For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public preschools serving 2,260 students in New Hanover County, NC.
The top-ranked public preschools in New Hanover County, NC are Castle Hayne Elementary School, Murrayville Elementary School and John J Blair Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
New Hanover County, NC public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 42% (versus the North Carolina public pre school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 39% (versus the 46% statewide average). Pre schools in New Hanover County have an average ranking of 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of North Carolina public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 60% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is equal to the North Carolina public preschool average of 60% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Preschools in New Hanover County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Castle Hayne Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
3925 Roger Haynes Drive
Castle Hayne, NC 28429
(910) 602-4970
Castle Hayne, NC 28429
(910) 602-4970
Gr: PK-5 | 531 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 51%
Rank: #22.
Murrayville Elementary School
(Math: 56% | Reading: 55%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
225 Mabee Way
Wilmington, NC 28411
(910) 790-5067
Wilmington, NC 28411
(910) 790-5067
Gr: PK-5 | 573 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 48%
Rank: #33.
John J Blair Elementary School
(Math: 45% | Reading: 39%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
6510 Market Street
Wilmington, NC 28405
(910) 350-2045
Wilmington, NC 28405
(910) 350-2045
Gr: PK-5 | 451 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 59%
Rank: #44.
Wrightsboro Elementary School
(Math: 27% | Reading: 27%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
2716 Castle Hayne Rd
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 815-6909
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 815-6909
Gr: PK-5 | 502 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 75%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public preschools in New Hanover County, NC?
The top-ranked public preschools in New Hanover County, NC include Castle Hayne Elementary School, Murrayville Elementary School and John J Blair Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in New Hanover County?
6 public preschools are located in New Hanover County.
What is the racial composition of students in New Hanover County?
New Hanover County public preschools minority enrollment is 60% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is equal to the North Carolina public preschools average of 60% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public preschools in New Hanover County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public preschools in New Hanover County include: Murrayville Elementary School vs. Wrightsboro Elementary School
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