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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Columbus County Public Preschools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 8 public preschools serving 4,308 students in Columbus County, NC.
The top-ranked public preschools in Columbus County, NC are Old Dock Elementary School, Chadbourn Elementary School and Acme Delco Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Columbus County, NC public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 43% (versus the North Carolina public pre school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 39% (versus the 46% statewide average). Pre schools in Columbus County have an average ranking of 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of North Carolina public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 51% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the North Carolina public preschool average of 60% (majority Black and Hispanic).

Best Public Preschools in Columbus County (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Old Dock Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
12489 New Britton Hwy
Whiteville, NC 28472
(910) 642-2084
Gr: PK-4 | 265 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 39%
Rank: #22.
Chadbourn Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
409 E Third Avenue
Chadbourn, NC 28431
(910) 654-3825
Gr: PK-5 | 233 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 76%
Rank: #3 - 43. - 4.
Acme Delco Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
16337 Old Lake Road
Riegelwood, NC 28456
(910) 655-2957
Gr: PK-6 | 349 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 63%
Rank: #3 - 43. - 4.
Hallsboro-artesia Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
1337 Giles Byrd Road
Hallsboro, NC 28442
(910) 646-3510
Gr: PK-6 | 394 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 74%
Rank: #55.
Williams Township
(Math: 46% | Reading: 39%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
10400 James B White Hwy
Whiteville, NC 28472
(910) 653-3791
Gr: PK-8 | 659 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 17%
Rank: n/an/a
Tabor City School
203 Stake Road
Tabor City, NC 28463
(910) 653-3618
Gr: PK-8 | 598 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 54%
Rank: n/an/a
West Columbus School
7685 Andrew Jackson Hwy Sw
Cerro Gordo, NC 28430
(910) 654-4250
Gr: PK-8 | 814 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 49%
Rank: n/an/a
Whiteville Primary
805 Barbcrest Avenue
Whiteville, NC 28472
(910) 642-4119
Gr: PK-2 | 486 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 62%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public preschools in Columbus County, NC?
The top-ranked public preschools in Columbus County, NC include Old Dock Elementary School, Chadbourn Elementary School and Acme Delco Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Columbus County?
10 public preschools are located in Columbus County.
What is the racial composition of students in Columbus County?
Columbus County public preschools minority enrollment is 51% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the North Carolina public preschools average of 60% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public preschools in Columbus County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public preschools in Columbus County include: Old Dock Elementary School vs. Williams Township

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