For the 2025-26 school year, there are 4 public preschools serving 1,876 students in Hancock County, MS. The top ranked public preschools in Hancock County, MS are East Hancock Elementary School, Hancock North Central Elementary School and South Hancock Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Hancock County, MS public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 67% (versus the Mississippi public pre school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 59% (versus the 43% statewide average). Pre schools in Hancock County have an average ranking of 10/10, which is in the top 10% of Mississippi public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 21% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Mississippi public preschool average of 55% (majority Black).
Best Public Preschools in Hancock County (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
East Hancock Elementary School
(Math: 77% | Reading: 74%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
4221 Kiln Delisle Rd.
Kiln, MS 39556
(228) 255-6637
Kiln, MS 39556
(228) 255-6637
Gr: PK-5 | 635 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #22.
Hancock North Central Elementary School
(Math: 75-79% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
6122 Cuevas Town Road
Kiln, MS 39556
(228) 255-7641
Kiln, MS 39556
(228) 255-7641
Gr: PK-5 | 418 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 4%
Rank: #33.
South Hancock Elementary School
(Math: 48% | Reading: 40%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
6590 Lakeshore Road
Bay Saint Louis, MS 39520
(228) 467-4655
Bay Saint Louis, MS 39520
(228) 467-4655
Gr: PK-5 | 494 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 32%
Rank: n/an/a
1101 St Joseph Street
Waveland, MS 39576
(228) 467-6630
Waveland, MS 39576
(228) 467-6630
Gr: PK-1 | 329 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 43%
Hancock County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
6098 1st Avenue
Pearlington, MS 39572
(228) 533-7872
Pearlington, MS 39572
(228) 533-7872
Gr: K-5 | 100 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
400 North Second St
Bay Saint Louis, MS 39520
(228) 467-4052
Bay Saint Louis, MS 39520
(228) 467-4052
Gr: 3-4
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public preschools in Hancock County, MS?
The top ranked public preschools in Hancock County, MS include East Hancock Elementary School, Hancock North Central Elementary School and South Hancock Elementary School. Hancock County has one of the highest concentrations of top ranked public schools in Mississippi.
How many public preschools are located in Hancock County?
4 public preschools are located in Hancock County.
What is the racial composition of students in Hancock County?
Hancock County public preschools minority enrollment is 21% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the Mississippi public preschools average of 55% (majority Black).
Which public preschools in Hancock County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public preschools in Hancock County include: East Hancock Elementary School vs. Hancock North Central Elementary School, Hancock North Central Elementary School vs. East Hancock Elementary School, South Hancock Elementary School vs. Hancock North Central Elementary School
Recent Articles
School Choice vs. Neighborhood Schools: Key Factors
Explore school choice vs. neighborhood schools in 2025. Learn key factors parents should weigh when deciding the best fit for their child.
Best School Match 2025: Public vs Charter vs Magnet
Compare 2025 public, charter, and magnet school options with updated data, trends, and strategies to find the best fit.
Public School Boundaries and Equity in 2025
Explore how public school boundaries shape access, equity, and opportunity for students in 2025. Learn the impact on families and education policy.