For the 2025-26 school year, there are 7 public preschools serving 3,116 students in Laurens County, SC.
The top ranked public preschools in Laurens County, SC are Waterloo Elementary School, Hickory Tavern Elementary Middle School and Laurens Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Laurens County, SC public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 28% (versus the South Carolina public pre school average of 47%), and reading proficiency score of 32% (versus the 48% statewide average). Pre schools in Laurens County have an average ranking of 3/10, which is in the bottom 50% of South Carolina public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 45% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the South Carolina public preschool average of 54% (majority Black).
Best Public Preschools in Laurens County (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Waterloo Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
10457 Highway 221 South
Waterloo, SC 29384
(864) 677-5610
Waterloo, SC 29384
(864) 677-5610
Gr: PK-5 | 257 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 25%
Rank: #22.
Hickory Tavern Elementary Middle School
(Math: 28% | Reading: 40%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
163 Neely Ferry Road
Gray Court, SC 29645
(864) 575-2126
Gray Court, SC 29645
(864) 575-2126
Gr: PK-8 | 621 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
Rank: #33.
Laurens Elementary School
(Math: 33% | Reading: 33%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
301 Henry Street
Laurens, SC 29360
(864) 984-3067
Laurens, SC 29360
(864) 984-3067
Gr: PK-5 | 499 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 55%
Rank: #44.
E. B. Morse Elementary School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 30%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
200 Parkview Drive
Laurens, SC 29360
(864) 984-7777
Laurens, SC 29360
(864) 984-7777
Gr: PK-5 | 432 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 62%
Rank: #55.
Gray Court-owings Elementary Middle School
(Math: 23% | Reading: 29%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
9210 Highway 14
Gray Court, SC 29645
(864) 876-2131
Gray Court, SC 29645
(864) 876-2131
Gr: PK-8 | 755 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 46%
Rank: #66.
Ford Elementary School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 20-24%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
601 Lucas Avenue
Laurens, SC 29360
(864) 984-3986
Laurens, SC 29360
(864) 984-3986
Gr: PK-5 | 418 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 73%
Rank: n/an/a
625 Elizabeth Street
Clinton, SC 29325
(864) 833-0836
Clinton, SC 29325
(864) 833-0836
Gr: PK | 134 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 47%
Laurens County 51³Ô¹ÏÍøºÚÁÏ (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
9210 Hwy 14
Gray Court, SC 29645
(864) 876-2131
Gray Court, SC 29645
(864) 876-2131
Gr: PK-5 | 570 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 39%
9210 Hwy 14
Gray Court, SC 29645
(864) 876-2171
Gray Court, SC 29645
(864) 876-2171
Gr: 6-8 | 229 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 33%
163 Neely Ferry Rd
Gray Court, SC 29645
(864) 575-2126
Gray Court, SC 29645
(864) 575-2126
Gr: PK-5 | 435 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 14%
163 Neely Ferry Rd
Gray Court, SC 29645
(864) 575-4301
Gray Court, SC 29645
(864) 575-4301
Gr: 6-8 | 286 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1 Minority enrollment: 12%
301 North Bell Street
Clinton, SC 29325
(864) 833-0831
Clinton, SC 29325
(864) 833-0831
Gr: 6 | 221 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 43%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public preschools in Laurens County, SC?
The top ranked public preschools in Laurens County, SC include Waterloo Elementary School, Hickory Tavern Elementary Middle School and Laurens Elementary School.
How many public preschools are located in Laurens County?
7 public preschools are located in Laurens County.
What is the racial composition of students in Laurens County?
Laurens County public preschools minority enrollment is 45% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the South Carolina public preschools average of 54% (majority Black).
Which public preschools in Laurens County are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public preschools in Laurens County include: Gray Court-owings Elementary Middle School vs. Hickory Tavern Elementary Middle School, Ford Elementary School vs. E. B. Morse Elementary School, Laurens Elementary School vs. E. B. Morse Elementary School
Recent Articles

School Choice vs. Neighborhood Schools: Key Factors
Explore school choice vs. neighborhood schools in 2025. Learn key factors parents should weigh when deciding the best fit for their child.

Best School Match 2025: Public vs Charter vs Magnet
Compare 2025 public, charter, and magnet school options with updated data, trends, and strategies to find the best fit.

Public School Boundaries and Equity in 2025
Explore how public school boundaries shape access, equity, and opportunity for students in 2025. Learn the impact on families and education policy.