For the 2026 school year, there are 8 public preschools serving 5,760 students in Onslow County, NC.
The top-ranked public preschools in Onslow County, NC are White Oak Elementary School, Surf City Elementary School and Dixon Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Onslow County, NC public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 59% (versus the North Carolina public pre school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 53% (versus the 46% statewide average). Pre schools in Onslow County have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of North Carolina public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 36% 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 Onslow County (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
White Oak Elementary School
(Math: 77% | Reading: 65%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
555 Wb Mclean Dr
Swansboro, NC 28584
(252) 393-3990
Swansboro, NC 28584
(252) 393-3990
Gr: PK-5 | 784 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #22.
Surf City Elementary School
(Math: 74% | Reading: 65%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
12345-a Literacy Lane
Holly Ridge, NC 28445
(910) 928-0067
Holly Ridge, NC 28445
(910) 928-0067
Gr: PK-5 | 857 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
Rank: #33.
Dixon Elementary School
(Math: 60% | Reading: 65%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
130 Betty Dixon Rd
Holly Ridge, NC 28445
(910) 327-2104
Holly Ridge, NC 28445
(910) 327-2104
Gr: PK-5 | 760 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 24%
Rank: #44.
Queens Creek Elementary School
(Math: 54% | Reading: 54%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
159 Queens Creek Road
Swansboro, NC 28584
(910) 326-5115
Swansboro, NC 28584
(910) 326-5115
Gr: PK-5 | 706 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 29%
Rank: #55.
Morton Elementary School
(Math: 60% | Reading: 49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
485 Old 30 Road
Jacksonville, NC 28546
(910) 353-0930
Jacksonville, NC 28546
(910) 353-0930
Gr: PK-5 | 715 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 54%
Rank: #66.
Summersill Elementary School
(Math: 50% | Reading: 43%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
250 Summersill School Road
Jacksonville, NC 28540
(910) 455-2672
Jacksonville, NC 28540
(910) 455-2672
Gr: PK-5 | 482 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 58%
Rank: #77.
Southwest Elementary School
(Math: 47% | Reading: 42%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
2601 Burgaw Hwy
Jacksonville, NC 28540
(910) 347-0900
Jacksonville, NC 28540
(910) 347-0900
Gr: PK-5 | 720 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 39%
Rank: #88.
Hunters Creek Elementary School
(Math: 38% | Reading: 36%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
3450 Hunters Trail
Jacksonville, NC 28546
(910) 353-4443
Jacksonville, NC 28546
(910) 353-4443
Gr: PK-5 | 585 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 68%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public preschools in Onslow County, NC?
The top-ranked public preschools in Onslow County, NC include White Oak Elementary School, Surf City Elementary School and Dixon Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Onslow County?
8 public preschools are located in Onslow County.
What is the racial composition of students in Onslow County?
Onslow County public preschools minority enrollment is 36% 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 Onslow County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public preschools in Onslow County include: Hunters Creek Elementary School vs. Morton Elementary School, Surf City Elementary School vs. Dixon Elementary School
Recent Articles
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
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
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.