For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public preschools serving 1,996 students in Hillsborough, NC. The top-ranked public preschools in Hillsborough, NC are Hillsborough Elementary School, River Park Elementary School and Pathways Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Hillsborough, NC public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 53% (versus the North Carolina public pre school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 50% (versus the 46% statewide average). Pre schools in Hillsborough have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of North Carolina public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 44% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public preschool average of 60% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Preschools in Hillsborough, NC (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Hillsborough Elementary School
(Math: 73% | Reading: 75%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
402 North Nash Street
Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 732-6137
Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 732-6137
Gr: PK-5 | 435 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 23%
Rank: #22.
River Park Elementary School
(Math: 61% | Reading: 55%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
240 St. Mary's Road
Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 732-9326
Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 732-9326
Gr: PK-5 | 523 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 41%
Rank: #33.
Pathways Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
431 Strouds Creek Road
Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 732-9136
Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 732-9136
Gr: PK-5 | 371 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 45%
Rank: #44.
Central Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
154 Hayes St
Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 732-3622
Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 732-3622
Gr: PK-5 | 261 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 60%
Rank: #55.
Grady Brown Elementary School
(Math: 34% | Reading: 40%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1100 New Grady Brown Rd
Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 732-6138
Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 732-6138
Gr: PK-5 | 406 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 58%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public preschools in Hillsborough, NC?
The top-ranked public preschools in Hillsborough, NC include Hillsborough Elementary School, River Park Elementary School and Pathways Elementary School. Hillsborough has one of the highest concentrations of top-ranked public schools in North Carolina.
How many public preschools are located in Hillsborough?
5 public preschools are located in Hillsborough.
What is the racial composition of students in Hillsborough?
Hillsborough public preschools minority enrollment is 44% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public preschools average of 60% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public preschools in Hillsborough are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public preschools in Hillsborough include: Central Elementary School vs. River Park Elementary School, Hillsborough Elementary School vs. River Park Elementary School, River Park Elementary School vs. Hillsborough Elementary School
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.