For the 2026-27 school year, there are 5 public preschools serving 1,896 students in Haywood County, NC.
The top-ranked public preschools in Haywood County, NC are North Canton Elementary School, Hazelwood Elementary School and Clyde Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Haywood County, NC public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 65% (versus the North Carolina public pre school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 52% (versus the 46% statewide average). Pre schools in Haywood County have an average ranking of 9/10, which is in the top 20% of North Carolina public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 16% 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 Haywood County (2026-27)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
North Canton Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
60 Thompson St
Canton, NC 28716
(828) 646-3444
Canton, NC 28716
(828) 646-3444
Gr: PK-5 | 332 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 15%
Rank: #22.
Hazelwood Elementary School
(Math: 65% | Reading: 54%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1111 Plott Creek Road
Waynesville, NC 28786
(828) 456-2406
Waynesville, NC 28786
(828) 456-2406
Gr: PK-5 | 490 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
Rank: #33.
Clyde Elementary School
(Math: 62% | Reading: 50%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
4182 Old Clyde Road
Clyde, NC 28721
(828) 627-2206
Clyde, NC 28721
(828) 627-2206
Gr: PK-5 | 523 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: #4 - 54. - 5.
Jonathan Valley Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
410 Hall Drive
Waynesville, NC 28785
(828) 926-3207
Waynesville, NC 28785
(828) 926-3207
Gr: PK-5 | 336 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #4 - 54. - 5.
Meadowbrook Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
85 Morningstar Rd
Canton, NC 28716
(828) 646-3445
Canton, NC 28716
(828) 646-3445
Gr: PK-5 | 198 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Haywood County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
62 Joy Lane
Waynesville, NC 28786
(828) 456-2405
Waynesville, NC 28786
(828) 456-2405
Gr: PK-5 | 248 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public preschools in Haywood County, NC?
The top-ranked public preschools in Haywood County, NC include North Canton Elementary School, Hazelwood Elementary School and Clyde Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Haywood County?
5 public preschools are located in Haywood County.
What is the racial composition of students in Haywood County?
Haywood County public preschools minority enrollment is 16% 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 Haywood County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public preschools in Haywood County include: North Canton Elementary School vs. Meadowbrook Elementary School, Meadowbrook Elementary School vs. North Canton Elementary School, Clyde Elementary School vs. Hazelwood Elementary School
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