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
Recent Articles
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
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
Learn how parents can assess school closure risk before buying or renting in a district, using enrollment, funding, and boundary data.