Best 27520 North Carolina Public Preschools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 3 public preschools serving 2,040 students in 27520, NC.
The top-ranked public preschools in 27520, NC are Cleveland Elementary School, West Clayton Elementary School and Cooper Academy. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public preschools in zipcode 27520 have an average math proficiency score of 56% (versus the North Carolina public pre school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 54% (versus the 46% statewide average). Pre schools in 27520, NC have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of North Carolina public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 62% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the North Carolina public preschool average of 60% (majority Black and Hispanic).

Best 27520, NC Public Preschools (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Cleveland Elementary School
(Math: 71% | Reading: 65%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
10225 Cleveland Rd
Clayton, NC 27520
(919) 550-2700
Gr: PK-5 | 851 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
Rank: #22.
West Clayton Elementary School
(Math: 43% | Reading: 49%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
1012 S Lombard St
Clayton, NC 27520
(919) 553-7113
Gr: PK-5 | 742 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 67%
Rank: #33.
Cooper Academy
(Math: 49% | Reading: 43%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
849 North Mial St
Clayton, NC 27520
(919) 553-0256
Gr: PK-5 | 447 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 75%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public preschools in 27520, NC?
The top-ranked public preschools in 27520, NC include Cleveland Elementary School, West Clayton Elementary School and Cooper Academy.
How many public preschools are located in 27520?
3 public preschools are located in 27520.
What is the racial composition of students in 27520?
27520 public preschools minority enrollment is 62% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the North Carolina public preschools average of 60% (majority Black and Hispanic).

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