For the 2025 school year, there are 5 public preschools serving 2,133 students in Kinston, NC.
The top ranked public preschools in Kinston, NC are Banks Elementary School, Contentnea-savannah School and Southeast Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Kinston, NC public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 36% (versus the North Carolina public pre school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 33% (versus the 46% statewide average). Pre schools in Kinston have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of North Carolina public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 76% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the North Carolina public preschool average of 59% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Preschools in Kinston, NC (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Banks Elementary School
(Math: 49% | Reading: 44%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
2148 Falling Creek Rd
Kinston, NC 28504
(252) 527-9470
Kinston, NC 28504
(252) 527-9470
Gr: PK-5 | 483 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 61%
Rank: #22.
Contentnea-savannah School
(Math: 42% | Reading: 38%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
3400 Ferrell Road
Kinston, NC 28501
(252) 527-8591
Kinston, NC 28501
(252) 527-8591
Gr: PK-8 | 875 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 69%
Rank: #33.
Southeast Elementary School
(Math: 15-19% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
201 Mcdaniels Street
Kinston, NC 28501
(252) 527-4210
Kinston, NC 28501
(252) 527-4210
Gr: PK-5 | 270 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 95%
Rank: #44.
Northeast Elementary School
(Math: 15% | Reading: 15%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1002 E Highland Ave
Kinston, NC 28501
(252) 527-4166
Kinston, NC 28501
(252) 527-4166
Gr: PK-5 | 433 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: #55.
Lenoir County Learning Academy
Alternative School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: ≤10%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
2529 Cedar Dell Lane, Haigler-
Kinston, NC 28504
(252) 527-4264
Kinston, NC 28504
(252) 527-4264
Gr: PK-12 | 72 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 81%
Kinston, North Carolina Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
100 Bynum Blvd
Kinston, NC 28501
(252) 527-4166
Kinston, NC 28501
(252) 527-4166
Gr: K-5 | 207 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Caswell Center (Closed 2023)
Special Education School
2415 West Vernon Ave
Kinston, NC 28504
(252) 208-3410
Kinston, NC 28504
(252) 208-3410
Gr: Inquire with school
Dobbs School (Closed 2013)
Alternative School
3060 Dobbs Farm Rd
Kinston, NC 28501
(252) 522-0511
Kinston, NC 28501
(252) 522-0511
Gr: K-12
Kennedy Home (Closed 2010)
Alternative School
2557 Cedar Dell Lane
Kinston, NC 28504
(252) 527-4432
Kinston, NC 28504
(252) 527-4432
Gr: K-12 | 71 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 46%
Kinston Charter Academy (Closed 2014)
Charter School
2000 Martin L King Jr Blvd
Kinston, NC 28501
(252) 522-0210
Kinston, NC 28501
(252) 522-0210
Gr: K-8 | 297 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Lewis School (Closed 2023)
Alternative School
501 North Independence Street
Kinston, NC 28501
(252) 527-3456
Kinston, NC 28501
(252) 527-3456
Gr: 6-12 | 39 students Student-teacher ratio: 4:1 Minority enrollment: 87%
500 Marcella Dr
Kinston, NC 28501
(252) 527-0225
Kinston, NC 28501
(252) 527-0225
Gr: PK-5 | 376 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 99%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public preschools in Kinston, NC?
The top ranked public preschools in Kinston, NC include Banks Elementary School, Contentnea-savannah School and Southeast Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Kinston?
5 public preschools are located in Kinston.
What is the racial composition of students in Kinston?
Kinston public preschools minority enrollment is 76% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the North Carolina public preschools average of 59% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Recent Articles
What Are Public Schools Doing to Fight Obesity and Is It Working?
Childhood obesity rates continue to climb. While many public schools have implemented policies and programs to combat the problem, there is always more to be done. Keep reading to learn what schools are doing to prevent obesity and how you can help.
Massachusetts: Boston Public Schools Offer Free Lunches
Kids in Boston Public Schools will enjoy free lunches this year, thanks to participation in a federal program that cuts out paperwork required to prove eligibility for the free lunch program.
Michigan Schools: Free Meals for All Students in Some Detroit Schools
Learn about a pilot program through the U.S. Department of Agriculture that would offer two free meals and snacks to all Detroit Public School students daily – a controversial decision for some taxpayers.