For the 2025-26 school year, there are 13 special education public preschools serving 1,211 students in North Carolina.
The top ranked special education public preschools in North Carolina are North Shelby, The Special Children's School and Discovery Program At The Springs. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
North Carolina special education public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 26% (versus the North Carolina public pre school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 25% (versus the 46% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 61% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the North Carolina public preschool average of 59% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Special Education Public Preschools in North Carolina (2025-26)
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.
The Special Children's School
Special Education School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
4505 Shattalon Dr
Winston Salem, NC 27106
(336) 703-4191
Winston Salem, NC 27106
(336) 703-4191
Gr: PK-5 | 56 students Student-teacher ratio: 4:1 Minority enrollment: 61%
Rank: #3 - 43. - 4.
Discovery Program At The Springs
Special Education School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
163 Barium Dr
Statesville, NC 28677
(704) 978-6015
Statesville, NC 28677
(704) 978-6015
Gr: PK-12 | 31 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 52%
Rank: #3 - 43. - 4.
Vidant Health
Special Education School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
Cme Annex 1100 South Elm Stree
Greenville, NC 27858
(252) 758-4621
Greenville, NC 27858
(252) 758-4621
Gr: PK-12 | 17 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 71%
Rank: #55.
Gateway Education Center
Special Education School
(Math: <50% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
3205 East Wendover Aveune
Greensboro, NC 27405
(336) 375-2575
Greensboro, NC 27405
(336) 375-2575
Gr: PK-12 | 101 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 78%
Rank: #66.
Childrens Center
Special Education School
(Math: 21-39% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
2315 Coliseum Drive
Winston Salem, NC 27106
(336) 727-2440
Winston Salem, NC 27106
(336) 727-2440
Gr: PK-5 | 68 students Student-teacher ratio: 5:1 Minority enrollment: 74%
Rank: #7 - 117. - 11.
Conover Special Education
Special Education School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
108 7th Street Place Sw
Conover, NC 28613
(828) 464-9532
Conover, NC 28613
(828) 464-9532
Gr: PK-12 | 106 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 53%
Rank: #7 - 117. - 11.
Floyd L Knight Children Center
Special Education School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
607 W Mcintosh St
Sanford, NC 27330
(919) 774-4634
Sanford, NC 27330
(919) 774-4634
Gr: PK-12 | 115 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 51%
Rank: #7 - 117. - 11.
Haynes Inman Education Center
Special Education School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
200 Haynes Road
Jamestown, NC 27282
(336) 881-7170
Jamestown, NC 27282
(336) 881-7170
Gr: PK-12 | 110 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 60%
Rank: #7 - 117. - 11.
Nc School For The Deaf
Special Education School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
517 W Fleming Dr
Morganton, NC 28655
(828) 432-5388
Morganton, NC 28655
(828) 432-5388
Gr: PK-12 | 60 students Student-teacher ratio: 3:1 Minority enrollment: 62%
Rank: #7 - 117. - 11.
North Liberty
Special Education School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
523 Enola Road
Morganton, NC 28655
(828) 437-9656
Morganton, NC 28655
(828) 437-9656
Gr: PK-12 | 71 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 31%
Rank: #1212.
Webb Street School
Special Education School
(Math: 11-19% | Reading: 11-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
1623 N Webb Street
Gastonia, NC 28052
(704) 864-9667
Gastonia, NC 28052
(704) 864-9667
Gr: PK-12 | 161 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 51%
Rank: #1313.
Metro School
Special Education School
(Math: 10-14% | Reading: 11-19%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
405 S Davidson St
Charlotte, NC 28202
(980) 343-5450
Charlotte, NC 28202
(980) 343-5450
Gr: PK-12 | 238 students Student-teacher ratio: 6:1 Minority enrollment: 82%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked special education public preschools in North Carolina?
The top ranked special education public preschools in North Carolina include North Shelby, The Special Children's School and Discovery Program At The Springs.
How many special education public preschools are located in North Carolina?
13 special education public preschools are located in North Carolina.
What is the racial composition of students in North Carolina?
North Carolina special education public preschools minority enrollment is 61% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the North Carolina public preschools average of 59% (majority Black and Hispanic).
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