For the 2025-26 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 (2025-26)
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 51³Ô¹ÏÍøºÚÁÏ (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
Recent Articles
10 Advantages of Public Education in 2025
Explore 10 key benefits of public education in 2025, with fresh statistics, expert insights, and real-world examples for parents and educators.
COVID-19’s Lasting Impact on U.S. 51³Ô¹ÏÍøºÚÁÏ (2025)
Explore how COVID-19 continues to affect U.S. public schools in 2025: learning losses, enrollment shifts, mental health, and recovery strategies.