Success Academy Tops New York Math Scores, Challenges Unions

BREAKING: New York charter school Success Academy has shattered records, ranking number one in the state for math test scores, with an astounding 96% of students passing. This achievement, revealed in newly released data from the New York State Education Department, places Success Academy ahead of every public school in New York, underscoring its significant impact amid a nationwide education crisis.

Success Academy also excelled in English Language Arts, securing a 92% pass rate—just one point behind Scarsdale Union Free School District—highlighting its commitment to academic excellence. The charter network, which serves over 22,000 predominantly low-income Black and Hispanic students, was founded in 2006 and is now the fourth-largest school district in New York State.

CEO Eva Moskowitz expressed her concerns over the silence of the United Federation of Teachers (UFT) regarding the expansion of a charter co-founded by Randi Weingarten, especially after they obstructed other charter schools from growing. “It’s time we stop accepting excuses, exacerbating inequity, and denying parents access to quality education,” Moskowitz stated, emphasizing the network’s role in reversing the achievement gap.

The New York State Education Department released these pivotal test scores for grades 3–8, coinciding with reports of declining proficiency in math and reading nationwide. The National Assessment of Education Progress indicates that only 39% of fourth-graders and 28% of eighth-graders achieved proficiency in math in 2024, making Success Academy’s performance all the more remarkable.

Moskowitz highlighted that Success Academy operates as a “school district,” offering district-level services despite being a charter network. “We looked at the results of all of our schools and compared them to other districts,” she noted. This strategic approach has positioned her schools as leaders in educational outcomes.

Despite its successes, Success Academy faces challenges, particularly from the UFT, which has filed a lawsuit aimed at blocking the co-location of two of its charter schools within public school buildings in Queens and Brooklyn. This legal battle underscores the tension between charter schools and teachers’ unions, as the former compete for per-pupil funding, allowing parents to opt out of their neighborhood public schools.

In a time when public school enrollment is declining across the country, Success Academy’s achievements shine a light on alternative educational pathways that parents are increasingly exploring. “Success Academy set out to reverse the achievement gap, and we are doing it—consistently, holistically, and at scale,” Moskowitz stated.

As this situation develops, all eyes will be on how Success Academy continues to navigate its expansion amid union opposition and the broader implications for educational equity across the United States.

Stay tuned for updates on this rapidly evolving story as it affects the future of education in New York and beyond.