AP, Graduation Rates Continue To Climb At Bridgewater-Raritan Schools

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District is continuing to see an upward trend in academic achievement and rising graduation rates.

During the Board of Education meeting on May 19, Superintendent Robert Beers outlined academic gains, discipline improvements, facility upgrades, and major changes set to take effect in September and 2026 as part of the district’s annual progress review.

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Beers said its yearly goals are tied to a long-range plan built around climate and culture, student experience, finance, facilities, and communications and engagement.

He called it the "state of BRRSD progress, promise and performance" and said the district has made notable gains in several areas.

On academics, the district reported a 27 percent increase in the number of AP students since 2021 and said 41 percent more of those students scored a 3 or above.

Dual enrollment grew from 40 students "a couple of years ago" to 288 students, according to Beers.

The district also said career concentrations approved and implemented two years ago continue to expand.

The superintendent said the graduation rate rose from 92.7 percent in 2022 to 97 percent in 2025.

"Those are real kids with real futures and we've done a lot to help them," Beers said while describing what that increase means in a graduating class of about 700 students.

He also said district NJSLA results remain 15 to 17 percent above state averages in English language arts, math, and science, with 5 percent year-over-year growth in ELA.

The presentation also focused on student climate and behavior.

"Coming off of COVID, Bridgewater Raritan was no different than a lot of other places. We were experiencing student behaviors that were atypical for an institution like ours. The spikes in things like HIB and disciplinary referrals it was a trend nationwide, statewide" said Beers.

"Who would have thought that being isolated in your house for a year to a year and a half would have a negative effect on student interactions, but it certainly did," said Beers.

As a result, the district implemented several programs , including the Lifeline suicide prevention curriculum, the LEAD program in fifth grade, character education efforts, and changes to the code of conduct.

"And we've seen an HIB decline that's really impressive," said Beers.

Beers said the district saw a 78 percent decrease in HIB investigations and a 77 percent decrease in founded incidents from 2023-24 to the present.

He also highlighted security investments and improved communication with local police.

Referring to the recent SWAT standoff, Beers said, "We were in constant communication" and said the district was able to "keep everyone safe, route our buses, and do what we needed to do to keep school open."

A major milestone will arrive in September, when full-day kindergarten begins.

The superintendent said community survey results had placed full-day kindergarten at the top of district priorities and said, "It's occurring in September."

He said classrooms and spaces are ready.

The district also reported continued work tied to its $155 million referendum, including school reconfiguration set for September 2026, when sixth grade will move to the middle school and fourth grade will move to the primary schools.

"September 2026 is really going to be an exciting time for all of us because we've been planning for this, planning for this, planning for this, and now it's going to happen," said Beers.

Beers concluded by thanking the Bridgewater-Raritan community for trusting the district leaders and Board of Education to "do right by their children."

"It's been a heavy lift, and I don't use that phrase lightly, but I'm thankful every day for the opportunity to have been a part of reshaping this district, building a culture of excellence. We're not where we want to be, but we're getting there. And creating a climate where every student has a chance to succeed," said Beers.

He also promised to make sure that every student who walks through the school doors is captured in these three simple words of "one and all."

"This isn't collectivism. This isn't some political thing. This is a belief that every student who walks through the door deserves a fair shot. And it doesn't matter if they're from JFK school, Crim School, etc.," said Beers. "I'm going to fight for that every day that I'm here. So again, it's not a slogan, it's a standard and as we look ahead, let us all continue to rise to meet it together."

Watch the full presentation here or below, starting at 45:54:

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