Elementary Schools in Bridgeport School District

Bridgeport School District serves 29 elementary schools with approximately 14,193 students in a high-poverty urban area where about 89% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch and the district ranks 147th out of 153 Connecticut districts. Chronic absenteeism is a major district-wide concern, averaging 31.3% compared to the state average of 16.4%, and proficiency rates in every tested grade and subject fall well below state averages.

A small cluster of schools stands out as bright spots. Multicultural Magnet School is the district's top performer, earning a 2-star rating with just 9.2% chronic absenteeism and 6th grade ELA proficiency of 76.6% — far above the state average of 51.2%. Interdistrict Discovery Magnet School also earns 2 stars, with chronic absenteeism below 10% and strong 3rd and 4th grade ELA results. Park City Magnet School, John Winthrop School, Black Rock School, Hallen School, and Madison School each earn 1 star, with John Winthrop posting 8th grade math proficiency of 46.5% versus the district average of 17.0%.

At the other end, Cesar Batalla School ranks 489th out of 491 schools statewide, with chronic absenteeism at 39.5% and 6th grade math proficiency at just 6.3%. Roosevelt School, Read School, and Waltersville School also rank near the bottom, with several reporting 0% proficiency in at least one tested subject. The pattern is clear: top-performing schools keep chronic absenteeism below 19%, while the lowest performers range from 29% to 45%. Notably, high poverty does not make success impossible — Multicultural Magnet School has nearly 90% free/reduced lunch eligibility yet beats state averages in multiple subjects. The district's greatest opportunities lie in reducing chronic absenteeism and applying the strategies of its successful magnet schools.