New Bedford High School is a public high school in New Bedford, Massachusetts, United States. It is located at 230 Hathaway Boulevard in the West End and was established in 1827. It also serves students from Acushnet, Massachusetts.
Serving 2,893 students in grades 9-12, New Bedford High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Massachusetts for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 15% (which is lower than the Massachusetts state average of 42%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 19% (which is lower than the Massachusetts state average of 44%).
The student-teacher ratio of 14:1 is higher than the Massachusetts state level of 12:1.
Minority enrollment is 70% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the Massachusetts state average of 47% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 2,893 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 70%
- Graduation Rate: 81% (Btm 50% in MA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 15% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 19% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 13% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
New Bedford High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Massachusetts for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
Percent Eligible For Free Lunch
School Overview
New Bedford High School's student population of 2,893 students has grown by 33% over five school years.
The teacher population of 202 teachers has grown by 25% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
2,893 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
202 teachers
Year Founded
1827
School Rankings
New Bedford High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 1,626 schools in Massachusetts (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of New Bedford High School is 0.67, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.65. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#1497 out of 1626 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
15%
42%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
19%
44%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
13%
44%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
12:1
American Indian
n/a
n/a
Asian
1%
7%
Hispanic
47%
25%
Black
16%
10%
White
30%
53%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
6%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
81%
90%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
74%
35%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (13-14)
5%
5%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), MA Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is New Bedford High School's ranking?
New Bedford High School is ranked #1497 out of 1,626 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Massachusetts.
What schools are New Bedford High School often compared to?
New Bedford High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Gr New Bedford Vocational Technical by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
15% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 42% MA state average), while 19% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 44% MA state average).
What is the graduation rate of New Bedford High School?
The graduation rate of New Bedford High School is 81%, which is lower than the Massachusetts state average of 90%.
How many students attend New Bedford High School?
2,893 students attend New Bedford High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
47% of New Bedford High School students are Hispanic, 30% of students are White, 16% of students are Black, 6% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of New Bedford High School?
New Bedford High School has a student ration of 14:1, which is higher than the Massachusetts state average of 12:1.
What grades does New Bedford High School offer ?
New Bedford High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is New Bedford High School part of?
New Bedford High School is part of New Bedford School District.
School Reviews
Review New Bedford High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles

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
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?
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.