The Best Private Schools in New Bedford, Massachusetts
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in New Bedford. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Our Sisters' School
Independent
Our Sisters' School is an independent, tuition-free middle school for girls from low-income families in New Bedford. The school provides an exceptional education with small class sizes (12:1 student-teacher ratio), extended school days, and comprehensive support services. The curriculum emphasizes STEM education, literacy, and character development. The school features modern facilities, extensive extracurricular programs, and strong college preparatory focus. Parent and community satisfaction is extremely high, with the school receiving numerous awards for educational excellence and serving as a model for urban education.
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Bishop Stang High School
Diocese of Fall River
Bishop Stang High School is a premier Catholic college preparatory school serving New Bedford and the South Coast region. Founded by the Sisters of Mercy and the Xaverian Brothers, the school offers a rigorous academic program with 18 Advanced Placement courses, extensive STEM opportunities, and comprehensive arts programs. The 70-acre campus features state-of-the-art science labs, performing arts center, and athletic facilities. With a 12:1 student-teacher ratio and 100% college acceptance rate, Bishop Stang consistently ranks among the top private schools in Massachusetts. The school serves students from over 30 communities across Southeastern Massachusetts.
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Friends Academy
Independent
Friends Academy is an independent Quaker school serving students from preschool through 8th grade, drawing families from New Bedford and throughout the South Coast region. The school emphasizes academic excellence within a values-based education framework, featuring small class sizes, individualized learning, and strong community values. The 25-acre campus includes modern classrooms, science labs, art studios, and extensive outdoor learning spaces. The curriculum includes daily Spanish instruction starting in preschool, comprehensive STEM programs, and character education. The school is known for its warm, inclusive community and strong preparation for secondary education.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in New Bedford, Massachusetts
What are the main types of private schools available in New Bedford, Massachusetts, and how do they differ?
New Bedford offers a diverse range of private school options, each with distinct educational philosophies. Bishop Stang High School is a diocesan, co-educational Catholic college preparatory school serving grades 9-12. Friends Academy, founded in 1810, is an independent Quaker school offering a progressive, values-based education from pre-K through grade 8. Our Sisters' School is a unique, independent middle school (grades 5-8) specifically for girls from low-income families in the New Bedford area, with a mission focused on empowerment and tuition based on a sliding scale. This variety allows parents to choose based on religious affiliation, pedagogical approach, and grade-level focus.
How does tuition at New Bedford private schools compare to the Massachusetts state average, and what financial aid options are specifically available?
Tuition at New Bedford's private schools is generally competitive within the southeastern Massachusetts region. For the 2024-2025 academic year, Bishop Stang High School's tuition is approximately $15,000, Friends Academy's ranges from ~$12,000 for lower grades to ~$28,000 for middle school, and Our Sisters' School uses an income-based model. These figures are often below the state average for similar independent schools in the Boston area. Significant financial aid is available. All three schools have robust need-based aid programs. Additionally, Massachusetts residents should explore the state's **School Choice** program, which some private schools may participate in for certain grades, and tax-advantaged savings plans like the **U.Plan** and **$mart$ave** for future tuition.
Are there private school programs in New Bedford that leverage the city's maritime history and coastal location?
Yes, several New Bedford private schools integrate the city's unique cultural and environmental assets into their curricula. Friends Academy, with its Quaker emphasis on stewardship and community, often incorporates local field studies. Students might visit the New Bedford Whaling Museum, conduct water quality testing in Buzzards Bay, or study marine biology. Bishop Stang High School's science and community service programs frequently connect with local environmental organizations and historical sites. This localized learning provides a rich, contextual education that connects classroom lessons to the community's heritage and ecosystem.
What is the typical enrollment timeline and process for private schools in New Bedford, and are there important local deadlines?
The enrollment process in New Bedford typically begins in the fall, a full year before the desired start date. Key steps include: attending open houses (often held September-November), submitting applications by January or February deadlines, and completing entrance assessments/interviews. Bishop Stang holds a placement test for incoming freshmen. Financial aid applications (using tools like FACTS) are usually due in early spring. A critical local consideration is that many families from New Bedford also apply to private schools in nearby Dartmouth, Fairhaven, and Marion, so early inquiry is advised. Admission decisions and financial aid awards are typically communicated in March.
For a family considering both, what are some notable differences between the New Bedford Public Schools district and the local private school options?
Key differences include class size, specialized programs, and religious or philosophical foundations. New Bedford Public Schools (NBPS) serve a large, diverse population with a broad range of programs, including advanced placement and vocational tracks at the high school level. Private options offer significantly smaller class sizes (e.g., 12-1 student-teacher ratios at Our Sisters' School) and often more individualized attention. Private schools like Bishop Stang provide a structured college-prep environment with a required faith-based component, while Friends Academy offers a holistic, project-based approach. NBPS is tuition-free, whereas private schools require investment but often provide substantial financial aid. The choice often hinges on a family's priorities for educational philosophy, community size, and specific student needs.
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