For the 2025 school year, there are 6 public preschools serving 1,632 students in Ithaca, NY.
The top ranked public preschools in Ithaca, NY are Cayuga Heights Elementary School, South Hill School and Belle Sherman School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Ithaca, NY public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 42% (versus the New York public pre school average of 38%), and reading proficiency score of 42% (versus the 41% statewide average). Pre schools in Ithaca have an average ranking of 5/10, which is in the bottom 50% of New York public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 41% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the New York public preschool average of 62% (majority Hispanic).
Best Public Preschools in Ithaca, NY (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Cayuga Heights Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
110 E Upland Rd
Ithaca, NY 14850
(607) 257-8557
Ithaca, NY 14850
(607) 257-8557
Grades: PK-5
| 270 students
Rank: #22.
South Hill School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
520 Hudson St
Ithaca, NY 14850
(607) 274-2129
Ithaca, NY 14850
(607) 274-2129
Grades: PK-5
| 370 students
Rank: #33.
Belle Sherman School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
501 Mitchell St
Ithaca, NY 14850
(607) 274-2206
Ithaca, NY 14850
(607) 274-2206
Grades: PK-5
| 319 students
Rank: #44.
Fall Creek Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
202 King St
Ithaca, NY 14850
(607) 274-2214
Ithaca, NY 14850
(607) 274-2214
Grades: PK-5
| 218 students
Rank: #55.
Beverly J Martin Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
302 W Buffalo St
Ithaca, NY 14850
(607) 274-2209
Ithaca, NY 14850
(607) 274-2209
Grades: PK-5
| 278 students
Rank: #66.
Enfield School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: ≤10%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
20 Enfield Main Rd
Ithaca, NY 14850
(607) 274-2221
Ithaca, NY 14850
(607) 274-2221
Grades: PK-5
| 177 students
Ithaca, New York Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
Group Homes Of Tompkins County (Closed 2004)
Alternative School
225 S Fulton St
Ithaca, NY 14850
Ithaca, NY 14850
Grades: n/a
| n/a students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public preschools in Ithaca, NY?
The top ranked public preschools in Ithaca, NY include Cayuga Heights Elementary School, South Hill School and Belle Sherman School.
How many public preschools are located in Ithaca?
6 public preschools are located in Ithaca.
What is the racial composition of students in Ithaca?
Ithaca public preschools minority enrollment is 41% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the New York public preschools average of 62% (majority Hispanic).
Which public preschools in Ithaca are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public preschools in Ithaca include: South Hill School vs. Belle Sherman School, Beverly J Martin Elementary School vs. Belle Sherman School, Cayuga Heights Elementary School vs. Belle Sherman School
Recent Articles

The Link Between Education and Incarceration: The NAACP Report
Education and the rate of incarceration have been linked in a recent NAACP report. Learn about the report and the troubling findings.

The Debate Over Mandatory AP Exams: Balancing Academic Rigor and Student Well-being
Some public schools are forcing students in AP courses to take the AP exam. Here's a look at both sides of the debate and the potential benefits in store for both students and high schools.

The 15 Biggest Failures of the American Public Education System
The world is in a constant state of change and those who fail to adjust fall behind. Unfortunately, the American public education system has not kept up with the times and is currently facing a number of serious problems. Keep reading to learn about the biggest failures affecting the modern U.S. public education system as well as some of the trends that could spark change.