Students in New York City's largest charter school networks achieved significantly higher pass rates on recent state math and reading exams compared to their counterparts in traditional public schools, where proficiency in English Language Arts saw a notable decline. Data from Success Academy, a prominent charter network, shows that 96% of its students in grades 3-8 met or exceeded proficiency in math, and 91% did so in English Language Arts (ELA). These scores remained strong compared to the previous year.

In contrast, approximately 50% of New York City public school students achieved proficiency in reading, a 6-point decrease from the prior year, while math proficiency held steady at about 57%. Success Academy’s Bronx 4 elementary school reported that 100% of its students were proficient in both subjects, with 195 students scoring at the highest Level 4 in math and 96% achieving the same in ELA.

Many students within the Success Academy network come from disadvantaged backgrounds, with 72% qualifying for free or reduced-price meals, 13% being English language learners, and 10% having special needs. The student demographic includes 42% Black students, 36% Hispanic students, 11% multiracial students, and 11% Asian, white, or Native American students.

Another charter network, Zeta Charter Schools, also reported strong results, with 92% of its students proficient in math and 86% in ELA across its 14 campuses. These charter school pass rates were reportedly 35 to 40 percentage points higher than those in traditional public schools for both exams.

The release of declining scores for public schools has led to debate among city education officials. Michael Mulgrew, president of the United Federation of Teachers, attributed the scores to the implementation of the city’s “NYC Reads” program. However, Success Academy leadership emphasized a rigorous curriculum and dedicated educators as key to their students’ success.

Nadienka Morillo, Principal of Success Academy Bronx 4, stated, “We don’t make excuses. We know our students are capable and they rise to the occasion. These are the results we were seeking.” She further described the Success Academy curriculum as exceeding state standards, with an hour dedicated daily to reading and a strong focus on problem-solving in mathematics. Students begin intensive reading instruction in kindergarten and are expected to read chapter books by second grade.

Eva Moskowitz, founder and CEO of Success Academy, highlighted that 64% of their test-takers, described as mostly low-income children of color, achieved the advanced Level 4 in reading. She called the results a "fierce wake-up call for leaders who have resigned themselves to failure and cheap excuses."

Emily Kim, founder and CEO of Zeta Charter Schools, praised the performance of her students and educators, noting that "More than nine out of ten of our students are proficient in Math and Science. Nearly half are demonstrating the state’s highest level of mastery in Math and ELA, and our Science results are the strongest in Zeta’s history."