For the 2026 school year, there are 3 public preschools serving 720 students in 28504, NC.
The top-ranked public preschools in 28504, NC are Banks Elementary School, Southwood Elementary School and Lenoir County Learning Academy. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public preschools in zipcode 28504 have an average math proficiency score of 40% (versus the North Carolina public pre school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 37% (versus the 46% statewide average). Pre schools in 28504, NC have an average ranking of 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of North Carolina public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 55% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the North Carolina public preschool average of 60% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best 28504, NC Public Preschools (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Banks Elementary School
(Math: 49% | Reading: 44%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
2148 Falling Creek Rd
Kinston, NC 28504
(252) 527-9470
Kinston, NC 28504
(252) 527-9470
Gr: PK-5 | 436 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 62%
Rank: #22.
Southwood Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1245 Hwy 58 South
Kinston, NC 28504
(252) 527-9081
Kinston, NC 28504
(252) 527-9081
Gr: PK-5 | 218 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 36%
Rank: #33.
Lenoir County Learning Academy
Alternative School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: ≤10%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
2529 Cedar Dell Lane, Haigler-
Kinston, NC 28504
(252) 527-4264
Kinston, NC 28504
(252) 527-4264
Gr: PK-12 | 66 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 74%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public preschools in 28504, NC?
The top-ranked public preschools in 28504, NC include Banks Elementary School, Southwood Elementary School and Lenoir County Learning Academy.
How many public preschools are located in 28504?
3 public preschools are located in 28504.
What is the racial composition of students in 28504?
28504 public preschools minority enrollment is 55% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the North Carolina public preschools average of 60% (majority Black and Hispanic).
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