Success Academy Charter Schools

Success Academy Charter Schools
Name	Success Academy Charter Schools
Established	2006
Headquarters	New York City
Founder	Eva Moskowitz
Type	Charter school network
Grades	K–12

Success Academy Charter Schools is a network of charter schools based in New York City founded in 2006 by Eva Moskowitz. The network operates multiple K–12 campuses across boroughs such as Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, and Staten Island, and engages with stakeholders including the New York City Department of Education, the State of New York, and various philanthropic organizations like the Gates Foundation.

History

Success Academy began in 2006 when educator Eva Moskowitz and partners launched an initial school in East Harlem with support from actors such as Dylan Baker and donors including figures associated with the Walton Family Foundation and the EdChoice Foundation. The network expanded through relationships with charter authorizers like the State University of New York and interactions with officials such as Rudolph Giuliani contemporaries and later the administrations of Michael Bloomberg and Bill de Blasio. Expansion involved leases and property negotiations with entities including the New York City School Construction Authority, conversion of buildings formerly used by the New York City Housing Authority, and responses to policy shifts tied to legislative acts debated in the New York State Assembly and the New York State Senate.

Organization and Governance

The network is led by a central administration under founder and CEO Eva Moskowitz with a board of directors comprising individuals from sectors like finance represented by executives from firms similar to Goldman Sachs and philanthropy associated with donors akin to the Bloomberg Philanthropies. Governance interfaces include charter authorizers such as the State University of New York, regulatory oversight involving the New York City Department of Education, and legal matters heard in forums like the New York Supreme Court and appeals potentially reaching the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. Labor relations have involved unions such as United Federation of Teachers and negotiations reflecting employment law precedents influenced by cases from the National Labor Relations Board.

Academics and Curriculum

Success Academy employs a curriculum emphasizing literacy and mathematics with pedagogical models inspired by charter practices observed in networks like KIPP and instructional strategies aligned with standards such as the Common Core State Standards Initiative. The network has piloted programs integrating arts influenced by collaborations with institutions resembling the Lincoln Center and after-school partnerships with organizations like the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Assessments include preparations for state examinations such as the New York State Regents Examination and participation in standardized testing programs similar to the SAT and NAEP benchmarks; curricular materials draw on publishers and frameworks associated with entities comparable to Pearson Education.

Admissions and Enrollment

Enrollment operates under a lottery system consistent with New York charter law adjudicated by bodies like the New York State Education Department and policies debated in chambers such as the New York State Assembly. Recruitment efforts include outreach in communities across neighborhoods like Harlem and Bedford–Stuyvesant and coordination with family engagement initiatives modeled on practices from organizations like Parents for Public Schools. Admissions controversies have prompted involvement from advocacy groups such as Advocates for Children of New York and civil rights organizations comparable to the NAACP in discussions about access and equity.

Financials and Facilities

Funding streams include per-pupil allocations from the New York State budget, municipal charter school aid from the New York City Council, and philanthropic contributions from foundations akin to the Carnegie Corporation of New York. Capital projects have included leases and renovations negotiated with the New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services and financing structures similar to municipal bond arrangements used by districts like Los Angeles Unified School District for school construction. Audit and compliance considerations have intersected with offices like the New York State Comptroller and legal counsel engagements in filings with the Internal Revenue Service for nonprofit entities.

Controversies and Criticism

Critiques have centered on discipline policies, special education services, and enrollment practices, drawing scrutiny from organizations such as Advocates for Children of New York, legal challenges in courts including the New York Supreme Court, and commentary from media outlets like The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Atlantic. Labor disputes involved the United Federation of Teachers and public testimony before bodies like the New York City Council. Debates over charter expansion have connected Success Academy to broader policy fights involving figures like Richard A. Carranza and reforms championed by leaders such as Arne Duncan and critics aligned with groups like the American Federation of Teachers.

Outcomes and Impact Studies

Independent analyses by organizations such as research centers associated with Columbia University Teachers College, the Brookings Institution, and the RAND Corporation have examined achievement gaps, value-added models, and long-term student outcomes including matriculation to institutions like the City University of New York and selective colleges including Columbia University and New York University. Studies published in journals and reports from institutes akin to the National Bureau of Economic Research have debated effect sizes on standardized tests like the NAEP and New York State Regents Examination, comparing results to networks such as KIPP and district schools within the New York City Department of Education.

Category:Charter schools in New York City