For the 2026 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)
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
Recent Articles
How to Evaluate School Safety Beyond Headlines
Learn how to evaluate school safety beyond headlines by examining reliable data, school climate, emergency planning, bullying prevention, communication, student experiences, and everyday security practices before choosing a school.
Choosing a Public School for Executive Function Needs
Learn how to choose a public school for a child with executive function challenges by evaluating routines, classroom support, organization, accommodations, communication, transitions, and special education services before enrollment.
What School Climate Surveys Tell You Before Enrolling
Learn how school climate surveys reveal student safety, belonging, relationships, engagement, and support, and how families can interpret results carefully before choosing a public school for their child today.