The top reported proficiency rate is 45% in Science. The lowest is 33% in English language arts.
Original Research by School Decision on Bradford Elementary
Bradford Elementary is a regular public school serving kindergarten through fourth grade and is part of the Haverhill school district. It is located in the village of Bradford, a distinct neighborhood on the south bank of the Merrimack River that was once its own town before being annexed by Haverhill. The school sits in a residential area with historic roots, near Bradford Common and within a short distance of an MBTA commuter rail station that connects to Boston. The surrounding built environment is suburban in character, with the village center concentrated around the common rather than a dense downtown.
The school is one of several elementary schools serving Bradford, and its enrollment draws from the immediate neighborhood. The student body is diverse. A large share of students are Hispanic, and a similarly large share are White. Smaller shares identify as Black, Asian, or two or more races. Data on economic disadvantage was not available in the provided records, so a parent may want to ask the school about the share of students who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. Information on students with disabilities and English learners was also absent from the data.
Because Bradford Elementary serves only grades K through 4, there is no graduation rate to report. The school participates in statewide testing in grades 3 and 4 for math and English language arts. On the most recent state assessments, the overall proficiency rate across tested subjects placed the school below the midpoint when compared to other districts within Essex County. In English language arts, the share of students scoring proficient or above was lower than the statewide average. In math, the proficiency rate was higher than the ELA result but still below the midpoint of the county comparison set. Science testing data from a prior school year, which used an older assessment, is not directly comparable to current results and is not a reliable indicator of current performance. The multi-year trend shows that math proficiency has fluctuated over the past several years, with a recent uptick. ELA proficiency has trended lower over the same period before a modest rebound in the most recent testing cycle. A parent may want to discuss these trends with the school to understand what supports are in place.
The housing market in the Bradford zip code reflects a high-cost area typical of the region. Home values and rents are both well above national averages, and the cost of buying is considerably higher than renting, making entry into homeownership a significant financial commitment. The broader Essex County market has seen active listings increase and median listing prices dip slightly, indicating a market that remains competitive but may be shifting. For a family moving into the area, this means housing costs are a major factor in the decision.
The district brief turned up no recent changes of lasting impact, so the school and its policies appear stable on the surface. The school environment data, including discipline, course access, and staffing, was not provided, leaving a gap in understanding the full context of student support and school culture. Bradford Elementary is a neighborhood school serving a diverse, younger student population in a historically rooted village setting. Its academic results on state tests sit below the county median, which is a fact a parent would want to weigh alongside the quality of instruction and the fit for their child.
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