- Elwyn G Campbell — 0.5 mi · Grades PK–5 · 267 students
- Casimir Pulaski — 1.8 mi · Grades PK–5 · 551 students
- Normandin Middle School — 1.8 mi · Grades 6–8 · 990 students
- Jireh Swift — 1.9 mi · Grades PK–5 · 204 students
- Charles S Ashley — 2.0 mi · Grades K–5 · 272 students
- Abraham Lincoln — 2.4 mi · Grades K–5 · 687 students
- Carlos Pacheco — 3.2 mi · Grades K–5 · 242 students
- Hayden/McFadden — 3.4 mi · Grades PK–5 · 748 students
| Metric | New Bedford School District | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 12,640 | 3,544 | ↑ Larger than avg |
| Number of Schools | 25 | 7 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $28,208/yr | $17,619/yr | ↑ 60% above avg |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 1/10 — Poor | — | Below average |
| District | Rating | Percentile | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Bedford School District (this district) | 1/10 | 5th | 12,640 |
| Acushnet School District | 7/10 | 60th | 973 |
| Freetown-Lakeville School District | 6/10 | 58th | 2,809 |
| Dartmouth School District | 8/10 | 70th | 3,416 |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 287 rated districts in MA → 5th percentile → 1/10.
Source: Massachusetts DESE MCAS, grades 3–8 Meeting/Exceeding Expectations, 2024–25 school year. Full methodology →
About New Bedford School District
Zip code 02745 in New Bedford, Massachusetts is served by New Bedford School District for public school enrollment. The district covers grades Pre-K–12th. This page provides a data-driven overview of New Bedford School District’s funding levels, size, rating, and what families should know before enrolling or making a housing decision in this area.
Understanding the 1/10 Rating
New Bedford School District has earned an overall SchoolDistrictFinder rating of 1/10, placing it in the low-rated tier. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in Massachusetts’ MCAS grades 3–8 assessments (2024–25 school year). We average each district’s reading and math proficiency, then rank it against other districts in the same state to produce a 1–10 score. Because Massachusetts is compared only against itself, the rating reflects how this district performs relative to its in-state peers.
New Bedford School District holds a low overall rating, with reading and math proficiency among the lowest in Massachusetts on state assessments. Test results reflect many factors beyond the classroom, including community and economic conditions; a low score is a signal to research carefully, not a verdict on any individual school or teacher. Families in this area should research all available alternatives: inter-district transfers, charter schools, and magnet programs. Contact the district directly to understand exactly what programs are available at your assigned school.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 02745
Children in zip code 02745 are assigned to New Bedford School District for public school enrollment, covering grades Pre-K–12th. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 02745, not just your neighborhood. Two homes on opposite ends of the same zip code may be assigned to different schools within the same district.
To confirm your specific school assignments, contact New Bedford School District at the number listed on the district website or visit the district’s official website. Typical enrollment documents include proof of residency (lease or deed plus a utility bill), your child’s birth certificate, current immunization records, and prior school records. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, bring that documentation to enrollment — Massachusetts districts are required to continue services within a reasonable period. Fall enrollment windows typically open in late winter or early spring; contact the district for exact dates and required steps.
School Districts and Home Values in New Bedford
School district quality is one of the most consistent factors in residential home pricing. Because New Bedford School District serves zip code 02745, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 02745. District boundaries are address-specific — verify the exact district assignment for any property you’re seriously considering rather than assuming based on the neighborhood. A single block can place two adjacent homes in different districts with different ratings and different annual property tax implications.
Use the property tax estimator on this page to calculate estimated annual tax obligations based on your target purchase price. In Massachusetts, property taxes are a primary funding source for public schools — your tax payments directly support New Bedford School District programs and staff. Understanding both district quality and the associated tax burden is essential financial due diligence before committing to any home in zip code 02745.
Data Sources and Accuracy
All district information on this page is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data (CCD) 2024–2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s annual census of all public school districts — the same dataset used by researchers, journalists, and policymakers to analyze American public education. District boundaries, school assignments and phone numbers are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring; per-pupil spending comes from the US Census Bureau's Annual Survey of School System Finances, released about two years after the fiscal year it covers. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with New Bedford School District before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 02745 data.