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.

There are many great aspects to Success Academy Union Square, but I especially appreciate the people who nurture our children’s hearts and minds.

Our Director of Children’s Literature, Sara Yu answers two frequently asked parent questions about supporting children’s independent reading.

Como madre de un hijo que estudiaba en una escuela pública de la ciudad de Nueva York, nunca estuve satisfecha con lo que parecía ser un programa de estudios primarios limitado que se enfocaba solamente en lectura y matemáticas. Estaba interesada en un enfoque educativo que apuntase al desarrollo integral del niño y me entusiasmé […]

What made this year special for our Success Academy family? Find out here!

Considering applying to Success Academy for your child? Read Claire’s post for the Success parent perspective…

Doug McCurry, the co-CEO of Achievement First Public Charter Schools and the father of a special needs child, has written a touching account about his son, Jack, who is a scholar at Success Academy Cobble Hill.

Questions about reading? Read more advice from Director of Children’s Literature Sara Yu!

Have a question we haven’t answered yet? Post it in the comments so we can respond in a future post.

This week, we’d like to address some of the frequently asked questions about reading aloud we’ve heard from parents over the years…

The single most important thing parents can do to support their elementary school scholars is to read to them and with them at home.

This is why I stood with many Success Academy and district school parents in Lower Manhattan last month and delivered an urgent message to the city: the time has come for bold change in our public schools. 143.000 students are trapped in failing schools.