SCHOOL
Core Values, Mission Statement, and History
Our mission at Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School is to provide education that is rigorous, relevant, and meaningful to each student in a safe and supportive environment, resulting in academic, career and technical excellence. This experience encourages lifelong learning, fosters mutual respect, and instills social responsibility, respect for diversity, and responsible citizenship.
Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School is a public, four-year vocational technical high school for young men and women. With an enrollment of more than 2,000 students, GNB Voc-Tech is one of the largest vocational-technical high schools in Massachusetts. It serves the communities of New Bedford, Dartmouth and Fairhaven, Massachusetts. The school’s roots date back nearly a century, to the creation of the New Bedford Independent Industrial School in 1908. When it opened in 1909, the school served only 59 students, all from New Bedford. Over the years, the school built a reputation for excellence by providing quality vocational and academic programs. In 1918, its name was changed to New Bedford Vocational School. In 1946, it became New Bedford Vocational High School. In 1955, it became the first vocational high school to be accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. In 1972, voters in New Bedford, Dartmouth and Fairhaven approved the establishment of a regional vocational school district and construction of a regional vocational school. In 1977, Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School was opened. Today, the school sits on a beautiful 48-acre campus in the North End of New Bedford, Massachusetts. A $22 million addition and renovation project was completed in the fall of 2004. The project added new labs and classrooms and expanded the facilities for several career and technical programs, including Early Childhood Education and Teaching, Culinary Arts, Automotive Technology, Diesel Service Technology, and Plumbing and Pipe Fitting.
Equity and Diversity Statement, Accreditations and Associations
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School fosters an inclusive environment that values the diversity of our school community and respects individual differences. Each individual is embraced, celebrated, and treated equitably. We aim to foster a dialogue conducive to learning, acceptance, and cultural enrichment. GNB Voc-Tech promotes its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion through discussion, education, and promotion of an environment that encourages scholarship, learning, and respect for diverse backgrounds and viewpoints to prepare students for lives in a multicultural society.
Accreditations and Associations: GNB Voc-Tech is an accredited member of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, the regional accrediting body for secondary schools in New England. Our faculty members are licensed by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Reviews by Outside Agencies: Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School is periodically evaluated by outside agencies. These agencies include the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) and the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), among others. During the 2008-2009 school years, NEASC conducted a comprehensive inspection of the school, done once every ten years, and DESE conducted a Coordinated Program Review, done once every six years. When final reports are issued by the reviewing agencies, copies will be available for inspection by contacting the Office of the Superintendent-Director.
Online School Policy and School Profile
Visit Our Campus
If you are interested in visiting our campus there are a couple of opportunities available to you. First, our open house is an annual event that happens every November, on a Sunday afternoon, and is opened to the public. The day is an opportunity for current students and their families, alumni, and future members of the GNB Voc-Tech family to meet the faculty and view the facilities. Prospective students and their families are highly encouraged to attend. Tours and informational sessions are provided. Second, you may schedule a visit with our guidance department. Planned tours occur periodically throughout the school year, and if you are interested or have any questions about trying to organize a visit, then please contact Guidance for further assistance.
Directions
From The North:
- 495 South to 24 South (Fall River-New Bedford exit) OR 128 South to 24 South (Fall River-New Bedford Exit 4).
- Continue to Rt. 140 (New Bedford-Taunton Exit 12).
- Bear right toward New Bedford.
- Continue on 140.
- Take exit 6 (Acushnet Avenue Exit).
- Continue to the second traffic light.
- Bear right at the junction.
- GNB Voc-Tech is on the right, across from Pine Gove cemetery on Ashley Boulevard.
From The East:
- 195W to Rt. 140 North (Exit 13-B).
- Continue to Exit 4 King’s Highway.
- Proceed to third traffic light.
- Left at third light (Ashley Boulevard).
- GNB Voc-Tech is about 1/2 mile on the left across from a cemetery.
From The West:
- 195E to Rt. 140 North (Exit 13-B).
- Continue to Exit 4 King’s Highway.
- Proceed to third traffic light.
- Left at third light (Ashley Boulevard).
- GNB Voc-Tech is about 1/2 mile on the left across from a cemetery.
For more help finding our school you can set up the location you are traveling from using Google Maps