For the 2025 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 (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
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
Grades: PK-5
| 168 students
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
Grades: PK-5
| 180 students
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
Grades: PK-5
| 212 students
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
Grades: PK-5
| 202 students
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
Grades: PK-5
| 108 students
Avery County Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
401 Avery County High School R
Newland, NC 28657
(828) 733-0151
Newland, NC 28657
(828) 733-0151
Grades: 9-12
| 85 students
401 Avery County High School R
Newland, NC 28657
(828) 733-0151
Newland, NC 28657
(828) 733-0151
Grades: 9
| 52 students
60 Flat Springs Rd
Elk Park, NC 28622
(828) 898-4343
Elk Park, NC 28622
(828) 898-4343
Grades: K-5
| n/a students
64 Grandfather Home Drive
Banner Elk, NC 28604
(828) 897-4500
Banner Elk, NC 28604
(828) 897-4500
Grades: 1-12
| n/a students
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).
Recent Articles
Texas Schools: The Voucher/School Choice Debate
The issue of school choice and a voucher system is currently being revisited in Houston and across the state of Texas, with strong opinions on both sides of the debate.
Fuel Up to Play 60 Focuses on Integrating Fitness and Wellness into the School Day
What if NFL players came to your school? With the Fuel Up to Play 60 program, sponsored by the National Dairy Council and the NFL, nutrition and exercise are promoted during the school day. NFL players participate in the program by coming to schools and talking to students about fitness. Learn more about the program and some of the schools that are implementing it.
What Parents Need to Know About Lunch Shaming
Students all over the nation go hungry every day not because their schools don鈥檛 offer lunch, but because they refuse them to children with outstanding debts. Read on to learn about the horror that is lunch shaming and what can be done about it.