For the 2026 school year, there are 13 public preschools serving 5,043 students in Lancaster, PA.
The top-ranked public preschools in Lancaster, PA are Wharton Elementary School, Ross Elementary School and Wickersham Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Lancaster, PA public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 22% (versus the Pennsylvania public pre school average of 28%), and reading proficiency score of 29% (versus the 38% statewide average). Pre schools in Lancaster have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Pennsylvania public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 86% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Pennsylvania public preschool average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Preschools in Lancaster, PA (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Wharton Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
705 N Mary St
Lancaster, PA 17603
(717) 291-6281
Lancaster, PA 17603
(717) 291-6281
Gr: PK-5 | 327 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 51%
Rank: #22.
Ross Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
840 N Queen St
Lancaster, PA 17603
(717) 291-6268
Lancaster, PA 17603
(717) 291-6268
Gr: PK-5 | 281 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 86%
Rank: #33.
Wickersham Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
401 N Reservoir St
Lancaster, PA 17602
(717) 291-6291
Lancaster, PA 17602
(717) 291-6291
Gr: PK-5 | 402 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 89%
Rank: #44.
Burrowes Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
1001 E Orange St
Lancaster, PA 17602
(717) 291-6159
Lancaster, PA 17602
(717) 291-6159
Gr: PK-5 | 308 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 89%
Rank: #55.
Smith-wade-el Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
910 Hamilton Park Drive
Lancaster, PA 17603
(717) 291-6151
Lancaster, PA 17603
(717) 291-6151
Gr: PK-5 | 397 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 74%
Rank: #66.
Price Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
340 S. West End Avenue
Lancaster, PA 17603
(717) 291-6252
Lancaster, PA 17603
(717) 291-6252
Gr: PK-5 | 331 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 94%
Rank: #77.
Martin School
(Math: 17% | Reading: 32%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
2000 Wabank Rd
Lancaster, PA 17603
(717) 291-6193
Lancaster, PA 17603
(717) 291-6193
Gr: PK-8 | 623 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 86%
Rank: #88.
Hamilton Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1300 Wabank Rd
Lancaster, PA 17603
(717) 291-6166
Lancaster, PA 17603
(717) 291-6166
Gr: PK-5 | 339 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 89%
Rank: #99.
King Elementary School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
466 Rockland St
Lancaster, PA 17602
(717) 291-6178
Lancaster, PA 17602
(717) 291-6178
Gr: PK-5 | 413 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #1010.
Fulton Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
225 W Orange St
Lancaster, PA 17603
(717) 291-6110
Lancaster, PA 17603
(717) 291-6110
Gr: PK-5 | 274 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 88%
Rank: #1111.
Lafayette Elementary School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
1000 Fremont St
Lancaster, PA 17603
(717) 291-6183
Lancaster, PA 17603
(717) 291-6183
Gr: PK-5 | 437 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 86%
Rank: #1212.
Washington Elementary School
(Math: 16% | Reading: 21%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
545 S Ann St
Lancaster, PA 17602
(717) 291-6275
Lancaster, PA 17602
(717) 291-6275
Gr: PK-5 | 467 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Rank: #1313.
Carter And Macrae Elementary School
(Math: 13% | Reading: 10-14%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
251 S Prince St
Lancaster, PA 17603
(717) 396-6842
Lancaster, PA 17603
(717) 396-6842
Gr: PK-5 | 444 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 92%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public preschools in Lancaster, PA?
The top-ranked public preschools in Lancaster, PA include Wharton Elementary School, Ross Elementary School and Wickersham Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Lancaster?
13 public preschools are located in Lancaster.
What is the racial composition of students in Lancaster?
Lancaster public preschools minority enrollment is 86% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Pennsylvania public preschools average of 56% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public preschools in Lancaster are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public preschools in Lancaster include: Wharton Elementary School vs. Smith-wade-el Elementary School, Fulton Elementary School vs. Wharton Elementary School, Lafayette Elementary School vs. Smith-wade-el Elementary School
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