Bridge's Breaking News: MCAS Data

Dear Bridge Boston Community,

This week, Massachusetts released its 2026 MCAS results. There is plenty in the data for us to learn from, including areas where we still have considerable work to do to close gaps. 

But we see a few results that deserve to be celebrated. 

69% of Bridge Boston eighth graders met or exceeded expectations in Mathematics — 27 percentage points above the Massachusetts average.

These same eight graders had a Student Growth Percentile (SGP) of 86 – tied for the highest reported Grade 8 Math growth of any school in Massachusetts. 

SGP is a hugely consequential metric in education. It compares our students’ progress with other Massachusetts students who had similar MCAS performance histories. It demonstrates that our students were gaining ground at an extraordinary rate.

As a K1-8th grade school, which is focused on preparing students for success in high school and beyond, we know how much it matters for our 8th graders to leave here ready to tackle the kind of rigorous STEM coursework that’s a gateway to economic prosperity and opportunity. 

But if you’ve worked in a school, you know that 8th grade outcomes are not just about what happens in 8th grade. 

Across grades 3-8, Bridge’s overall Math MCAS rate of students meeting or exceeding grade level standards was 43% – better than the state’s average by 2 percentage points.

Diving deeper into the data, among grade-8-serving Massachusetts schools whose student populations mirror our own, with at least 85% designated by DESE as High Needs, that result tied for #2 statewide.

This is strong evidence that our 8th grade outcomes are part of a broader pattern of an unusually strong math program. 

Our work is far from finished. We know our students have all the talent in the world. It’s our job to rise to the occasion each day of meeting that talent with opportunity. The opportunity to learn from high quality instruction, sustained and holistic support, a joyful learning environment, and adults who believe our students are capable of anything.

We are so proud of the Bridge students, teachers, staff and families who are showing us all what’s possible. 

With gratitude,

Orin