Best Beaufort Public Preschools (2026)

For the 2026 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)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Coosa Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
45 Middle Road
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:
6/
10
Top 50%
1800 Prince Street
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:
6/
10
Top 50%
73 Chowan Creek Bluff
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:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
749 Broad River Drive
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:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
474 Broad River Road
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:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
2510 Mossy Oaks Road
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:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
43 W. K. Alston Drive
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:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
121 Morrall Drive
Beaufort, SC 29906
(843) 466-3400
Gr: PK-5 | 416 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 93%

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?

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