For the 2026 school year, there are 4 public preschools serving 1,577 students in 28043, NC.
The top-ranked public preschools in 28043, NC are Forrest W. Hunt Elementary School, Harris Elementary School and Forest City-dunbar Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Public preschools in zipcode 28043 have an average math proficiency score of 62% (versus the North Carolina public pre school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 51% (versus the 46% statewide average). Pre schools in 28043, NC have an average ranking of 8/10, which is in the top 30% of North Carolina public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 40% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public preschool average of 59% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best 28043, NC Public Preschools (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Forrest W. Hunt Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
100 Forrest Hunt Drive
Forest City, NC 28043
(828) 245-2161
Forest City, NC 28043
(828) 245-2161
Gr: PK-5 | 406 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 42%
Rank: #22.
Harris Elementary School
(Math: 60% | Reading: 56%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
3330 Us 221 S Hwy
Forest City, NC 28043
(828) 248-2354
Forest City, NC 28043
(828) 248-2354
Gr: PK-5 | 440 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 20%
Rank: #33.
Forest City-dunbar Elementary School
(Math: 66% | Reading: 48%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
286 Learning Parkway
Forest City, NC 28043
(828) 245-4978
Forest City, NC 28043
(828) 245-4978
Gr: PK-5 | 487 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 67%
Rank: #44.
Mt. Vernon-ruth Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
2785 Hudlow Road
Forest City, NC 28043
(828) 287-4792
Forest City, NC 28043
(828) 287-4792
Gr: PK-5 | 244 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
28043, North Carolina Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
140 Old Carolean Road
Forest City, NC 28043
(828) 245-5230
Forest City, NC 28043
(828) 245-5230
Gr: K-2 | 243 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 54%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public preschools in 28043, NC?
The top-ranked public preschools in 28043, NC include Forrest W. Hunt Elementary School, Harris Elementary School and Forest City-dunbar Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in 28043?
4 public preschools are located in 28043.
What is the racial composition of students in 28043?
28043 public preschools minority enrollment is 40% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the North Carolina public preschools average of 59% (majority Black and Hispanic).
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