Bridgewater Elementary

Summary:

Bridgewater Elementary is a public elementary school in Northfield, Minnesota, serving 527 students from kindergarten to 5th grade. It is part of the Northfield Public School District, which is ranked 97 out of 463 districts in the state and has a 4-star rating.

Bridgewater Elementary is a high-performing school, consistently ranking in the top 25% of Minnesota elementary schools over the past 8 years. The school's students perform significantly better than the state averages on the MCA-III assessments in Math, Reading, and Science, with proficiency rates often exceeding 60% across all grades. Notably, Bridgewater's Hispanic students and Special Education students perform particularly well, ranking in the top 10% and top 20% of Minnesota elementary schools, respectively, in recent years. The school also has a relatively low student-teacher ratio, ranging from 13.1 to 14 over the past 3 years, which is lower than the nearby Greenvale Park Elementary and Spring Creek Elementary.

While Bridgewater Elementary's academic performance is generally higher than the nearby district schools, the local Prairie Creek Community School and Nerstrand Charter School have also shown strong academic performance, with proficiency rates often exceeding Bridgewater's in certain subject areas and grade levels. Additionally, the school's racial diversity is lower than some nearby schools, with a higher percentage of White students (79.13%) compared to Greenvale Park Elementary (69.15%) and Spring Creek Elementary (80.74%). The increasing percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch at Bridgewater Elementary, from 18.25% in 2020-2021 to 29.6% in 2022-2023, may also indicate a growing need for additional support and resources to address the needs of students from lower-income families.


Detail:

Public K-5

 401 Jefferson Pkwy
       Northfield, MN  55057-3056


(507) 664-3300

District: Northfield Public School District

SchoolDigger Rank:
179th of 881 Minnesota Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $12,586 Help


Students who attend Bridgewater Elementary usually attend:

Middle:    Northfield Middle
High:    Northfield Senior High

Student/teacher ratio:  13.1 Help
Number of students:  527

Racial breakdown:

White:
79.1%
Hispanic:
13.7%
Two or more races:
4.9%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  29.6% Help


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Performance Trends
Help
Compare Details Bridgewater Elementary ranks better than 79.7% of elementary schools in Minnesota. It also ranks last among 3 ranked elementary schools in the Northfield Public School District. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2024 the calculated Average Standard Score was 76.38. (See more...)
Student Body
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Compare Details Bridgewater Elementary has the largest elementary school student body size in the Northfield Public School District. Racial makeup is: White (79.1%), Hispanic (13.7%), two or more races (4.9%). (See more...)
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Compare Details 29.6% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)
Teachers
Help
Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Bridgewater Elementary is 13.1. 2 elementary schools in the Northfield Public School District have better student/teacher ratios. (See more...)
Help
Compare Bridgewater Elementary employs 40 full-time teachers.
Finance
Help
Compare Details The average total spent per student at Bridgewater Elementary is $12,586. 2 elementary schools in the Northfield Public School District spend more per student.
Schooldigger 2024 Rankings:

Bridgewater Elementary:

SchoolDigger ranks Bridgewater Elementary 179th of 881 Minnesota public elementary schools. (See Bridgewater Elementary in the ranking list.)

Elementary School Test Score Ratings by Student Subgroup:


Special Education students:
Low Socio Economic Status students:
Female students:
Male students:
Hispanic students:
White students:


Northfield Public School District:

SchoolDigger ranks Northfield Public School District 97th of 463 Minnesota school districts. (See district ranking list.)


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Your rating for Bridgewater Elementary?

