Best Elementary Schools in Zip Code 06604

Zip code 06604 in Bridgeport, Connecticut, is home to five elementary schools—Geraldine Johnson School, Columbus School, James J. Curiale School, Roosevelt School, and Classical Studies Academy—all part of the Bridgeport School District and all serving students from Pre-K through Grade 8. The district ranks 147th out of 153 districts statewide, and every school in this zip code serves a predominantly low-income population, with free/reduced-price lunch eligibility ranging from 91.45% to 96.35%.

Classical Studies Academy is the clear standout, earning a 1-star rating in each of the last three years with state rankings in the 10th percentile or better—far ahead of its peers. It also has the lowest chronic absenteeism (19.6%) and the strongest test scores, averaging 23.5% proficiency in ELA and 22.1% in math, despite the smallest enrollment (351 students) and lowest per-student spending ($11,326). By contrast, Columbus School spends the most per student ($13,538) but has the highest chronic absenteeism (32.8%) and ranks in the 1st percentile. Geraldine Johnson School is the largest (825 students) but struggles academically, with just 6.7% of 3rd graders proficient in ELA. Roosevelt School is the most volatile, earning 1 star in 2024-2025 before dropping to the 2nd percentile in 2025-2026 with 0% proficiency in 4th-grade math. James J. Curiale School ranks in the 0th percentile, the lowest in this zip code.

All five schools perform dramatically below Connecticut state averages, often by 25 to 40 percentage points. Chronic absenteeism is a powerful dividing line: Classical Studies Academy (19.6%) and Geraldine Johnson School (23.8%) have the lowest absenteeism and rank highest in the group, while schools above 30% absenteeism sit near the bottom. Some schools show stronger science scores, such as Geraldine Johnson's 21.8% in 5th-grade science and Roosevelt School's 28% in 2024-2025. Data is limited for some schools, particularly Columbus School, making direct comparisons difficult. While Classical Studies Academy proves better outcomes are possible, these schools face serious systemic challenges around poverty, attendance, and inconsistent performance.