The top reported proficiency rate is 35% in Science. The lowest is 26% in Math.
Original Research by School Decision on Bridge Street
Bridge Street is a regular public elementary school serving pre-kindergarten through fifth grade in Northampton, Massachusetts. It is one of several elementary schools in the Northampton Public Schools district and is situated in a residential area of this small Pioneer Valley city. The school’s enrollment is small, and its student body reflects the broader community’s diversity: the largest group of students are white, and a substantial share identify as Hispanic, with smaller populations of students who are Black, Asian, or multiracial. Data on economic disadvantage, special education, and English learner status were not available in the source materials, so a parent may want to ask the school directly about those supports and programs.
On the state’s Next Generation MCAS assessments, Bridge Street’s overall proficiency rates across tested subjects place the school in the bottom quartile relative to other districts in Hampshire County. The most recent results show that roughly a quarter to a third of students scored at the proficient or advanced level in math and English language arts, with science results falling in a similar range. These figures are notably below the county average. Multi-year trend data show that proficiency rates have moved up and down without a clear upward trajectory; for example, ELA rates in earlier years reached higher levels than the most recent ones, while math rates have fluctuated within a similar band. A parent may want to look into this further with the school or district to understand how instruction and support are being targeted.
As a pre-kindergarten through grade-five school, Bridge Street does not have a graduation rate to report, and its grade band means state testing data covers only those elementary grades that participate in the annual assessments. The school is not a charter or magnet, and Title I status was not reported.
Northampton itself is an academic and cultural hub, home to Smith College, and known for its walkable downtown, historic architecture, farmers’ markets, and a politically progressive community. The city’s housing market is expensive, with home values and rents both well above national medians, typical for a college town in western Massachusetts that draws families and professionals who value its amenities. For families living in the Bridge Street attendance area, the school offers a small, neighborhood setting within a district that feeds into Northampton’s middle and high schools.
A publicly reported change in the district is worth noting. In 2024, the Northampton School Committee approved a district-wide reconfiguration that included consolidating elementary schools and changing grade spans. According to local news coverage, that plan called for closing Bridge Street School and redistributing its students among other buildings. The school’s data in this profile reflects its current operational status, and a family considering Bridge Street should be aware that its long-term future as an open school may be affected by that decision. Confirming the current timeline and enrollment plans with the district is advisable.
For a family weighing school options, Bridge Street represents a small elementary in a vibrant, walkable city with a strong sense of place. The proficiency numbers are lower than many other schools in the county, and the district’s reconfiguration plan introduces an element of uncertainty about the school’s continuation. Parents who value a tight-knit school community and a location in the heart of a culturally rich city may find it a fit, but they should understand both the academic context and the pending changes before making a choice.
See more original research from School Decision →