For the 2025 school year, there are 3 public preschools serving 1,041 students in New Bern, NC.
The top ranked public preschools in New Bern, NC are Bridgeton Elementary School, J T Barber Elementary School and Oaks Road Academy. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
New Bern, NC public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 32% (versus the North Carolina public pre school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 28% (versus the 46% statewide average). Pre schools in New Bern have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of North Carolina public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 65% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the North Carolina public preschool average of 59% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Preschools in New Bern, NC (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Bridgeton Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
230 Branch Canal Road
New Bern, NC 28560
(252) 514-6425
New Bern, NC 28560
(252) 514-6425
Grades: PK-5
| 428 students
Rank: #22.
J T Barber Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1700 Cobb Street
New Bern, NC 28560
(252) 514-6460
New Bern, NC 28560
(252) 514-6460
Grades: PK-5
| 246 students
Rank: #33.
Oaks Road Academy
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
2811 Oaks Road
New Bern, NC 28560
(252) 514-6475
New Bern, NC 28560
(252) 514-6475
Grades: PK-5
| 367 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public preschools in New Bern, NC?
The top ranked public preschools in New Bern, NC include Bridgeton Elementary School, J T Barber Elementary School and Oaks Road Academy.
How many public preschools are located in New Bern?
3 public preschools are located in New Bern.
What is the racial composition of students in New Bern?
New Bern public preschools minority enrollment is 65% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the North Carolina public preschools average of 59% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public preschools in New Bern are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public preschools in New Bern include: Oaks Road Academy vs. J T Barber Elementary School, J T Barber Elementary School vs. Oaks Road Academy
Recent Articles

What is Project-Based Learning?
Project-based learning has been highly touted by some educators as a viable option to traditional learning models. We’ll take a look at what project-based learning is and why it is getting so much attention today.

What is an Online High School
Find information about Online High Schools - what they are and how they work.

“Smart Snacks” Standards Coming to School Vending Machines Nationwide
We explore new federal regulations that will ban junk food from public schools. This means no more sweets and soda in cafeteria lines, vending machines and snacks sold in other locations around the schools.