Best New Bedford Public Preschools (2025)

For the 2025 school year, there are 10 public preschools serving 4,148 students in New Bedford, MA.
The top ranked public preschools in New Bedford, MA are William H Taylor, Casimir Pulaski and Elwyn G Campbell. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
New Bedford, MA public preschools have an average math proficiency score of 27% (versus the Massachusetts public pre school average of 36%), and reading proficiency score of 24% (versus the 37% statewide average). Pre schools in New Bedford have an average ranking of 2/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Massachusetts public pre schools.
Minority enrollment is 67% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Massachusetts public preschool average of 53% (majority Hispanic).

Best Public Preschools in New Bedford, MA (2025)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
William H Taylor
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 50-54%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
71 Portland Street
New Bedford, MA 02744
(508) 997-4511
Gr: PK-5 | 261 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 42%
Rank: #22.
Casimir Pulaski
(Math: 48% | Reading: 41%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
1097 Braley Rd
New Bedford, MA 02745
(508) 997-4511
Gr: PK-5 | 560 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 37%
Rank: #33.
Elwyn G Campbell
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
145 Essex Street
New Bedford, MA 02745
(508) 997-4511
Gr: PK-5 | 278 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 57%
Rank: #44.
Ellen R Hathaway
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
256 Court Street
New Bedford, MA 02740
(508) 997-4511
Gr: PK-5 | 245 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 65%
Rank: #5 - 65. - 6.
Jireh Swift
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
2203 Acushnet Avenue
New Bedford, MA 02745
(508) 997-4511
Gr: PK-5 | 221 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 48%
Rank: #5 - 65. - 6.
John Avery Parker
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 25-29%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
705 County Street
New Bedford, MA 02740
(508) 997-4511
Gr: PK-5 | 264 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 72%
Rank: #77.
Sgt Wm H Carney Academy
(Math: 12% | Reading: 26%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
247 Elm Street
New Bedford, MA 02740
(508) 997-4511
Gr: PK-5 | 613 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 72%
Rank: #88.
Alfred J Gomes
(Math: 22% | Reading: 11%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
286 S Second Street
New Bedford, MA 02740
(508) 997-4511
Gr: PK-5 | 610 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 88%
Rank: #99.
Hayden/mcfadden
(Math: 16% | Reading: 11%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
361 Cedar Grove
New Bedford, MA 02746
(508) 997-4511
Gr: PK-5 | 713 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 84%
Rank: #1010.
Irwin M. Jacobs Elementary School
(Math: 6-9% | Reading: 15-19%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
47 Emery Street
New Bedford, MA 02744
(508) 997-4511
Gr: PK-5 | 383 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 75%
[+] Show Closed Public Schools in New Bedford, Massachusetts

New Bedford, Massachusetts Public Schools (Closed)

School
Location
Quick Facts
561 Allen Street
New Bedford, MA 02740
(508) 997-4511
Gr: K-6 | 281 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 13%
384 Acushnet Ave
New Bedford, MA 02740
(508) 985-6400
Gr: 9-12
338 Dartmouth St
New Bedford, MA 02740
(508) 997-4511
Gr: K-5 | 112 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 59%
135 Shawmut Avenue
New Bedford, MA 02740
(508) 997-4511
Gr: K-5 | 112 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 39%
120 Katherine Street
New Bedford, MA 02744
(508) 997-4511
Gr: K-5 | 382 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 23%
249 Phillips Ave
New Bedford, MA 02746
(508) 997-4511
Gr: K-5
286 South Second Street
New Bedford, MA 02740
(508) 997-4511
Gr: PK-5 | 131 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 87%
26 Madeira Ave
New Bedford, MA 02746
(508) 997-4511
Gr: K-5

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top ranked public preschools in New Bedford, MA?
The top ranked public preschools in New Bedford, MA include William H Taylor, Casimir Pulaski and Elwyn G Campbell.
How many public preschools are located in New Bedford?
10 public preschools are located in New Bedford.
What is the racial composition of students in New Bedford?
New Bedford public preschools minority enrollment is 67% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Massachusetts public preschools average of 53% (majority Hispanic).
Which public preschools in New Bedford are often viewed compared to one another?

Recent Articles

Why Single-Sex Public Schools are Growing in Popularity
Why Single-Sex Public Schools are Growing in Popularity
This article examines the growing trend of single-sex public schools in the United States. It explores the potential benefits, research findings, and controversies surrounding gender-specific education, as well as the factors driving its increasing popularity among parents and educators.
When Teachers Cheat: The Standardized Test Controversies
When Teachers Cheat: The Standardized Test Controversies
Teachers across the country are being accused of cheating on standardized tests, using erasers to conveniently change their students’ answers. However, are these teachers driven to cheat because the funding system is flawed?
When Field Trips Turn Deadly: Who is Responsible?
When Field Trips Turn Deadly: Who is Responsible?
Recent deaths during field trips have parents and school officials questioning the safety of these excursions. Learn about these tragedies and what parameters should be in place to ensure a safe field trip.