For the 2026 school year, there are 8 public preschools serving 2,831 students in Manchester, CT.
The top-ranked public preschools in Manchester, CT are Odyssey Community School, Buckley School and Keeney School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Manchester, CT public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 38% (versus the Connecticut public pre school average of 37%), and reading proficiency score of 34% (versus the 42% statewide average). Pre schools in Manchester have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Connecticut public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 76% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is more than the Connecticut public preschool average of 60% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Preschools in Manchester, CT (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Odyssey Community School
Charter School
(Math: 48% | Reading: 52%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
579 Middle Tpke West
Manchester, CT 06040
(860) 645-1234
Manchester, CT 06040
(860) 645-1234
Gr: PK-8 | 410 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 76%
Rank: #22.
Buckley School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
250 Vernon Street
Manchester, CT 06042
(860) 647-3302
Manchester, CT 06042
(860) 647-3302
Gr: PK-4 | 284 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 65%
Rank: #33.
Keeney School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
65 North School St.
Manchester, CT 06042
(860) 647-3354
Manchester, CT 06042
(860) 647-3354
Gr: PK-4 | 366 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 61%
Rank: #44.
Waddell School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
163 Broad Street
Manchester, CT 06042
(860) 647-3392
Manchester, CT 06042
(860) 647-3392
Gr: PK-4 | 476 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 85%
Rank: #55.
Bowers School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
141 Princeton Street
Manchester, CT 06042
(860) 647-3313
Manchester, CT 06042
(860) 647-3313
Gr: PK-5 | 376 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 78%
Rank: #66.
Highland Park School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
397 Porter St.
Manchester, CT 06040
(860) 647-3430
Manchester, CT 06040
(860) 647-3430
Gr: PK-4 | 300 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 67%
Rank: #77.
Verplanck School
(Math: 19% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
126 Olcott Street
Manchester, CT 06040
(860) 647-3383
Manchester, CT 06040
(860) 647-3383
Gr: PK-4 | 466 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 86%
Rank: n/an/a
140 Dartmouth Rd
Manchester, CT 06040
(860) 647-3367
Manchester, CT 06040
(860) 647-3367
Gr: PK-K | 153 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 85%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public preschools in Manchester, CT?
The top-ranked public preschools in Manchester, CT include Odyssey Community School, Buckley School and Keeney School.
How many public preschools are located in Manchester?
8 public preschools are located in Manchester.
What is the racial composition of students in Manchester?
Manchester public preschools minority enrollment is 76% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is more than the Connecticut public preschools average of 60% (majority Hispanic).
Which public preschools in Manchester are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public preschools in Manchester include: Waddell School vs. Odyssey Community School, Bowers School vs. Waddell School, Verplanck School vs. Waddell School
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.
