For the 2026 school year, there are 14 public preschools serving 3,223 students in New Castle County, DE.
The top-ranked public preschools in New Castle County, DE are Leach (John G.) School, Brennen School and Pulaski Early Education Center. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
New Castle County, DE public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 21% (versus the Delaware public pre school average of 19%), and reading proficiency score of 18% (versus the 23% statewide average). Pre schools in New Castle County have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Delaware public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 59% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Delaware public preschool average of 60% (majority Black).
Best Public Preschools in New Castle County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Leach (John G.) School
Special Education School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
10 Landers Lane
New Castle, DE 19720
(302) 429-4055
New Castle, DE 19720
(302) 429-4055
Gr: PK-12 | 95 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 69%
Rank: #22.
Brennen School
Special Education School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
144 Brennen Drive
Newark, DE 19713
(302) 722-2758
Newark, DE 19713
(302) 722-2758
Gr: PK-12 | 419 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 76%
Rank: #33.
Pulaski Early Education Center
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 10-14% )
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1300 Cedar Street
Wilmington, DE 19805
(302) 429-4133
Wilmington, DE 19805
(302) 429-4133
Gr: PK-K | 93 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 91%
Rank: #44.
Delaware School For The Deaf
Special Education School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: ≤10%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
630 East Chestnut Hill Road
Newark, DE 19713
(302) 454-2301
Newark, DE 19713
(302) 454-2301
Gr: PK-12 | 108 students Student-teacher ratio: 3:1 Minority enrollment: 66%
Rank: #55.
Stubbs Early Education Center
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: ≤5% )
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1100 North Pine Street
Wilmington, DE 19801
(302) 429-4175
Wilmington, DE 19801
(302) 429-4175
Gr: PK-K | 148 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: n/an/a
Appoquinimink Preschool Center
Special Education School
502 South Broad Street
Middletown, DE 19709
(302) 376-4400
Middletown, DE 19709
(302) 376-4400
Gr: PK | 150 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
Rank: n/an/a
378 Brick Mill Road
Middletown, DE 19709
(302) 378-5288
Middletown, DE 19709
(302) 378-5288
Gr: PK-K | 280 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 64%
Rank: n/an/a
Bush (Charles W.) Pre-school
Special Education School
2523 Berwyn Road
Wilmington, DE 19810
(302) 479-1617
Wilmington, DE 19810
(302) 479-1617
Gr: PK | 317 students Student-teacher ratio: 24:1 Minority enrollment: 45%
Rank: n/an/a
1221 Cedar Lane Road
Middletown, DE 19709
(302) 449-5873
Middletown, DE 19709
(302) 449-5873
Gr: K | 265 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 57%
Rank: n/an/a
Christina Early Education Center
Special Education School
620 East Chestnut Hill Rd
Newark, DE 19713
(302) 861-9291
Newark, DE 19713
(302) 861-9291
Gr: PK | 362 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 70%
Rank: n/an/a
12 Landers Lane
New Castle, DE 19720
(302) 429-4085
New Castle, DE 19720
(302) 429-4085
Gr: PK | 222 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 82%
Rank: n/an/a
Red Clay Early Years Program
Alternative School
1621 Telegraph Road
Wilmington, DE 19804
(302) 651-2709
Wilmington, DE 19804
(302) 651-2709
Gr: PK | 335 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 63%
Rank: n/an/a
611 Campus Drive
Townsend, DE 19734
(302) 378-6760
Townsend, DE 19734
(302) 378-6760
Gr: K | 185 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 55%
Rank: n/an/a
10 Brook Ramble Lane
Townsend, DE 19734
(302) 378-9960
Townsend, DE 19734
(302) 378-9960
Gr: K | 176 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 58%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public preschools in New Castle County, DE?
The top-ranked public preschools in New Castle County, DE include Leach (John G.) School, Brennen School and Pulaski Early Education Center.
How many public preschools are located in New Castle County?
15 public preschools are located in New Castle County.
What is the racial composition of students in New Castle County?
New Castle County public preschools minority enrollment is 59% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Delaware public preschools average of 60% (majority Black).
Which public preschools in New Castle County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public preschools in New Castle County include: Red Clay Early Years Program vs. The Colwyck Center, Spring Meadow Early Childhood Center vs. Townsend Early Childhood Center, The Colwyck Center vs. Red Clay Early Years Program
Recent Articles
What Rising E-Bike and Traffic Concerns Mean for School Commutes
Discover how rising e-bike use and increasing traffic are changing school commutes, and what parents should evaluate before choosing a public school.
School Safety Beyond Lockdowns: What Parents Should Review
Learn how to evaluate a public school's safety beyond lockdown drills, including school climate, emergency planning, mental health support, and communication.
How to Judge Special Education Capacity Before You Enroll
Learn how to evaluate a public school's special education capacity before enrolling your child, from staffing and IEP implementation to inclusion and support services.