Rank History for Bridgewater Elementary

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Compare

Rank History for all students at Bridgewater Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MN State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2003 79.15 85th 674 87.4%
2004 66.03 227th 676 66.4%
2005 60.89 288th 685 58.0%
2006 68.00 222nd 756 70.6%
2007 70.66 192nd 777 75.3%
2008 66.91 256th 781 67.2%
2010 75.50 135th 803 83.2%
2011 70.05 226th 814 72.2%
2012 68.13 260th 820 68.3%
2013 72.08 212th 824 74.3%
2014 66.18 306th 826 63.0%
2015 76.81 164th 840 80.5%
2016 71.04 245th 848 71.1%
2017 75.80 182nd 853 78.7%
2018 76.07 174th 847 79.5%
2019 76.91 173rd 870 80.1%
2021 82.34 109th 869 87.5%
2022 81.02 125th 858 85.4%
2023 74.30 213th 845 74.8%
2024 76.38 179th 881 79.7%
See the entire list of Minnesota Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for Special Education students at Bridgewater Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MN State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 68.80 115th 463 75.2%
2019 49.21 281st 515 45.4%
2021 58.10 150th 417 64.0%
2022 63.12 155th 500 69.0%
2023 64.41 146th 524 72.1%
2024 76.71 89th 572 84.4%
See the entire list of Best Minnesota Elementary Schools for Special Education Students!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Bridgewater Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MN State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 73.77 136th 728 81.3%
2019 72.41 151st 740 79.6%
2021 66.05 201st 683 70.6%
2022 72.82 125th 663 81.1%
2023 67.08 221st 774 71.4%
2024 64.76 252nd 793 68.2%
See the entire list of Best Minnesota Elementary Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at Bridgewater Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MN State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 74.31 175th 774 77.4%
2019 73.26 193rd 787 75.5%
2021 81.03 95th 783 87.9%
2022 79.25 120th 799 85.0%
2023 75.83 170th 787 78.4%
2024 71.17 221st 809 72.7%
See the entire list of Best Minnesota Elementary Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Male students at Bridgewater Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MN State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 74.82 177th 779 77.3%
2019 77.13 142nd 798 82.2%
2021 79.18 122nd 784 84.4%
2022 78.90 131st 808 83.8%
2023 68.35 251st 799 68.6%
2024 77.07 156th 826 81.1%
See the entire list of Best Minnesota Elementary Schools for Male Students!

Rank History for Hispanic students at Bridgewater Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MN State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 88.61 10th 220 95.5%
2019 79.31 27th 219 87.7%
2021 81.37 12th 153 92.2%
2022 91.47 8th 209 96.2%
2023 63.37 60th 214 72.0%
2024 77.31 32nd 249 87.1%
See the entire list of Best Minnesota Elementary Schools for Hispanic Students!

Rank History for White students at Bridgewater Elementary

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked Elementary Schools MN State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2018 67.31 204th 712 71.3%
2019 72.20 165th 722 77.1%
2021 77.92 101st 710 85.8%
2022 74.01 149th 725 79.4%
2023 66.07 207th 712 70.9%
2024 68.92 193rd 730 73.6%
See the entire list of Best Minnesota Elementary Schools for White Students!

Data source: test scores: Minnesota Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

Bridgewater Elementary Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 






Data source: Minnesota Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 1)
0%

0%

0%

0%

100%

  

Reviews:
by a parent
Tuesday, February 23, 2021

Open Quote I did not find any of my kids’ teachers to be awesome or great with the exception of one and she retired. Let’s coach and counsel these teachers to not bring their personal baggage to class with them. We don’t want to hear about you getting drunk over the weekend or when you’re going through personal problems at home, don’t take it out frustrations and bad moods on the kids. Maybe it was only my kid that was caught in her wrath, but I know for certain he wasn’t the only one in his kindergarten class that didn’t always listen. Yet, he got the worst of it. I guess I was not in her inner circle of parents who hovered and gossiped with her. I don’t see her as a strong role model but rather weak. She had insults, criticisms and accusations and she was a 20+ educator with her own kids. Just because you can be a teacher, doesn’t mean you should. She scared him so much he was always anxious and nervous. He’s more chill and happy now, no thanks to her. He can’t believe she’s a teacher to young kids. it doesn’t suit her attitude or personality. Close Quote



Enrollment information for Bridgewater Elementary

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Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1999 496 4 5 28 3 n/a n/a 0 536
2000 502 6 10 37 1 n/a n/a 0 556
2001 532 13 7 46 2 n/a n/a 0 600
2002 526 11 2 62 1 n/a n/a 0 602
2003 526 11 2 62 1 n/a n/a 0 602
2004 516 15 2 62 3 n/a n/a 0 598
2005 513 13 5 69 1 n/a n/a 0 601
2006 519 11 13 68 3 n/a n/a 0 614
2007 517 11 7 76 1 n/a n/a 0 612
2008 511 17 17 83 0 n/a n/a 0 628
2009 500 18 15 74 0 n/a n/a 0 607
2010 497 12 18 73 1 n/a n/a 0 601
2011 468 10 7 52 1 0 6 0 544
2012 487 13 8 56 2 0 9 0 575
2013 477 8 9 43 3 0 10 0 550
2014 468 8 8 49 3 1 19 0 556
2015 493 6 9 57 2 1 24 0 592
2016 470 8 7 56 3 1 26 0 571
2017 483 4 7 56 1 1 24 0 576
2018 498 8 6 56 2 1 25 0 596
2019 491 5 8 64 1 0 29 0 598
2020 493 7 3 63 1 0 27 0 594
2021 457 13 1 62 1 0 25 0 559
2022 444 9 1 70 0 0 25 0 549
2023 417 11 1 72 0 0 26 0 527

