For the 2026-27 school year, there are 7 public preschools serving 4,929 students in Clayton, NC.
The top-ranked public preschools in Clayton, NC are Cleveland Elementary School, Riverwood Elementary School and River Dell Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Clayton, NC public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 62% (versus the North Carolina public pre school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 57% (versus the 46% statewide average). Pre schools in Clayton have an average ranking of 9/10, which is in the top 20% of North Carolina public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 57% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the North Carolina public preschool average of 60% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Preschools in Clayton, NC (2026-27)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Cleveland Elementary School
(Math: 71% | Reading: 65%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
10225 Cleveland Rd
Clayton, NC 27520
(919) 550-2700
Clayton, NC 27520
(919) 550-2700
Gr: PK-5 | 851 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
Rank: #22.
Riverwood Elementary School
(Math: 72% | Reading: 60%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
108 Athletic Club Blvd
Clayton, NC 27527
(919) 359-6300
Clayton, NC 27527
(919) 359-6300
Gr: PK-5 | 728 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
Rank: #33.
River Dell Elementary School
(Math: 68% | Reading: 62%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
12100 Buffalo Road
Clayton, NC 27527
(919) 553-1977
Clayton, NC 27527
(919) 553-1977
Gr: PK-5 | 981 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 51%
Rank: #44.
Powhatan Elementary School
(Math: 66% | Reading: 64%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
3145 Vinson Rd
Clayton, NC 27527
(919) 553-3259
Clayton, NC 27527
(919) 553-3259
Gr: PK-5 | 656 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 47%
Rank: #55.
East Clayton Elementary School
(Math: 53% | Reading: 48%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
2075 Nc Highway 42 East
Clayton, NC 27527
(919) 550-5311
Clayton, NC 27527
(919) 550-5311
Gr: PK-5 | 524 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 73%
Rank: #66.
West Clayton Elementary School
(Math: 43% | Reading: 49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1012 S Lombard St
Clayton, NC 27520
(919) 553-7113
Clayton, NC 27520
(919) 553-7113
Gr: PK-5 | 742 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 67%
Rank: #77.
Cooper Academy
(Math: 49% | Reading: 43%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
849 North Mial St
Clayton, NC 27520
(919) 553-0256
Clayton, NC 27520
(919) 553-0256
Gr: PK-5 | 447 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 75%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public preschools in Clayton, NC?
The top-ranked public preschools in Clayton, NC include Cleveland Elementary School, Riverwood Elementary School and River Dell Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Clayton?
7 public preschools are located in Clayton.
What is the racial composition of students in Clayton?
Clayton public preschools minority enrollment is 57% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the North Carolina public preschools average of 60% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public preschools in Clayton are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public preschools in Clayton include: Riverwood Elementary School vs. River Dell Elementary School, West Clayton Elementary School vs. East Clayton Elementary School, West Clayton Elementary School vs. Cleveland Elementary School
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