For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public preschools serving 870 students in Avery County, NC.
The top-ranked public preschools in Avery County, NC are Banner Elk Elementary School, Crossnore Elementary School and Freedom Trail Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Avery County, NC public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 60% (versus the North Carolina public pre school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 57% (versus the 46% statewide average). Pre schools in Avery County have an average ranking of 9/10, which is in the top 20% of North Carolina public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 17% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public preschool average of 60% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Preschools in Avery County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Banner Elk Elementary School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
155 Orchard Lane
Banner Elk, NC 28604
(828) 737-5700
Banner Elk, NC 28604
(828) 737-5700
Gr: PK-5 | 159 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #2 - 32. - 3.
Crossnore Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1000 Walt Clark Road
Crossnore, NC 28616
(828) 737-7204
Crossnore, NC 28616
(828) 737-7204
Gr: PK-5 | 184 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: #2 - 32. - 3.
Freedom Trail Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
6110 North Us Hwy 19e
Elk Park, NC 28622
(828) 733-2932
Elk Park, NC 28622
(828) 733-2932
Gr: PK-5 | 202 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #44.
Newland Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
750 Linville Street
Newland, NC 28657
(828) 733-4911
Newland, NC 28657
(828) 733-4911
Gr: PK-5 | 214 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 43%
Rank: #55.
Riverside Elementary School
(Math: 30-39% | Reading: 30-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
8020 Us 19e Hwy South
Newland, NC 28657
(828) 737-5600
Newland, NC 28657
(828) 737-5600
Gr: PK-5 | 98 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 9%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public preschools in Avery County, NC?
The top-ranked public preschools in Avery County, NC include Banner Elk Elementary School, Crossnore Elementary School and Freedom Trail Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Avery County?
5 public preschools are located in Avery County.
What is the racial composition of students in Avery County?
Avery County public preschools minority enrollment is 17% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public preschools average of 60% (majority Black and Hispanic).
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