Really, what’s the beef with Success?

I chose charter schools because where we live in the South Bronx, they are the best educational option for my children. Charters are giving my daughters opportunities they would never have in our neighborhood district schools.

Thank you, Success Academy, for renewing my hope in public education as a path to a more equal and excellent democracy in America.

The International Potluck is more than a delicious feast; it is a wonderful way for scholars and their families to celebrate the diverse cultures within our school.

At Success, we believe that children who love reading and select books for themselves drive their own learning and become lifelong readers. There is power and possibility in falling in love with books!

El 9 de septiembre, el segundo día del año escolar, recibí la noticia que había estado esperando desde la primavera: Success Academy Cobble Hill tenía un lugar disponible para mi hija Yvette. Una semana después, recibí más buenas noticias. Había otra vacante para mi hija más pequeña, Alexa.

My tears were from joy and relief. After months on the waitlist, my daughters could now attend the school I wanted for them.

In this city, language is not the biggest barrier for immigrant families who are seeking a good school for their child. It’s their zip code.

Earlier this month, Success Academy Williamsburg Principal Abby Johnson received a touching email from a parent. Mary Bronstein’s daughter, Faye, is a scholar in Dana Baij’s kindergarten classroom.

Learning shouldn’t end with the last day of school, and the months off are a wonderful time to enjoy all that NYC has to offer.

It is fair to say that I am in love with my son’s teacher, Ms. Muller.

I have to extend sincere thanks to my children’s coaches and to the Success Academy network. They have instilled in my children not only passion and persistence, but also certain grace and equanimity.

Ms. Roth is a great teacher with a special gift for children. We are so happy to appreciate her this week.

My son, Nathaniel, is a scholar in Ms. Herrera’s kindergarten class at Success Academy Washington Heights. When I first saw her at a “meet the teachers” picnic in the fall, I just knew in my gut that she was going to be Nathaniel’s teacher! – See more at: https://successacademies.org/?p=8137&preview=true#sthash.BdgqBIqF.dpuf

It was a late night for parents and staff of Success Academy Bronx 3, but well worth the loss of sleep.

I am the parent of a kindergarten scholar who attends Success Academy in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn. When my daughter started, she did not know any English since we only speak Spanish at home. I was so worried about this because I thought she would stay behind due to her poor language. But no, she did not; her teachers really took the time and worked very hard with her.

My daughter, Miah, attends Success Academy Bensonhurst in Brooklyn, and I had ample opportunity to decline my seat to the academy if I felt like it was going to be too much. The discipline of the school is well needed for schools and, truthfully, it’s NOTHING different from how I raise my daughter. My expectations of her effort, knowledge, and determination are on the same level as that of Success Academy.

Recently, The New York Times published an article about Success Academy, and it left me with a heavy heart. Success Academy is known for its joyful rigor, but the Times reporter described only the “rigor.” So I felt that I had to share my family’s experience and talk about the “joyful” part.

College graduation was never my goal; it was simply to finish high school. I wanted a better education for my son, which is why I refused to send him to a failing public school in our neighborhood.

Would Success Academy Hell’s Kitchen live up to our expectations and spark a love of learning in Matthew?

I am grateful for great charter schools giving many parents like me the power to choose the education we want for our children. But the 143.000 kids in New York City who are stuck in failing schools and the 800.000 students across New York State who are not being equipped to do grade-level work, have no choice.

I was born and raised in the Bronx and for most of my childhood and adolescence I attended failing schools. I, of course, didn’t know it at the time. I received good grades and passed all my classes. I sat in the front of the class because I loved learning. I thought I was a great student. Then I went to college and reality hit me. I didn’t know how to read to truly understand the deeper meaning of a book. Worse, I couldn’t properly write a paragraph – let alone an essay.

My husband and I are raising two little girls in Brooklyn, and we have seen the failing schools crisis right in our own backyard.

In Albany, I was proud to share what my daughter has been able to accomplish at a great school and to stand with other parents who also believe that all children deserve a quality education.