UPDATE: New York charter school Success Academy has just achieved a historic milestone, topping the state’s math rankings with a remarkable 96% of its students passing the recent tests for grades 3–8. The results, released by the New York State Education Department, show that Success Academy not only excels in mathematics but also ranks second in English Language Arts with a 92% pass rate, just one point behind Scarsdale Union Free School District.
Success Academy’s CEO, Eva Moskowitz, has publicly criticized the United Federation of Teachers (UFT) for its silence regarding the success of her charter network, co-founded by Randi Weingarten. Moskowitz claimed the union actively fights against the expansion of successful charter schools while promoting its own interests. “It’s time we stop accepting excuses, exacerbating inequity, and denying parents access to quality education,” she stated, emphasizing the need for systemic change in education.
This impressive performance from Success Academy comes at a time when national trends show a troubling decline in math and reading proficiency. According to the National Assessment of Education Progress, only 39% of fourth graders nationwide performed at or above proficiency in 2024, with just 28% of eighth graders meeting the same standard in math.
Founded in 2006, Success Academy now serves over 22,000 predominantly low-income Black and Hispanic students, marking it as the fourth-largest school district in New York. Moskowitz highlighted the network’s unique status, insisting they operate as a “school district” despite being a charter institution.
The success has drawn attention to the disparities in education quality across the state, particularly as Success Academy surpasses wealthier districts. Moskowitz remarked, “Success Academy set out to reverse the achievement gap, and we are doing it — consistently, holistically, and at scale.”
However, Success Academy faces significant challenges as it seeks to expand its reach. The UFT has launched a lawsuit against the charter network, attempting to block the co-location of two Success Academy schools within public school buildings in Queens and Brooklyn, citing state class size caps. The conflict underscores the ongoing tensions between charter schools and teachers’ unions, with critics arguing that charters siphon funding from public schools as parents opt out of local districts.
As Success Academy celebrates its achievements, the future remains uncertain amid opposition from powerful unions. The New York State Education Department has not yet responded to inquiries regarding the ongoing legal battles.
WHAT’S NEXT: The education landscape in New York is rapidly changing, and all eyes will be on the outcomes of the UFT’s lawsuit and the continued performance of charter schools like Success Academy. With educational equity at the forefront of public discussion, parents and policymakers alike are demanding significant reforms.
Stay tuned for the latest developments in this ongoing story that highlights the urgent need for quality education access across all communities.
