For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public preschools serving 2,018 students in Wilson County, NC.
The top-ranked public preschools in Wilson County, NC are Lucama Elementary School, Coopers Elementary School and Wells Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Wilson County, NC public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 54% (versus the North Carolina public pre school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 47% (versus the 46% statewide average). Pre schools in Wilson County have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of North Carolina public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 67% 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 Wilson County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Lucama Elementary School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
6260 Blalock Road
Lucama, NC 27851
(252) 239-1257
Lucama, NC 27851
(252) 239-1257
Gr: PK-5 | 431 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 54%
Rank: #22.
Coopers Elementary School
(Math: 59% | Reading: 50%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
6833 Nc Highway 58
Elm City, NC 27822
(252) 937-9035
Elm City, NC 27822
(252) 937-9035
Gr: PK-5 | 591 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 39%
Rank: #33.
Wells Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1400 Grove St N
Wilson, NC 27893
(252) 399-7986
Wilson, NC 27893
(252) 399-7986
Gr: PK-5 | 383 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 82%
Rank: #44.
John W Jones Elementary School
(Math: 45% | Reading: 42%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
4028 Highway 42 West
Wilson, NC 27893
(252) 265-4020
Wilson, NC 27893
(252) 265-4020
Gr: PK-5 | 601 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 80%
Rank: #55.
Margaret Hearne Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
300 W Gold St
Wilson, NC 27893
(252) 399-7925
Wilson, NC 27893
(252) 399-7925
Gr: PK-5 | 423 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 95%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public preschools in Wilson County, NC?
The top-ranked public preschools in Wilson County, NC include Lucama Elementary School, Coopers Elementary School and Wells Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Wilson County?
4 public preschools are located in Wilson County.
What is the racial composition of students in Wilson County?
Wilson County public preschools minority enrollment is 67% of the student body (majority Black), which is more 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.