For the 2026 school year, there are 3 public preschools serving 1,607 students in Carteret, NJ.
The top-ranked public preschools in Carteret, NJ are Private Nicholas Minue Elementary School, Nathan Hale Elementary School and Columbus Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Carteret, NJ public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 31% (versus the New Jersey public pre school average of 36%), and reading proficiency score of 35% (versus the 44% statewide average). Pre schools in Carteret have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of New Jersey public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 92% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the New Jersey public preschool average of 65% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Preschools in Carteret, NJ (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Private Nicholas Minue Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 44%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
83 Post Blvd
Carteret, NJ 07008
(732) 541-8960
Carteret, NJ 07008
(732) 541-8960
Gr: PK-4 | 529 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 89%
Rank: #22.
Nathan Hale Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
678 Roosevelt Avenue
Carteret, NJ 07008
(732) 541-8960
Carteret, NJ 07008
(732) 541-8960
Gr: PK-4 | 436 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 92%
Rank: #33.
Columbus Elementary School
(Math: 24% | Reading: 27%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1 Carteret Avenue
Carteret, NJ 07008
(732) 541-8960
Carteret, NJ 07008
(732) 541-8960
Gr: PK-4 | 642 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 93%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public preschools in Carteret, NJ?
The top-ranked public preschools in Carteret, NJ include Private Nicholas Minue Elementary School, Nathan Hale Elementary School and Columbus Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Carteret?
3 public preschools are located in Carteret.
What is the racial composition of students in Carteret?
Carteret public preschools minority enrollment is 92% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the New Jersey public preschools average of 65% (majority Hispanic).
Which public preschools in Carteret are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public preschools in Carteret include: Columbus Elementary School vs. Private Nicholas Minue Elementary School, Nathan Hale Elementary School vs. Private Nicholas Minue Elementary School, Private Nicholas Minue Elementary School vs. Nathan Hale Elementary School
Recent Articles
Media Literacy as a Core Skill: How to Tell if a School Teaches It Well
Learn how to evaluate whether a public school teaches media literacy effectively, from fact-checking and source evaluation to digital citizenship and critical thinking.
Screen Time, Paper Learning, and the New Back-to-Basics Debate
Explore why some public schools are reducing screen time, bringing back paper learning, and rethinking the balance between technology and traditional instruction.
Student Data, AI Tools, and Privacy: Questions to Ask Your District
Learn how public schools use AI, protect student data, and the key privacy questions every parent should ask their school district in 2026.