For the 2026 school year, there are 2 public preschools serving 826 students in Waynesville, NC.
The top-ranked public preschools in Waynesville, NC are Hazelwood Elementary School and Jonathan Valley Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Waynesville, NC public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 64% (versus the North Carolina public pre school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 51% (versus the 46% statewide average). Pre schools in Waynesville have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of North Carolina public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 17% 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 Waynesville, NC (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Hazelwood Elementary School
(Math: 65% | Reading: 54%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1111 Plott Creek Road
Waynesville, NC 28786
(828) 456-2406
Waynesville, NC 28786
(828) 456-2406
Gr: PK-5 | 490 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
Rank: #22.
Jonathan Valley Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
410 Hall Drive
Waynesville, NC 28785
(828) 926-3207
Waynesville, NC 28785
(828) 926-3207
Gr: PK-5 | 336 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public preschools in Waynesville, NC?
The top-ranked public preschools in Waynesville, NC include Hazelwood Elementary School and Jonathan Valley Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Waynesville?
2 public preschools are located in Waynesville.
What is the racial composition of students in Waynesville?
Waynesville public preschools minority enrollment is 17% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public preschools average of 60% (majority Black and Hispanic).
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.
