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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best South Bend Public Preschools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 15 public preschools serving 4,585 students in South Bend, IN.
The top-ranked public preschools in South Bend, IN are Swanson Traditional School, Marshall Traditional School and Warren Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
South Bend, IN public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 18% (versus the Indiana public pre school average of 45%), and reading proficiency score of 18% (versus the 39% statewide average). Pre schools in South Bend have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Indiana public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 71% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Indiana public preschool average of 36% (majority Hispanic).

Best Public Preschools in South Bend, IN (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Swanson Traditional School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
17677 Parker Dr
South Bend, IN 46635
(574) 393-2700
Gr: PK-5 | 399 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Rank: #22.
Marshall Traditional School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
1433 Byron Drive
South Bend, IN 46614
(574) 393-2100
Gr: PK-8 | 400 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 60%
Rank: #33.
Warren Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 6-9%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
55400 Quince Rd
South Bend, IN 46619
(574) 393-2800
Gr: PK-5
Rank: #44.
Darden Elementary School
(Math: 13% | Reading: 23%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
18645 Janet St
South Bend, IN 46637
(574) 243-7335
Gr: PK-5 | 375 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 62%
Rank: #55.
Marquette Montessori Academy
Magnet School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
1818 Bergan St
South Bend, IN 46628
(574) 393-2400
Gr: PK-8 | 431 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 61%
Rank: #66.
Clay International Academy
(Math: 13% | Reading: 19%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
52900 Lily Rd
South Bend, IN 46637
(574) 393-4300
Gr: PK-8 | 496 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 69%
Rank: #77.
Mckinley Elementary School
(Math: 14% | Reading: 12%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
228 N Greenlawn Ave
South Bend, IN 46617
(574) 393-3300
Gr: PK-5 | 315 students Student-teacher ratio: 20:1 Minority enrollment: 71%
Rank: #88.
Nuner Fine Arts Academy
(Math: 12% | Reading: 13%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
2716 Pleasant St
South Bend, IN 46615
(574) 393-2600
Gr: PK-5 | 489 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 72%
Rank: #99.
Harrison Elementary School
(Math: 13% | Reading: 6%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
3302 Western Ave
South Bend, IN 46619
(574) 393-3000
Gr: PK-5 | 555 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 94%
Rank: #1010.
Lincoln Elementary School
(Math: 8% | Reading: 10%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
1425 E Calvert St
South Bend, IN 46613
(574) 393-2300
Gr: PK-5 | 383 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 81%
Rank: #1111.
Muessel Elementary School
(Math: 6-9% | Reading: 6-9%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
1021 Blaine St
South Bend, IN 46628
(574) 393-3400
Gr: PK-5 | 295 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 85%
Rank: #1212.
Coquillard Elementary School
(Math: 6-9% | Reading: ≤5%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
1245 N Sheridan St
South Bend, IN 46628
(574) 393-2000
Gr: PK-5 | 305 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 91%
Rank: n/an/a
Lafayette Early Childhood Center
245 N Lombardy Dr
South Bend, IN 46619
(574) 283-8127
Gr: PK | 6 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1
Rank: n/an/a
South Bend Snap
724 East Dubail
South Bend, IN 46613
(574) 393-6119
Gr: PK | 87 students Student-teacher ratio: 44:1 Minority enrollment: 57%
Rank: n/an/a
Studebaker Center
724 E Dubail Ave
South Bend, IN 46613
(574) 393-6250
Gr: PK-12 | 49 students Student-teacher ratio: 2:1

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public preschools in South Bend, IN?
The top-ranked public preschools in South Bend, IN include Swanson Traditional School, Marshall Traditional School and Warren Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in South Bend?
15 public preschools are located in South Bend.
What is the racial composition of students in South Bend?
South Bend public preschools minority enrollment is 71% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Indiana public preschools average of 36% (majority Hispanic).
Which public preschools in South Bend are often viewed compared to one another?

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