For the 2026 school year, there are 2 public preschools serving 1,348 students in the neighborhood of Columbus, Buffalo, NY.
The top-ranked public preschools in Columbus are Waterfront Elementary School and Herman Badillo Bilingual Academy. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
The neighborhood of Columbus, Buffalo, NY public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 14% (versus the New York public pre school average of 48%), and reading proficiency score of 22% (versus the 41% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 94% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the New York public preschool average of 62% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Preschools in the neighborhood of Columbus, Buffalo, NY (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Waterfront Elementary School
(Math: 26% | Reading: 26%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
95 Fourth St
Buffalo, NY 14202
(716) 816-3900
Buffalo, NY 14202
(716) 816-3900
Gr: PK-8 | 771 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 91%
Rank: #22.
Herman Badillo Bilingual Academy
(Math: 6% | Reading: 8%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
315 Carolina St
Buffalo, NY 14201
(716) 816-3848
Buffalo, NY 14201
(716) 816-3848
Gr: PK-8 | 472 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public preschools in the neighborhood of Columbus, Buffalo, NY?
The top-ranked public preschools in the neighborhood of Columbus, Buffalo, NY include Waterfront Elementary School and Herman Badillo Bilingual Academy.
How many public preschools are located in the neighborhood of Columbus, Buffalo?
2 public preschools are located in the neighborhood of Columbus, Buffalo.
What is the racial composition of students in the neighborhood of Columbus, Buffalo?
the neighborhood of Columbus, Buffalo public preschools minority enrollment is 94% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the New York public preschools average of 62% (majority Hispanic).
Recent Articles
Public School Rankings: Are They Accurate in 2026?
Are public school rankings accurate? Learn how rankings are calculated in 2026, what they miss, and how families can evaluate schools wisely.
How Are U.S. Public Schools Doing in 2026?
A 2026 update on how U.S. public schools are performing academically, financially, and socially in a post-pandemic era.
Helping Your Child Navigate Friendship Drama at School
Meta Description: Practical 2026 strategies for helping your child navigate friendship drama at school with confidence, empathy, and resilience.