For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public preschools serving 2,253 students in Dare County, NC.
The top-ranked public preschools in Dare County, NC are Kitty Hawk Elementary School, Nags Head Elementary School and First Flight Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Dare County, NC public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 52% (versus the North Carolina public pre school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 51% (versus the 46% statewide average). Pre schools in Dare County have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of North Carolina public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 31% 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 Dare County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Kitty Hawk Elementary School
(Math: 67% | Reading: 65%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
16 Dogwood Trail
Kitty Hawk, NC 27949
(252) 261-2313
Kitty Hawk, NC 27949
(252) 261-2313
Gr: PK-5 | 487 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #22.
Nags Head Elementary School
(Math: 59% | Reading: 52%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
3100 S Wrightsville Avenue
Nags Head, NC 27959
(252) 480-8880
Nags Head, NC 27959
(252) 480-8880
Gr: PK-5 | 484 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 39%
Rank: #33.
First Flight Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
107 Veterans Drive
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
(252) 441-1111
Kill Devil Hills, NC 27948
(252) 441-1111
Gr: PK-5 | 285 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 32%
Rank: #44.
Cape Hatteras Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
47500 Middle Ridge
Buxton, NC 27920
(252) 995-6196
Buxton, NC 27920
(252) 995-6196
Gr: PK-5 | 284 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 29%
Rank: #55.
Manteo Elementary School
(Math: 41% | Reading: 44%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
701 N Hwy 64/264
Manteo, NC 27954
(252) 473-2742
Manteo, NC 27954
(252) 473-2742
Gr: PK-5 | 636 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public preschools in Dare County, NC?
The top-ranked public preschools in Dare County, NC include Kitty Hawk Elementary School, Nags Head Elementary School and First Flight Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Dare County?
5 public preschools are located in Dare County.
What is the racial composition of students in Dare County?
Dare County public preschools minority enrollment is 31% 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 Dare County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public preschools in Dare County include: First Flight Elementary School vs. Kitty Hawk Elementary School, Manteo Elementary School vs. Nags Head Elementary School, Kitty Hawk Elementary School vs. First Flight 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.