For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public preschools serving 1,996 students in Hillsborough, NC. The top-ranked public preschools in Hillsborough, NC are Hillsborough Elementary School, River Park Elementary School and Pathways Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Hillsborough, NC public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 53% (versus the North Carolina public pre school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 50% (versus the 46% statewide average). Pre schools in Hillsborough have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of North Carolina public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 44% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public preschool average of 60% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Preschools in Hillsborough, NC (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Hillsborough Elementary School
(Math: 73% | Reading: 75%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
402 North Nash Street
Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 732-6137
Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 732-6137
Gr: PK-5 | 435 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 23%
Rank: #22.
River Park Elementary School
(Math: 61% | Reading: 55%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
240 St. Mary's Road
Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 732-9326
Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 732-9326
Gr: PK-5 | 523 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 41%
Rank: #33.
Pathways Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
431 Strouds Creek Road
Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 732-9136
Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 732-9136
Gr: PK-5 | 371 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 45%
Rank: #44.
Central Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
154 Hayes St
Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 732-3622
Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 732-3622
Gr: PK-5 | 261 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 60%
Rank: #55.
Grady Brown Elementary School
(Math: 34% | Reading: 40%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1100 New Grady Brown Rd
Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 732-6138
Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 732-6138
Gr: PK-5 | 406 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 58%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public preschools in Hillsborough, NC?
The top-ranked public preschools in Hillsborough, NC include Hillsborough Elementary School, River Park Elementary School and Pathways Elementary School. Hillsborough has one of the highest concentrations of top-ranked public schools in North Carolina.
How many public preschools are located in Hillsborough?
5 public preschools are located in Hillsborough.
What is the racial composition of students in Hillsborough?
Hillsborough public preschools minority enrollment is 44% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public preschools average of 60% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public preschools in Hillsborough are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public preschools in Hillsborough include: Central Elementary School vs. River Park Elementary School, Hillsborough Elementary School vs. River Park Elementary School, River Park Elementary School vs. Hillsborough Elementary School
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