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
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.