For the 2025 school year, there are 14 public preschools serving 9,105 students in Cary, NC. The top ranked public preschools in Cary, NC are Green Hope Elementary School, Highcroft Elementary School and Mills Park Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Cary, NC public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 76% (versus the North Carolina public pre school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 73% (versus the 46% statewide average). Pre schools in Cary have an average ranking of 10/10, which is in the top 5% of North Carolina public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 64% of the student body (majority Asian), which is more than the North Carolina public preschool average of 59% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Preschools in Cary, NC (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Green Hope Elementary School
(Math: 91% | Reading: 88%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
2700 Louis Stephens Drive
Cary, NC 27519
(919) 388-5270
Cary, NC 27519
(919) 388-5270
Grades: PK-5
| 603 students
Rank: #2 - 32. - 3.
Highcroft Elementary School
(Math: 88% | Reading: 86%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
5415 Highcroft Drive
Cary, NC 27519
(919) 460-3527
Cary, NC 27519
(919) 460-3527
Grades: PK-5
| 699 students
Rank: #2 - 32. - 3.
Mills Park Elementary School
(Math: 88% | Reading: 86%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
509 Mills Park Dr
Cary, NC 27519
(919) 466-1466
Cary, NC 27519
(919) 466-1466
Grades: PK-5
| 645 students
Rank: #44.
Hortons Creek Elementary School
(Math: 85% | Reading: 81%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
7615 O'kelly Chapel Rd
Cary, NC 27519
(919) 694-8660
Cary, NC 27519
(919) 694-8660
Grades: PK-5
| 694 students
Rank: #55.
Alston Ridge Elementary School
(Math: 80% | Reading: 78%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
11555 Green Level Church Rd.
Cary, NC 27519
(919) 544-2474
Cary, NC 27519
(919) 544-2474
Grades: PK-5
| 1,111 students
Rank: #66.
Briarcliff Elementary School
(Math: 74% | Reading: 73%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1220 Pond St
Cary, NC 27511
(919) 460-3443
Cary, NC 27511
(919) 460-3443
Grades: PK-5
| 456 students
Rank: #77.
Weatherstone Elementary School
(Math: 76% | Reading: 71%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1000 Olde Weatherstone Way
Cary, NC 27513
(919) 380-6988
Cary, NC 27513
(919) 380-6988
Grades: PK-5
| 718 students
Rank: #88.
Carpenter Elementary School
(Math: 76% | Reading: 68%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
2100 Morrisville Parkway
Cary, NC 27519
(919) 462-6780
Cary, NC 27519
(919) 462-6780
Grades: PK-5
| 680 students
Rank: #99.
Farmington Woods Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 72% | Reading: 70%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1413 Hampton Valley Rd
Cary, NC 27511
(919) 460-3469
Cary, NC 27511
(919) 460-3469
Grades: PK-5
| 652 students
Rank: #1010.
Northwoods Elementary School
(Math: 67% | Reading: 68%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
8850 Chapel Hill Road
Cary, NC 27513
(919) 460-3491
Cary, NC 27513
(919) 460-3491
Grades: PK-5
| 618 students
Rank: #1111.
Cary Elementary School
(Math: 65% | Reading: 65%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
400 Kildaire Farm Road
Cary, NC 27511
(919) 460-3455
Cary, NC 27511
(919) 460-3455
Grades: PK-5
| 440 students
Rank: #1212.
Turner Creek Elementary School
(Math: 65% | Reading: 62%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
6801 Turner Creek Road
Cary, NC 27519
(919) 363-1391
Cary, NC 27519
(919) 363-1391
Grades: PK-5
| 739 students
Rank: #1313.
Adams Elementary School
(Math: 62% | Reading: 53%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
805 Cary Towne Blvd
Cary, NC 27511
(919) 460-3431
Cary, NC 27511
(919) 460-3431
Grades: PK-5
| 616 students
Rank: #1414.
Kingswood Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
200 E. Johnson Street
Cary, NC 27513
(919) 460-3481
Cary, NC 27513
(919) 460-3481
Grades: PK-5
| 434 students
Cary, North Carolina Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
Cardinal Charter Academy West Campus (Closed 2023)
Charter School
1020 St. Charles Place
Cary, NC 27513
(919) 653-5000
Cary, NC 27513
(919) 653-5000
Grades: n/a
| n/a students
Kaleidoscope Charter High School (Closed 2023)
Charter School
100 Airlie Court
Cary, NC 27513
(919) 694-7030
Cary, NC 27513
(919) 694-7030
Grades: n/a
| n/a students
5625 Dillard Dr
Cary, NC 27518
(919) 431-7400
Cary, NC 27518
(919) 431-7400
Grades: n/a
| n/a students
5625 Dillard Dr
Cary, NC 27518
(919) 431-7400
Cary, NC 27518
(919) 431-7400
Grades: n/a
| n/a students
5625 Dillard Dr
Cary, NC 27518
(919) 431-7400
Cary, NC 27518
(919) 431-7400
Grades: n/a
| n/a students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public preschools in Cary, NC?
The top ranked public preschools in Cary, NC include Green Hope Elementary School, Highcroft Elementary School and Mills Park Elementary School. Cary has one of the highest concentrations of top ranked public schools in North Carolina.
How many public preschools are located in Cary?
14 public preschools are located in Cary.
What is the racial composition of students in Cary?
Cary public preschools minority enrollment is 64% of the student body (majority Asian), which is more than the North Carolina public preschools average of 59% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public preschools in Cary are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public preschools in Cary include: Hortons Creek Elementary School vs. Alston Ridge Elementary School, Highcroft Elementary School vs. Mills Park Elementary School, Briarcliff Elementary School vs. Farmington Woods Elementary School
Recent Articles

What Is A Charter School?
Explore the world of charter schools in this comprehensive guide. Learn about their history, how they operate, and the pros and cons of this educational innovation. Discover key facts about charter schools, including admission policies, demographics, and funding, as well as what to look for when considering a charter school for your child.

10 Reasons Why High School Sports Benefit Students
Discover the 10 compelling reasons why high school sports are beneficial for students. This comprehensive article explores how athletics enhance academic performance, foster personal growth, and develop crucial life skills. From improved fitness and time management to leadership development and community representation, learn why participating in high school sports can be a game-changer for students' overall success and well-being.

February 05, 2025
Understanding the U.S. Department of Education: Structure, Impact, and EvolutionWe explore how the Department of Education shapes American education, from its cabinet-level leadership to its impact on millions of students, written for general audiences seeking clarity on this vital institution.