours are designed mainly for parents, but students are welcome to attend. After the tour, parents will receive an application packet. The application fee is $200. The application process includes our admissions committee reviewing student academic and behavioral records, a student shadow day, and a student interview for 6th grade applicants. For rising 4th graders who have limited testing data we will also include an admissions test.

The deadline for early admissions applications is Monday, October 12th, however parents are encouraged to submit their applications earlier, when ready. 

For the 2027-2028 school year, WAAS anticipates having 11 openings in 4th grade, 4 openings in 5th grade, and 8 openings in 6th grade. Historically we fill most of those openings in the Fall. Openings for 7th and 8th Grade are possible, but availability will not be known until late January of this school year. Interested 7th and 8th Grade families are welcome to tour, and apply in September, or communicate their interest now to complete the application process if a spot becomes available. 

If you have not done so already, we encourage you to visit our website to learn about WAAS. Please reach out to admissions@wilmingtonacademy.org with any questions. Thank you for your interest in WAAS and we look forward to meeting you soon! 

Tuition and Fees 2026-2027

~Isaiah D.