For the 2026 school year, there are 3 public preschools serving 1,407 students in Wilson, NC.
The top-ranked public preschools in Wilson, NC are Wells Elementary School, John W Jones Elementary School and Margaret Hearne Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Wilson, 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 40% (versus the 46% statewide average). Pre schools in Wilson have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of North Carolina public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 85% 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, NC (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
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: #22.
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: #33.
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, NC?
The top-ranked public preschools in Wilson, NC include Wells Elementary School, John W Jones Elementary School and Margaret Hearne Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Wilson?
3 public preschools are located in Wilson.
What is the racial composition of students in Wilson?
Wilson public preschools minority enrollment is 85% 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.
