For the 2026-27 school year, there are 8 public preschools serving 3,486 students in Beaufort, SC.
The top-ranked public preschools in Beaufort, SC are Coosa Elementary School, Beaufort Elementary School and Lady's Island Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Beaufort, SC public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 34% (versus the South Carolina public pre school average of 48%), and reading proficiency score of 41% (versus the 48% statewide average). Pre schools in Beaufort have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of South Carolina public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 70% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the South Carolina public preschool average of 55% (majority Black).
Best Public Preschools in Beaufort, SC (2026-27)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Coosa Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
45 Middle Road
Beaufort, SC 29907
(843) 322-6100
Beaufort, SC 29907
(843) 322-6100
Gr: PK-5 | 467 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Rank: #22.
Beaufort Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1800 Prince Street
Beaufort, SC 29902
(843) 322-2600
Beaufort, SC 29902
(843) 322-2600
Gr: PK-5 | 375 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 71%
Rank: #33.
Lady's Island Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
73 Chowan Creek Bluff
Beaufort, SC 29907
(843) 322-2240
Beaufort, SC 29907
(843) 322-2240
Gr: PK-5 | 241 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 80%
Rank: #44.
Lowcountry Montessori School
Charter School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
749 Broad River Drive
Beaufort, SC 29906
(843) 322-0577
Beaufort, SC 29906
(843) 322-0577
Gr: PK-12 | 408 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
Rank: #5 - 65. - 6.
Broad River Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
474 Broad River Road
Beaufort, SC 29906
(843) 322-8400
Beaufort, SC 29906
(843) 322-8400
Gr: PK-5 | 467 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 82%
Rank: #5 - 65. - 6.
Mossy Oaks Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
2510 Mossy Oaks Road
Beaufort, SC 29902
(843) 322-2900
Beaufort, SC 29902
(843) 322-2900
Gr: PK-5 | 327 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 72%
Rank: #77.
Robert Smalls Leadership Academy
Magnet School
(Math: 15% | Reading: 27%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
43 W. K. Alston Drive
Beaufort, SC 29906
(843) 322-2500
Beaufort, SC 29906
(843) 322-2500
Gr: PK-8 | 785 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 86%
Rank: #88.
Joseph S. Shanklin Elementary School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
121 Morrall Drive
Beaufort, SC 29906
(843) 466-3400
Beaufort, SC 29906
(843) 466-3400
Gr: PK-5 | 416 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 93%
Beaufort, South Carolina Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
2 Albacore St.
Beaufort, SC 29906
(843) 846-9283
Beaufort, SC 29906
(843) 846-9283
Gr: 3-8
2900 Mink Point Blvd
Beaufort, SC 29902
(843) 322-0733
Beaufort, SC 29902
(843) 322-0733
Gr: 6-12 | 68 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 73%
345 Elliott Dr
Beaufort, SC 29906
(912) 408-3380
Beaufort, SC 29906
(912) 408-3380
Gr: PK-2
221 E. Cardinal Lane
Beaufort, SC 29906
(912) 369-6691
Beaufort, SC 29906
(912) 369-6691
Gr: PK-2
81 Savannah Hwy
Beaufort, SC 29906
(843) 322-2825
Beaufort, SC 29906
(843) 322-2825
Gr: PK-5 | 379 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 59%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public preschools in Beaufort, SC?
The top-ranked public preschools in Beaufort, SC include Coosa Elementary School, Beaufort Elementary School and Lady's Island Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Beaufort?
8 public preschools are located in Beaufort.
What is the racial composition of students in Beaufort?
Beaufort public preschools minority enrollment is 70% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the South Carolina public preschools average of 55% (majority Black).
Which public preschools in Beaufort are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public preschools in Beaufort include: Robert Smalls Leadership Academy vs. Broad River Elementary School, Lady's Island Elementary School vs. Coosa Elementary School, Joseph S. Shanklin Elementary School vs. Coosa Elementary School
Recent Articles
School Leadership Matters: Evaluating a Principal
Learn how to evaluate a public school principal before enrolling by examining leadership stability, teacher support, communication, school culture, instructional priorities, discipline, family engagement, and measurable improvement efforts.
Comparing Before- and After-School Programs
Learn how to compare before- and after-school programs when choosing a public school, including hours, costs, staffing, safety, activities, enrollment rules, transportation, meals, and daily convenience for families.
Choosing a Public School During Budget Uncertainty
Learn which questions parents should ask when choosing a public school during budget uncertainty, including staffing, programs, class sizes, transportation, reserves, enrollment trends, and planned reductions ahead.