For the 2026 school year, there are 6 public preschools serving 2,401 students in Dauphin County, PA.
The top-ranked public preschools in Dauphin County, PA are Halifax Area Elementary School, Upper Dauphin Area Elementary School and Benjamin Franklin School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Dauphin County, PA public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 16% (versus the Pennsylvania public pre school average of 28%), and reading proficiency score of 23% (versus the 38% statewide average). Pre schools in Dauphin County have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Pennsylvania public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 71% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is more than the Pennsylvania public preschool average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Preschools in Dauphin County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Halifax Area Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
151 School Rd
Halifax, PA 17032
(717) 896-3416
Halifax, PA 17032
(717) 896-3416
Gr: PK-4 | 349 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 16%
Rank: #22.
Upper Dauphin Area Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
5668 State Route 209
Lykens, PA 17048
(717) 362-4511
Lykens, PA 17048
(717) 362-4511
Gr: PK-4 | 373 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #33.
Benjamin Franklin School
(Math: 5% | Reading: 12%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1205 N 6th Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110
(717) 703-1200
Harrisburg, PA 17110
(717) 703-1200
Gr: PK-5 | 678 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #44.
Downey School
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: 6-9%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1313 Monroe St
Harrisburg, PA 17103
(717) 703-1240
Harrisburg, PA 17103
(717) 703-1240
Gr: PK-5 | 405 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Rank: #55.
Foose School
(Math: 4% | Reading: 6-9%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1301 Sycamore St
Harrisburg, PA 17104
(717) 703-1280
Harrisburg, PA 17104
(717) 703-1280
Gr: PK-5 | 522 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: n/an/a
799 Center St
Millersburg, PA 17061
(717) 692-2108
Millersburg, PA 17061
(717) 692-2108
Gr: PK-4 | 287 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public preschools in Dauphin County, PA?
The top-ranked public preschools in Dauphin County, PA include Halifax Area Elementary School, Upper Dauphin Area Elementary School and Benjamin Franklin School.
How many public preschools are located in Dauphin County?
5 public preschools are located in Dauphin County.
What is the racial composition of students in Dauphin County?
Dauphin County public preschools minority enrollment is 71% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is more than the Pennsylvania public preschools average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public preschools in Dauphin County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public preschools in Dauphin County include: Downey School vs. Benjamin Franklin School, Upper Dauphin Area Elementary School vs. Benjamin Franklin School
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