BREAKING: New data from the New York State Education Department confirms that Success Academy has outperformed every public school in New York for math test scores, with an astonishing 96% of students passing. This urgent announcement comes as the charter school network, founded in 2006, continues to lead the way in educational excellence amid a nationwide decline in proficiency.
The newly released test results for grades 3–8 show Success Academy not only ranked number one in math but also secured the number two position in English Language Arts, boasting a 92% pass rate—just one percentage point behind Scarsdale Union Free School District, which serves a wealthier demographic with no economically disadvantaged students.
CEO Eva Moskowitz did not hold back in her criticism of the United Federation of Teachers (UFT), accusing the union of hypocrisy for opposing charter school expansions while supporting a charter co-founded by Randi Weingarten. Moskowitz stated, “It’s time we stop accepting excuses, exacerbating inequity, and denying parents access to quality education,” highlighting the charter’s commitment to serving over 22,000 predominantly low-income Black and Hispanic students.
This remarkable success occurs against a backdrop of troubling national education trends. According to the National Assessment of Education Progress, only 39% of fourth graders and 28% of eighth graders achieved proficiency in math last year. Success Academy’s performance starkly contrasts these figures, marking a significant achievement in a challenging educational landscape.
The charter network, now the fourth-largest school district in New York, celebrated its results as a triumph over some of the state’s wealthiest school districts. Moskowitz emphasized, “Success Academy set out to reverse the achievement gap, and we are doing it—consistently, holistically, and at scale. But excellence shouldn’t be the exception; it should be the expectation.”
Despite this success, Success Academy faces ongoing challenges, particularly in expansion efforts. The UFT has actively opposed its plans for co-locations within public school buildings in Queens and Brooklyn, even filing a lawsuit against the charter network citing state cap regulations on class sizes. This opposition underscores the contentious relationship between charter schools and traditional public school systems.
As Success Academy continues to break records and challenge the status quo, the implications for education policy and funding are profound. The charter school sector faces scrutiny from unions and policymakers alike, who argue over the impact such schools have on public school funding and accessibility.
WHAT’S NEXT: As the debate over educational equity and quality intensifies, all eyes will be on Success Academy and its ability to maintain these impressive results while navigating the challenges posed by powerful unions. With the education landscape evolving rapidly, stakeholders will be watching closely for developments in this ongoing battle.
This story is developing—stay tuned for further updates on Success Academy’s achievements and the broader implications for education in New York and beyond.
