Success Academy Claims Top Math Test Scores in New York State

UPDATE: In a stunning achievement, the New York charter school Success Academy has announced it has surpassed all public schools in the state for math test scores, with a remarkable 96% of its students passing. This news comes as the New York State Education Department revealed the latest test score data for grades 3–8, highlighting Success Academy’s dominance amid a national decline in educational proficiency.

Success Academy, which serves over 22,000 predominantly low-income Black and Hispanic students, also secured the second position in English Language Arts, boasting a 92% pass rate—just one point behind Scarsdale Union Free School District. The charter network, founded in 2006, prides itself on providing quality education and has now positioned itself as the fourth-largest school district in New York.

CEO Eva Moskowitz expressed her disappointment with the United Federation of Teachers (UFT) for its silence regarding charter school expansions, particularly those co-founded by Randi Weingarten. Moskowitz stated, “It’s time we stop accepting excuses, exacerbating inequity, and denying parents access to quality education.” Her remarks reflect a growing frustration with the obstacles faced by charter schools in New York.

The release of these test scores comes at a critical time, as national assessments reveal that only 39% of fourth graders and 28% of eighth graders are performing at or above grade level in math. This stark contrast highlights the achievement of Success Academy, which continues to set a high standard for educational excellence.

Despite its success, Success Academy faces challenges in expanding its facilities due to ongoing opposition from the UFT. The union has filed lawsuits against the charter network, citing the state’s class-size cap to block co-locations of Success Academy schools within public buildings in Queens and Brooklyn. Moskowitz has previously noted that Success Academy teachers are not represented by the UFT, further intensifying the conflict between the two educational entities.

As Success Academy celebrates its academic victories, Moskowitz insists that excellence should not be the exception but the norm. “Success Academy set out to reverse the achievement gap, and we are doing it—consistently, holistically, and at scale,” she affirmed.

With the education landscape in flux, the implications of Success Academy’s achievements may resonate well beyond New York. As charter schools continue to face criticism from teachers unions, the debate over educational funding and access remains heated.

NEXT STEPS: Keep an eye on developments as Success Academy seeks to navigate its expansion efforts amid increasing scrutiny and opposition from traditional public school systems. The implications for students and parents across the state could be significant as this story unfolds.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.