The top reported proficiency rate is 74% in Math. The lowest is 63% in Science.
Original Research by School Decision on Bradford Elementary School
Bradford Elementary School serves families in Upper Montclair, a neighborhood within the township of Montclair, New Jersey. The school is a regular public elementary school for prekindergarten through fifth grade. It sits within the Montclair Public School District, and publicly reported information shows no recent district-level changes such as new referendums or curriculum overhauls, so the school’s programming appears stable relative to the broader district context.
Upper Montclair is a primarily residential area with a distinct commercial center that includes local shops, restaurants, and some national chain stores. The neighborhood is walkable, particularly near the Upper Montclair Business District and the three NJ Transit train stations on the Montclair-Boonton Line. Several parks and nature reserves are woven into the built environment. Part of Montclair State University’s campus lies within Upper Montclair, and the university is a notable local employer. The area’s housing market is expensive; home values and rents are well above national and state medians, and the cost of housing represents a substantial share of household income. For families considering a move to the attendance zone, this is a high-cost, amenity-rich setting.
The student body is mixed by race and ethnicity. White students make up the largest share, followed by students who identify as two or more races, Hispanic, Black, and Asian. A small share of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, well below the typical rate for a public elementary school. Data on students with Individualized Education Programs and English learners was not available, so a parent may want to ask the school directly about special education and multilingual support.
Academically, Bradford’s state test results place it in the top quartile for overall proficiency among elementary schools in Essex County districts. In math and English language arts, proficiency rates for third graders are high, with fourth graders also performing well, though slightly lower. Fifth graders show a noticeable drop, particularly in ELA, where just over half of students scored at the proficient level. Fifth-grade science results are stronger but still lower than the early-grade numbers. The pattern suggests that the early elementary years are a particular strength, while the transition to upper elementary may present more challenge. A parent considering Bradford may want to discuss how the school supports students in the later elementary grades, especially in reading.
Because Bradford is an elementary school, there is no graduation rate to report, and the school does not serve testing grades below third, so no state assessment data exists for kindergarten through second grade. Chronic absenteeism and discipline data are also absent from the available records.
The school’s enrollment is moderate for its grade band. It is a regular public school with no charter or magnet designation, and Title I status was not reported, which is consistent with the low share of low-income students. No information on advanced coursework, arts programs, or extracurriculars was provided, though elementary schools typically offer a standard curriculum within the district framework.
For a family evaluating Bradford, the picture is one of a well-regarded neighborhood school in an expensive, convenient, and park-filled part of Montclair. Academic results are strong overall, with early grades as a clear high point. The softening in fifth grade is worth a conversation with the school to understand instruction and support at that level. The community context is stable: the district appears to have undergone no major recent changes, and Upper Montclair’s housing market remains tight and pricey. This school fits families who value a walkable, amenity-rich suburban neighborhood, who are comfortable with high housing costs, and who prioritize solid early elementary outcomes.
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