For the 2026 school year, there are 3 public preschools serving 1,554 students in Newton, NC.
The top-ranked public preschools in Newton, NC are Balls Creek Elementary School, Startown Elementary School and South Newton Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Newton, NC public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 60% (versus the North Carolina public pre school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 49% (versus the 46% statewide average). Pre schools in Newton have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of North Carolina public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 41% 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 Newton, NC (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Balls Creek Elementary School
(Math: 71% | Reading: 51%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
2620 Balls Creek Road
Newton, NC 28658
(828) 464-4766
Newton, NC 28658
(828) 464-4766
Gr: PK-6 | 686 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
Rank: #22.
Startown Elementary School
(Math: 57% | Reading: 50%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
4119 Startown Road
Newton, NC 28658
(828) 464-1257
Newton, NC 28658
(828) 464-1257
Gr: PK-6 | 540 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 46%
Rank: #33.
South Newton Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
306 West I Street
Newton, NC 28658
(828) 464-4061
Newton, NC 28658
(828) 464-4061
Gr: PK-5 | 328 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 62%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public preschools in Newton, NC?
The top-ranked public preschools in Newton, NC include Balls Creek Elementary School, Startown Elementary School and South Newton Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Newton?
3 public preschools are located in Newton.
What is the racial composition of students in Newton?
Newton public preschools minority enrollment is 41% 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 Newton are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public preschools in Newton include: South Newton Elementary School vs. Balls Creek Elementary School
Recent Articles
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
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
Learn how public schools use AI, protect student data, and the key privacy questions every parent should ask their school district in 2026.