Kate Davis

Review of Success Academy

Firstly, I would encourage everybody to read revie...

Firstly, I would encourage everybody to read reviews (or speak to) parents whose children have actually attended the schools. My daughter in now in 6th grade and has attended SA since Kindergarten. We chose the elementary school because of its emphasis on rigorous academics (science every day), but ended up loving it because of the joy and happiness pervading the classroom and hallways. (Yes, really! Come for a tour if you don't believe me; you will see it.) The teachers are extremely caring and receptive and the majority will respond within 24 hours.

Even in 6th grade, which has been completely remote, I hear from teachers about my daughter's progress (good or bad) almost daily. I never have to worry that she's going to slip through the cracks. Maybe we've been lucky, but in more than 7 years, we have never experienced a lead teacher leaving in the middle of the school year.

One of the great things about Success Academy is that once you have a place at one of its elementary schools, you never have to worry about middle school or high school as it's K-12. My daughter was offered a spot at one of the most highly sought after middle schools in Brooklyn, but we turned it down to continue at SA. Considering how well SA has handled remote learning, I do not regret that decision for one moment.

There are very strong expectations that your child will show respect to both the teachers and fellow students at all times. Bullying is handled swiftly and my daughter has never once felt unsafe at school.

Yes - it is tough being an SA parent. You are held accountable for ensuring that your kid is at school on time (online and in person) in uniform. There is homework which can be a struggle and the Wednesday half days for teacher training can be difficult for families.

My advice is to go on school tours and speak to parents. SA is very transparent right from the get-go about what it does and does not offer. If it seems like the right school for your family, then it probably is. If not, then I'm sure you will find another school in NYC that will work for you and your child.