For the 2026 school year, there are 5 public preschools serving 870 students in Avery County, NC.
The top-ranked public preschools in Avery County, NC are Banner Elk Elementary School, Crossnore Elementary School and Freedom Trail Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Avery County, NC public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 60% (versus the North Carolina public pre school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 57% (versus the 46% statewide average). Pre schools in Avery County have an average ranking of 9/10, which is in the top 20% of North Carolina public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 17% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public preschool average of 59% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Preschools in Avery County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Banner Elk Elementary School
(Math: 80-84% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
155 Orchard Lane
Banner Elk, NC 28604
(828) 737-5700
Banner Elk, NC 28604
(828) 737-5700
Gr: PK-5 | 168 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
Rank: #2 - 32. - 3.
Crossnore Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1000 Walt Clark Road
Crossnore, NC 28616
(828) 737-7204
Crossnore, NC 28616
(828) 737-7204
Gr: PK-5 | 180 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
Rank: #2 - 32. - 3.
Freedom Trail Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 60-64%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
6110 North Us Hwy 19e
Elk Park, NC 28622
(828) 733-2932
Elk Park, NC 28622
(828) 733-2932
Gr: PK-5 | 212 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #44.
Newland Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
750 Linville Street
Newland, NC 28657
(828) 733-4911
Newland, NC 28657
(828) 733-4911
Gr: PK-5 | 202 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 40%
Rank: #55.
Riverside Elementary School
(Math: 30-39% | Reading: 30-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
8020 Us 19e Hwy South
Newland, NC 28657
(828) 737-5600
Newland, NC 28657
(828) 737-5600
Gr: PK-5 | 108 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 6%
Avery County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
401 Avery County High School R
Newland, NC 28657
(828) 733-0151
Newland, NC 28657
(828) 733-0151
Gr: 9-12 | 85 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 5%
401 Avery County High School R
Newland, NC 28657
(828) 733-0151
Newland, NC 28657
(828) 733-0151
Gr: 9 | 52 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 23%
60 Flat Springs Rd
Elk Park, NC 28622
(828) 898-4343
Elk Park, NC 28622
(828) 898-4343
Gr: K-5
64 Grandfather Home Drive
Banner Elk, NC 28604
(828) 897-4500
Banner Elk, NC 28604
(828) 897-4500
Gr: 1-12
<麻豆果冻传媒 class='so-dt-title' id='faq'>Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public preschools in Avery County, NC?
The top-ranked public preschools in Avery County, NC include Banner Elk Elementary School, Crossnore Elementary School and Freedom Trail Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Avery County?
5 public preschools are located in Avery County.
What is the racial composition of students in Avery County?
Avery County public preschools minority enrollment is 17% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public preschools average of 59% (majority Black and Hispanic).
麻豆果冻传媒 Articles
Back-to-School Tech & Online Learning Readiness Checklist
A 2026 guide to back-to-school tech & online learning readiness, helping families prepare devices, connectivity, skills, and safety.
How Public Schools Prepare for College in High School
Learn how public schools prepare for college and what parents should look for as students begin high school. Updated for 2026.
School Choice in 2026: What Parents Must Know
Explore how school choice is reshaping U.S. education in 2026, with updated trends, enrollment data, costs, policies, and practical guidance for parents.