View the New Bedford HandbookNew Bedford, Massachusetts
New Bedford Public Schools by the Numbers
A snapshot of one of the largest districts on the South Coast. Detailed figures come from the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
District Snapshot
District Overview
| District | New Bedford Public Schools |
| Grades | PreK to 12 |
| Schools | 21 |
| High school | New Bedford High School (9 to 12) |
Student Population
New Bedford’s students are among the most diverse on the South Coast. A large share are multilingual learners, and the state classifies about 88% as “high needs.” About 37% are English learners. For the precise current breakdown, see the DESE district profile.
| English learners | about 37% |
| High needs | about 88% |
Academic Performance & Context
MCAS results, graduation rates, and accountability data for New Bedford Public Schools are published and updated annually by DESE. The district’s most recent four-year graduation rate is about 76%. Because these figures change each year, this guide links to the live state profile rather than reprinting numbers that quickly go stale.
Sources
MA DESE, New Bedford Public Schools Student Profile (code 02010000). Accessed 2026.