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Bridgewater Elementary

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1999 536 36.5 14.7 13.8
2000 556 34.3 16.2 18.3
2001 600 34.9 17.2 16.8
2002 602 38.6 15.6 24.1
2003 602 38.6 15.6 24.1
2004 598 38.7 15.5 20.6
2005 601 41.1 14.6 22.5
2006 614 40.1 15.3 25.1
2007 612 39.0 15.7 25.2
2008 628 39.9 15.7 24.5
2009 607 41.5 14.6 26.5
2010 601 39.1 15.3 31.3
2011 544 38.9 13.9 32.9
2012 575 37.7 15.2 34.3
2013 550 40.1 13.6 34.4
2014 556 37.2 14.9 34.5
2015 592 38.0 15.5 34.6
2016 571 37.0 15.4 29.2
2017 576 37.0 15.5 26.7
2018 596 39.3 15.1 25
2019 598 41.4 14.4 27.1
2020 594 40.1 14.8 26.3
2021 559 41.1 13.5 18.2
2022 549 39.0 14.0 19.9
2023 527 40.0 13.1 29.6

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Bridgewater Elementary

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1999 536 36.5 14.7 13.8
2000 556 34.3 16.2 18.3
2001 600 34.9 17.2 16.8
2002 602 38.6 15.6 24.1
2003 602 38.6 15.6 24.1
2004 598 38.7 15.5 20.6
2005 601 41.1 14.6 22.5
2006 614 40.1 15.3 25.1
2007 612 39.0 15.7 25.2
2008 628 39.9 15.7 24.5
2009 607 41.5 14.6 26.5
2010 601 39.1 15.3 31.3
2011 544 38.9 13.9 32.9
2012 575 37.7 15.2 34.3
2013 550 40.1 13.6 34.4
2014 556 37.2 14.9 34.5
2015 592 38.0 15.5 34.6
2016 571 37.0 15.4 29.2
2017 576 37.0 15.5 26.7
2018 596 39.3 15.1 25
2019 598 41.4 14.4 27.1
2020 594 40.1 14.8 26.3
2021 559 41.1 13.5 18.2
2022 549 39.0 14.0 19.9
2023 527 40.0 13.1 29.6

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.
Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Bridgewater Elementary

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YearTotal Expenditures Per Pupil
2019 $12,586

Data source: Minnesota Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Bridgewater Elementary

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Rank
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Ranks 173rd of 870 Elementary schoolsRanks 213th of 845 Elementary schools
 5.3%

Test Scores

% proficient
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
% proficient
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
3rd Grade Math (Bridgewater Elementary)82.171.4
 10.7%
   3rd Grade Math (Northfield Public School District)80.377
 3.3%
   3rd Grade Math (Minnesota)65.659.1
 6.5%
3rd Grade Reading (Bridgewater Elementary)69.862.2
 7.6%
   3rd Grade Reading (Northfield Public School District)68.467.2
 1.2%
   3rd Grade Reading (Minnesota)54.647.4
 7.2%
4th Grade Math (Bridgewater Elementary)79.559.1
 20.4%
   4th Grade Math (Northfield Public School District)73.763.2
 10.5%
   4th Grade Math (Minnesota)63.957.1
 6.8%
4th Grade Reading (Bridgewater Elementary)67.248.4
 18.9%
   4th Grade Reading (Northfield Public School District)63.451.2
 12.2%
   4th Grade Reading (Minnesota)55.448.4
 7.1%
5th Grade Math (Bridgewater Elementary)59.160.6
 1.5%
   5th Grade Math (Northfield Public School District)50.763.2
 12.5%
   5th Grade Math (Minnesota)5244.4
 7.6%
5th Grade Reading (Bridgewater Elementary)76.369.2
 7.2%
   5th Grade Reading (Northfield Public School District)70.371.7
 1.4%
   5th Grade Reading (Minnesota)65.858.7
 7%
5th Grade Science (Bridgewater Elementary)5762.8
 5.8%
   5th Grade Science (Northfield Public School District)51.860.4
 8.6%
   5th Grade Science (Minnesota)54.948.4
 6.5%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students598527
 11.9%
African American511
 120%
American Indian10
 100%
Asian81
 87.5%
Hispanic6472
 12.5%
Pacific Islander00
White491417
 15.1%
Two or More Races2926
 10.3%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients27.1%29.6%
 2.5%


Schools Near Bridgewater Elementary









Frequently Asked Questions about Bridgewater Elementary

Students who attend Bridgewater Elementary usually go on to attend:

Middle : Northfield Middle
High : Northfield Senior High

In the 2022-23 school year, 527 students attended Bridgewater Elementary.

Students at Bridgewater Elementary are 79% White, 14% Hispanic, 5% Two or more races, 2% African American.

Bridgewater Elementary ranks 179th of 881 Minnesota elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 4 stars out of 5.


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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Minnesota Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.





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