For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public preschools serving 2,253 students in Dare County, NC.
The top-ranked public preschools in Dare County, NC are Kitty Hawk Elementary School, Nags Head Elementary School and First Flight Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Dare County, NC public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 52% (versus the North Carolina public pre school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 51% (versus the 46% statewide average). Pre schools in Dare County have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of North Carolina public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 31% 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 Dare County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Kitty Hawk Elementary School
(Math: 67% | Reading: 65%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
16 Dogwood Trail
Kitty Hawk, NC 27949
(252) 261-2313
Kitty Hawk, NC 27949
(252) 261-2313
Gr: PK-5 | 487 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #22.
Nags Head Elementary School
(Math: 59% | Reading: 52%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
3100 S Wrightsville Avenue
Nags Head, NC 27959
(252) 480-8880
Nags Head, NC 27959
(252) 480-8880
Gr: PK-5 | 484 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 39%
Rank: #33.
First Flight Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
107 Veterans Drive
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
(252) 441-1111
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
(252) 441-1111
Gr: PK-5 | 285 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 32%
Rank: #44.
Cape Hatteras Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
47500 Middle Ridge
Buxton, NC 27920
(252) 995-6196
Buxton, NC 27920
(252) 995-6196
Gr: PK-5 | 284 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 29%
Rank: #55.
Manteo Elementary School
(Math: 41% | Reading: 44%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
701 N Hwy 64/264
Manteo, NC 27954
(252) 473-2742
Manteo, NC 27954
(252) 473-2742
Gr: PK-5 | 636 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public preschools in Dare County, NC?
The top-ranked public preschools in Dare County, NC include Kitty Hawk Elementary School, Nags Head Elementary School and First Flight Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Dare County?
5 public preschools are located in Dare County.
What is the racial composition of students in Dare County?
Dare County public preschools minority enrollment is 31% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public preschools average of 60% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public preschools in Dare County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public preschools in Dare County include: Manteo Elementary School vs. Nags Head Elementary School, Kitty Hawk Elementary School vs. First Flight Elementary School, First Flight Elementary School vs. Kitty Hawk Elementary School
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