Best New Bedford Public Preschools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 9 public preschools serving 3,955 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 26% (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 69% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Massachusetts public preschool average of 55% (majority Hispanic).

Best Public Preschools in New Bedford, MA (2026)

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 | 267 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 48%
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 | 551 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 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 | 267 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 59%
Rank: #4 - 54. - 5.
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 | 204 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 51%
Rank: #4 - 54. - 5.
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 | 289 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 75%
Rank: #66.
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 | 618 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 71%
Rank: #77.
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 | 623 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 90%
Rank: #88.
Hayden/mcfadden
(Math: 16% | Reading: 11%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
361 Cedar Grove
New Bedford, MA 02746
(508) 997-4511
Gr: PK-5 | 748 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 85%
Rank: #99.
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 | 388 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 76%
[+] 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?
9 public preschools are located in New Bedford.
What is the racial composition of students in New Bedford?
New Bedford public preschools minority enrollment is 69% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is more than the Massachusetts public preschools average of 55% (majority Hispanic).
Which public preschools in New Bedford are often viewed compared to one another?

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