For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public preschools serving 2,018 students in Wilson County, NC.
The top-ranked public preschools in Wilson County, NC are Lucama Elementary School, Coopers Elementary School and John W Jones Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Wilson County, NC public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 54% (versus the North Carolina public pre school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 47% (versus the 46% statewide average). Pre schools in Wilson County have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of North Carolina public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 67% 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 Wilson County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Lucama Elementary School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
6260 Blalock Road
Lucama, NC 27851
(252) 239-1257
Lucama, NC 27851
(252) 239-1257
Gr: PK-5 | 373 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 54%
Rank: #22.
Coopers Elementary School
(Math: 59% | Reading: 50%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
6833 Nc Highway 58
Elm City, NC 27822
(252) 937-9035
Elm City, NC 27822
(252) 937-9035
Gr: PK-5 | 618 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 41%
Rank: #33.
John W Jones Elementary School
(Math: 45% | Reading: 42%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
4028 Highway 42 West
Wilson, NC 27893
(252) 265-4020
Wilson, NC 27893
(252) 265-4020
Gr: PK-5 | 584 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 83%
Rank: #44.
Margaret Hearne Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
300 W Gold St
Wilson, NC 27893
(252) 399-7925
Wilson, NC 27893
(252) 399-7925
Gr: PK-5 | 443 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Wilson County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Adams Learning Center (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
639 East Walnut Street
Wilson, NC 27893
(252) 399-7870
Wilson, NC 27893
(252) 399-7870
Gr: 3-12 | 95 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 94%
Etn Nc School For The Deaf (Closed 2013)
Special Education School
1311 Us Hwy 301 South
Wilson, NC 27894
(252) 237-2450
Wilson, NC 27894
(252) 237-2450
Gr: K-12
1301 Corbett Ave N
Wilson, NC 27893
(252) 399-7973
Wilson, NC 27893
(252) 399-7973
Gr: 6-8 | 377 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 82%
1713 Downing St Sw
Wilson, NC 27893
(252) 399-7990
Wilson, NC 27893
(252) 399-7990
Gr: K-5 | 327 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public preschools in Wilson County, NC?
The top-ranked public preschools in Wilson County, NC include Lucama Elementary School, Coopers Elementary School and John W Jones Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Wilson County?
4 public preschools are located in Wilson County.
What is the racial composition of students in Wilson County?
Wilson County public preschools minority enrollment is 67% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the North Carolina public preschools average of 59% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Recent Articles
Year-Round Schooling in 2026: Updated Parent Guide
Explore the latest 2026 data, trends, costs, and parent planning tips in the ongoing debate over year-round schooling vs the traditional calendar.
No Child Left Behind: Past, Present, and Future of U.S. School Policy
Explore how No Child Left Behind evolved into ESSA, what it means for 2025‑26 schooling, and what parents need to know about testing, admissions planning, and funding.
Understanding Public School Fees & Optional Costs Guide
Discover what public school fees are required versus optional, with 2026 updates for parents, students, and educators on budgeting and planning.