URGENT UPDATE: New data from the New York State Education Department reveals that Success Academy, a prominent charter school network, has outperformed every public school in New York on math assessments for grades 3–8. With an astonishing 96% of its students passing, this achievement is igniting discussions on educational equity and reform.
The latest test score data, released earlier today, shows that Success Academy also excelled in English Language Arts, ranking second statewide with a 92% pass rate, just shy of Scarsdale Union Free School District. This remarkable performance comes amid a nationwide decline in academic proficiency, highlighting the stark contrast in educational outcomes.
Eva Moskowitz, CEO of Success Academy, criticized the United Federation of Teachers (UFT) for its silence regarding the charter network’s successes. She expressed frustration over the UFT’s opposition to charter school expansions, particularly in light of a co-founding relationship with Randi Weingarten, a central figure in the teachers’ union. “It’s time we stop accepting excuses, exacerbating inequity, and denying parents access to quality education,” Moskowitz stated.
Founded in 2006, Success Academy serves over 22,000 predominantly low-income Black and Hispanic students, positioning itself as a significant educational force within New York. The charter network’s continued success comes as it faces challenges from UFT, which recently filed a lawsuit aimed at blocking the co-location of Success Academy schools in public buildings across Queens and Brooklyn.
In a recent interview, Moskowitz emphasized the importance of accountability and high academic standards. “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,” she asserted.
The test scores come at a critical time as public school enrollment declines nationwide, prompting parents and educators to demand better educational outcomes. The National Assessment of Education Progress indicates troubling statistics: only 39% of fourth graders and 28% of eighth graders met or exceeded math proficiency standards in 2024.
As the conversation surrounding educational reform intensifies, observers will be watching closely to see how the UFT and other stakeholders respond to Success Academy’s achievements. The implications for charter schools and public education funding are significant, and the outcome could reshape the educational landscape in New York and beyond.
For now, Success Academy’s triumph stands as a beacon of hope for families seeking quality education in a challenging academic climate. As more details emerge, the debate over educational equity, union influence, and charter school expansion will likely continue to unfold.
