City on a Hill Charter Public High School is now enrolling students who are currently in eighth grade.

City on a Hill (CoaH) Charter Public High School started in 2014 in downtown New Bedford and is a tuition-free school, independent from New Bedford Public Schools. CoaH is open to all students who live in Massachusetts but New Bedford residents will be given the priority. Students are admitted by lottery with new students admitted in the ninth grade only. Any student who meets the following criteria may apply:

  1. The student is a resident of Massachusetts. New Bedford residents will be given priority.
  2. Prior to attending, the student will have successfully completed the eighth grade.

City on a Hill emphasizes academic achievement, citizenship, teacher leadership, and public accountability. CoaH offers proven college-prep curriculum and programs that have helped 99 percent of graduates earn college acceptance or placement in a post-secondary program since 1998.

CoaH offers its students:

  • Need-based, small group supports as part of our students’ regular schedule
  • Dual enrollment opportunities at colleges in the city
  • 100-hour internships at a non-profit or government office for seniors

Thinking about a "test run?" Schedule a Shadow Day and visit CoaH as an eighth grader who shadows a current ninth grader throughout a typical school day. Your student will get a first-hand look at what it's like to attend and will be provided with an excused note for their current school.

To set up your shadow day, contact Tiffany Neves at  admissionsnb@cityonahill.org or by calling (617) 659-6827.


At City on a Hill New Bedford we firmly believe all students have the potential to work to compete in the 21st century as learners and thinkers. Our goal is that all students will demonstrate the four pillars included in our CoaH mission: Academic Achievement, Citizenship, Teacher leadership, and Public Accountability. We encourage all students to model this in our everyday interactions. City on a Hill New Bedford supports the development of academic habits that are necessary to succeed not only in high school but through college and beyond. With our combined efforts, we act as a partnership between home and school and work together to help your student have a successful future.

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