New Bridges Elementary

New Bridges Elementary now outperforms the District 17 average in both subjects — 67.8% ELA versus the district's 60.5% and 56.3% math versus 57.3%. This places the school above the district average for the first time in years, a remarkable reversal from 2016 when just 16% of students passed state ELA exams. The trajectory is extraordinary: from 15.9% ELA in 2016 to 67.8% in 2025, the school has nearly quintupled its performance in nine years. Grade 5 students are performing strongest at 74.1% ELA, suggesting the school's improvements are translating into sustained gains as students move up.

The survey data tells a striking story: 100% of families report strong relationships with the school, and trust scores across the board hover at 95-97% — significantly above district averages. Teachers report 93% instruction quality and 92% safety perception. This is a school where families and staff genuinely trust each other. However, chronic absenteeism at 73.9% is a serious concern — nearly three-quarters of students are missing significant school time, with rates slightly higher for Hispanic students (75.6%) and females (75.6%). The school has achieved zero suspensions for three straight years, a stark contrast to the district average of 0.55%. The combination of high trust and high absenteeism suggests this may be a school families love when they're there, but struggle to get to consistently.

This is a deeply homogeneous school in a complex way: 74% of students are Black, 20% Hispanic, with minimal Asian (2%) and White (3%) enrollment. Nearly 80% of students come from high economic need backgrounds, and 18% have IEPs. The school reflects the Crown Heights North neighborhood demographics, where median income is $73,859 and poverty sits at 20%. PTA fundraising is modest at $26 per student (well below the $44 district average), suggesting fewer families have discretionary income for voluntary contributions. At 443 students across pre-K through 5th grade, the school is small-to-medium sized.

Crown Heights North is a dense, transit-rich neighborhood where families benefit from excellent subway access (scoring 87 on transit) and high family density (90). The area has strong education orientation (77) — meaning families here prioritize schools. However, safety scores are low (14), the stability score is very low (7), suggesting a transient community, and median home values exceed $1 million. The neighborhood has seen significant changes in recent years with new housing developments. Families should know this is a changing area with real urban challenges alongside genuine community assets.

The neighborhood is highly walkable with strong transit options. Eastern Parkway is a major corridor with good bus and subway access. Families living in the zone can typically walk or take short transit rides.