For the 2026 school year, there are 9 public preschools serving 3,926 students in Shelby, NC.
The top-ranked public preschools in Shelby, NC are North Shelby, Boiling Springs Elementary School and Springmore Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Shelby, NC public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 55% (versus the North Carolina public pre school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 45% (versus the 46% statewide average). Pre schools in Shelby have an average ranking of 6/10, which is in the top 50% of North Carolina public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 51% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the North Carolina public preschool average of 59% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Preschools in Shelby, NC (2026)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
North Shelby
Special Education School
(Math: 60-79% | Reading: 60-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1701 Charles Road
Shelby, NC 28152
(704) 476-8230
Shelby, NC 28152
(704) 476-8230
Gr: PK-12 | 77 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 45%
Rank: #22.
Boiling Springs Elementary School
(Math: 72% | Reading: 60%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
1522 Patrick Avenue
Shelby, NC 28152
(704) 476-8361
Shelby, NC 28152
(704) 476-8361
Gr: PK-5 | 555 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 26%
Rank: #33.
Springmore Elementary School
(Math: 72% | Reading: 56%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
616 Mcbrayer Homestead Road
Shelby, NC 28152
(704) 476-8235
Shelby, NC 28152
(704) 476-8235
Gr: PK-5 | 581 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 29%
Rank: #44.
Jefferson Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1166 Wyke Road
Shelby, NC 28150
(704) 476-8390
Shelby, NC 28150
(704) 476-8390
Gr: PK-5 | 425 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 62%
Rank: #55.
James Love Elementary School
(Math: 60-64% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
309 James Love Road
Shelby, NC 28152
(704) 476-8385
Shelby, NC 28152
(704) 476-8385
Gr: PK-5 | 356 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 75%
Rank: #66.
Union Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 45-49%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1440 Union Church Road
Shelby, NC 28150
(704) 476-8250
Shelby, NC 28150
(704) 476-8250
Gr: PK-5 | 424 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 39%
Rank: #77.
Washington Elementary School
(Math: 50-54% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1907 Stony Point Road
Shelby, NC 28150
(704) 476-8260
Shelby, NC 28150
(704) 476-8260
Gr: PK-5 | 386 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 43%
Rank: #88.
Township Three Elementary School
(Math: 50% | Reading: 36%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
526 Davis Road
Shelby, NC 28152
(704) 476-8245
Shelby, NC 28152
(704) 476-8245
Gr: PK-5 | 541 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 60%
Rank: #99.
Elizabeth Elementary School
(Math: 28% | Reading: 30%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
220 S Post Road
Shelby, NC 28152
(704) 476-8371
Shelby, NC 28152
(704) 476-8371
Gr: PK-5 | 581 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 77%
Shelby, North Carolina Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
1100 Blanton Street
Shelby, NC 28150
(704) 476-8386
Shelby, NC 28150
(704) 476-8386
Gr: PK-4 | 209 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 86%
410 Forest Hill Drive
Shelby, NC 28150
(704) 476-8381
Shelby, NC 28150
(704) 476-8381
Gr: PK-4 | 220 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 66%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public preschools in Shelby, NC?
The top-ranked public preschools in Shelby, NC include North Shelby, Boiling Springs Elementary School and Springmore Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Shelby?
9 public preschools are located in Shelby.
What is the racial composition of students in Shelby?
Shelby public preschools minority enrollment is 51% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the North Carolina public preschools average of 59% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public preschools in Shelby are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public preschools in Shelby include: Springmore Elementary School vs. Boiling Springs Elementary School, Boiling Springs Elementary School vs. Springmore Elementary School, Union Elementary School vs. Township Three Elementary School
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