Best New Bern Public Preschools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 3 public preschools serving 1,037 students in New Bern, NC.
The top-ranked public preschools in New Bern, NC are Bridgeton Elementary School, J.t. Barber Elementary School and Oaks Road Academy. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
New Bern, NC public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 32% (versus the North Carolina public pre school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 28% (versus the 46% statewide average). Pre schools in New Bern have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of North Carolina public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 66% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the North Carolina public preschool average of 60% (majority Black and Hispanic).

Best Public Preschools in New Bern, NC (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Bridgeton Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
230 Branch Canal Road
New Bern, NC 28560
(252) 514-6425
Gr: PK-5 | 415 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Rank: #22.
J.t. Barber Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
1700 Cobb Street
New Bern, NC 28560
(252) 514-6460
Gr: PK-5 | 270 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 90%
Rank: #33.
Oaks Road Academy
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
2811 Oaks Road
New Bern, NC 28560
(252) 514-6475
Gr: PK-5 | 352 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 82%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public preschools in New Bern, NC?
The top-ranked public preschools in New Bern, NC include Bridgeton Elementary School, J.t. Barber Elementary School and Oaks Road Academy.
How many public preschools are located in New Bern?
3 public preschools are located in New Bern.
What is the racial composition of students in New Bern?
New Bern public preschools minority enrollment is 66% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the North Carolina public preschools average of 60% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public preschools in New Bern are often viewed compared to one another?

Recent Articles

When “Free Public School” Still Isn’t Free
When “Free Public School” Still Isn’t Free
Discover the hidden costs of public school in 2026, from supplies and fees to transportation, technology, and extracurricular expenses.
What a District Budget Cut Means for Your Child's School Experience
What a District Budget Cut Means for Your Child's School Experience
Learn how district budget cuts can affect class sizes, programs, staffing, transportation, and your child's daily school experience in 2026.
School Closure Risk: What Parents Should Check Before Moving
School Closure Risk: What Parents Should Check Before Moving
Learn how parents can assess school closure risk before buying or renting in a district, using enrollment, funding, and boundary data.

Quick Links