- Abraham Lincoln — Grades K–5 · 687 students
- Betsey B Winslow — Grades K–5 · 227 students
- Casimir Pulaski — Grades PK–5 · 551 students
- Charles S Ashley — Grades K–5 · 272 students
- Elizabeth Carter Brooks — Grades K–5 · 261 students
- Ellen R Hathaway — Grades K–5 · 201 students
- Elwyn G Campbell — Grades PK–5 · 267 students
- Alfred J Gomes — Grades PK–5 · 623 students
- Hayden/McFadden — Grades PK–5 · 748 students
- James B Congdon — Grades K–5 · 299 students
- Jireh Swift — Grades PK–5 · 204 students
- John Avery Parker — Grades PK–5 · 289 students
- John B Devalles — Grades K–5 · 292 students
- Irwin M. Jacobs Elementary School — Grades PK–5 · 388 students
- Keith Middle School — Grades 6–8 · 949 students
- Carlos Pacheco — Grades K–5 · 242 students
- New Bedford High — Grades 9–12 · 2878 students
- Normandin Middle School — Grades 6–8 · 990 students
- Roosevelt Middle School — Grades 6–8 · 759 students
- Sgt Wm H Carney Academy — Grades PK–5 · 618 students
- Thomas R Rodman — Grades K–5 · 200 students
- William H Taylor — Grades PK–5 · 267 students
- Trinity Day Academy — Grades 6–12 · 93 students
- Whaling City Junior/Senior High School — Grades 7–12 · 200 students
| Metric | New Bedford School District | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | — | 3,700 | Data not available |
| Number of Schools | 3 | 6 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $20,000/yr (est.) | $13,700/yr | State avg est. |
| District Type | Supervisory Union | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 1/10 — Poor | — | Near average |
About New Bedford School District
Families in zip code 02746 (New Bedford, Massachusetts) are assigned to New Bedford School District for public education through 12. This overview covers the district’s funding levels, scale, rating, and what to expect from the enrollment process if you’re moving to or within this zip code.
Funding and Resources
Per-pupil spending at New Bedford School District runs approximately $20,000 annually, placing it near the Massachusetts state average of approximately $20,000 and well above the national average nationally (U.S. average: $13,700/year). Districts at this funding level typically offer smaller class sizes, broader elective and extracurricular programs, stronger technology infrastructure, and more competitive teacher salaries. Per-pupil spending directly affects teacher compensation, class sizes, elective course offerings, technology access, and the depth of student support services — making it one of the most meaningful structural indicators of district capacity.
District Scale and Program Breadth
New Bedford School District is a large district with 25 schools serving students from K–12. The district enrolls approximately 12,640 students in total. Large districts typically provide broad program variety: multiple course tracks at the high school level, dedicated arts and athletic programs, specialized learning pathways, and a wider range of student support services. Individual school quality within a large district can vary considerably — always research your specific assigned school, not just district-level averages.
Understanding the 1/10 Rating
SchoolDistrictFinder rates New Bedford School District 1 out of 10 — low-rated among Massachusetts public school districts. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in the U.S. Department of Education’s EDFacts collection. 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 02746
Children in zip code 02746 are assigned to New Bedford School District for public school enrollment, covering grades K–12. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 02746, 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 a signed lease or mortgage statement, birth certificate, state-required immunization documentation, and recent report cards or transcripts. 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
Research consistently shows that district assignment affects residential property values. Because New Bedford School District serves zip code 02746, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 02746. 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 02746.
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, phone numbers, and per-pupil expenditure figures are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring. 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 02746 data.