The top reported proficiency rate is 17% in Science. The lowest is 13% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on John B Devalles
John B Devalles is a regular public elementary school in New Bedford, Massachusetts, serving students in kindergarten through fifth grade. It is one of many neighborhood schools within the New Bedford Public Schools district and sits in the city’s South End. The school draws from a densely populated, historically industrial port city whose economy centers on commercial fishing and a growing offshore wind sector.
The student body of roughly a few hundred children is diverse. Hispanic students make up the largest share, followed by white students, Black students, and students who identify with two or more races. Smaller numbers of Asian and American Indian students are also enrolled. The data on how many students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, receive special education services, or are classified as English learners was not available for this school. Families who want a clearer picture of the school’s level of economic need or English learner support may wish to ask the district directly.
Academically, the school’s state test results are well below the district and state averages. On the NextGen MCAS assessments, the share of students scoring proficient or above in math, English language arts, and science is low compared with what the state typically reports. When placed among districts in Bristol County, the school’s overall proficiency index sits in the bottom quartile. This positioning is based on the most recent year of testing, for which participation was reported as complete.
Looking at multi-year trends, the downward pattern is apparent. In English language arts, the proficiency rate has dropped noticeably over roughly the past decade, from higher earlier levels to the current lower one. Mathematics has followed a similar trajectory, with a notable peak in a pre-pandemic year followed by a sustained decline. The most recent year shows a slight uptick from a low point the year before, but still remains at a level that a parent would want to investigate further with the school to understand what supports are in place.
Because John B Devalles serves only elementary grades, there is no high school graduation rate to report. The school does not offer the kind of program pathways or course access data that would be found at a secondary level. No information on discipline, staffing, or attendance was available in the data we reviewed.
The broader context matters for families considering this school. New Bedford’s district has approved a new multi-year strategic plan focused on early childhood education, literacy, college and career readiness, and community engagement. The district also passed a budget with increased investment in curriculum, technology, and social-emotional learning. At the same time, the district has experienced declining enrollment, which has prompted discussion about potential school facility consolidation. These decisions could affect school assignments or resources in the coming years.
Housing in the area is moderately priced for the region. Home values and rents fall below the Boston metro area but have been rising in recent years. New Bedford’s urban setting means most neighborhoods have a mix of housing types and a walkable downtown, though the school itself is on a residential street.
John B Devalles is a neighborhood elementary school in an economically and culturally diverse city. The academic results are low relative to county and state benchmarks, and years of state testing data show a prolonged decline that has not yet reversed in a meaningful way. A parent considering this school may want to learn about the specific interventions and supports the school is using, and whether the district’s strategic plan is translating into improvement at this building.
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