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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Hickory Public Preschools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 7 public preschools serving 3,033 students in Hickory, NC.
The top-ranked public preschools in Hickory, NC are Oakwood Elementary School, Clyde Campbell Elementary School and Snow Creek Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Hickory, NC public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 56% (versus the North Carolina public pre school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 48% (versus the 46% statewide average). Pre schools in Hickory have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of North Carolina public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 52% 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 Hickory, NC (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Oakwood Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
366 4th Street Nw
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 322-1340
Gr: PK-5 | 336 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 44%
Rank: #22.
Clyde Campbell Elementary School
(Math: 69% | Reading: 58%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
2121 35th Avenue Drive Ne
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 256-2769
Gr: PK-6 | 505 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 39%
Rank: #33.
Snow Creek Elementary School
(Math: 67% | Reading: 58%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
3238 Snow Creek Rd
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 256-2335
Gr: PK-6 | 551 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 41%
Rank: #44.
Ray Childers Elementary School
(Math: 52% | Reading: 44%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
1183 Cape Hickory Road
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 324-1340
Gr: PK-5 | 460 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 34%
Rank: #55.
Webb A Murray Elementary School
(Math: 44% | Reading: 33%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
3901 Section House Road
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 256-2196
Gr: PK-6 | 380 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 73%
Rank: #66.
Viewmont Elementary School
(Math: 38% | Reading: 28%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
21 16th Avenue Nw
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 324-7049
Gr: PK-5 | 509 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 72%
Rank: #77.
Southwest Primary
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 20-24% )
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
1580 32nd Street Sw
Hickory, NC 28602
(828) 324-8884
Gr: PK-2 | 292 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 69%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public preschools in Hickory, NC?
The top-ranked public preschools in Hickory, NC include Oakwood Elementary School, Clyde Campbell Elementary School and Snow Creek Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Hickory?
7 public preschools are located in Hickory.
What is the racial composition of students in Hickory?
Hickory public preschools minority enrollment is 52% 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 Hickory are often viewed compared to one another?

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