For the 2026 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 48% (versus the New York public pre school average of 48%), 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 (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Cayuga Heights Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
110 E Upland Rd
Ithaca, NY 14850
(607) 257-8557
Ithaca, NY 14850
(607) 257-8557
Gr: PK-5 | 270 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 35%
Rank: #22.
South Hill School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
520 Hudson St
Ithaca, NY 14850
(607) 274-2129
Ithaca, NY 14850
(607) 274-2129
Gr: PK-5 | 370 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 27%
Rank: #33.
Belle Sherman School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 40-44%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
501 Mitchell St
Ithaca, NY 14850
(607) 274-2206
Ithaca, NY 14850
(607) 274-2206
Gr: PK-5 | 319 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 53%
Rank: #44.
Fall Creek Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
202 King St
Ithaca, NY 14850
(607) 274-2214
Ithaca, NY 14850
(607) 274-2214
Gr: PK-5 | 218 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 37%
Rank: #55.
Beverly J Martin Elementary School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
302 W Buffalo St
Ithaca, NY 14850
(607) 274-2209
Ithaca, NY 14850
(607) 274-2209
Gr: PK-5 | 278 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 56%
Rank: #66.
Enfield School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: ≤10%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
20 Enfield Main Rd
Ithaca, NY 14850
(607) 274-2221
Ithaca, NY 14850
(607) 274-2221
Gr: PK-5 | 177 students Student-teacher ratio: 7:1 Minority enrollment: 38%
Ithaca, New York Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
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
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