Best Wilmington Public Preschools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 3 public preschools serving 1,526 students in Wilmington, NC.
The top-ranked public preschools in Wilmington, NC are Murrayville Elementary School, John J Blair Elementary School and Wrightsboro Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Wilmington, NC public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 43% (versus the North Carolina public pre school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 41% (versus the 46% statewide average). Pre schools in Wilmington have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of North Carolina public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 60% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is equal to the North Carolina public preschool average of 60% (majority Black and Hispanic).

Best Public Preschools in Wilmington, NC (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Murrayville Elementary School
(Math: 56% | Reading: 55%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
225 Mabee Way
Wilmington, NC 28411
(910) 790-5067
Gr: PK-5 | 573 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 48%
Rank: #22.
John J Blair Elementary School
(Math: 45% | Reading: 39%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
6510 Market Street
Wilmington, NC 28405
(910) 350-2045
Gr: PK-5 | 451 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 59%
Rank: #33.
Wrightsboro Elementary School
(Math: 27% | Reading: 27%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
2716 Castle Hayne Rd
Wilmington, NC 28401
(910) 815-6909
Gr: PK-5 | 502 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 75%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public preschools in Wilmington, NC?
The top-ranked public preschools in Wilmington, NC include Murrayville Elementary School, John J Blair Elementary School and Wrightsboro Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Wilmington?
3 public preschools are located in Wilmington.
What is the racial composition of students in Wilmington?
Wilmington public preschools minority enrollment is 60% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is equal to the North Carolina public preschools average of 60% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public preschools in Wilmington are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public preschools in Wilmington include: Murrayville Elementary School vs. Wrightsboro Elementary School

Recent Articles

Media Literacy as a Core Skill: How to Tell if a School Teaches It Well
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
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
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.

Quick Links