Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::offsetGet($offset) should either be compatible with ArrayAccess::offsetGet(mixed $offset): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 106 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::offsetSet($offset, $value) should either be compatible with ArrayAccess::offsetSet(mixed $offset, mixed $value): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 115 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::offsetUnset($offset) should either be compatible with ArrayAccess::offsetUnset(mixed $offset): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 130 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::current() should either be compatible with Iterator::current(): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 48 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::next() should either be compatible with Iterator::next(): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 56 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Util\ArrayObject::rewind() should either be compatible with Iterator::rewind(): void, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Util/ArrayObject.php on line 80 Deprecated: Return type of Phpfastcache\Drivers\Memcached\Item::jsonSerialize() should either be compatible with JsonSerializable::jsonSerialize(): mixed, or the #[\ReturnTypeWillChange] attribute should be used to temporarily suppress the notice in /home/devzheng/workspace/psr/vendor/phpfastcache/phpfastcache/lib/Phpfastcache/Core/Item/ItemExtendedTrait.php on line 438 Best Public Preschools in Hillsborough, NC (2026)
Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Hillsborough Public Preschools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public preschools serving 1,996 students in Hillsborough, NC. The top-ranked public preschools in Hillsborough, NC are Hillsborough Elementary School, River Park Elementary School and Pathways Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Hillsborough, NC public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 53% (versus the North Carolina public pre school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 50% (versus the 46% statewide average). Pre schools in Hillsborough have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of North Carolina public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 44% 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 Hillsborough, NC (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Hillsborough Elementary School
(Math: 73% | Reading: 75%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
402 North Nash Street
Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 732-6137
Gr: PK-5 | 435 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 23%
Rank: #22.
River Park Elementary School
(Math: 61% | Reading: 55%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
240 St. Mary's Road
Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 732-9326
Gr: PK-5 | 523 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 41%
Rank: #33.
Pathways Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
431 Strouds Creek Road
Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 732-9136
Gr: PK-5 | 371 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 45%
Rank: #44.
Central Elementary School
(Math: 35-39% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
154 Hayes St
Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 732-3622
Gr: PK-5 | 261 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 60%
Rank: #55.
Grady Brown Elementary School
(Math: 34% | Reading: 40%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
1100 New Grady Brown Rd
Hillsborough, NC 27278
(919) 732-6138
Gr: PK-5 | 406 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 58%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public preschools in Hillsborough, NC?
How many public preschools are located in Hillsborough?
5 public preschools are located in Hillsborough.
What is the racial composition of students in Hillsborough?
Hillsborough public preschools minority enrollment is 44% 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 Hillsborough are often viewed compared to one another?

Recent Articles

AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.

Quick Links

School Search Tools:
School by Type (NC):
Private & Boarding Schools:
State Links: