CHARTER SCHOOL PARENTS MEET WITH ELECTED OFFICIALS IN ALBANY TO DEMAND EDUCATIONAL EQUITY FOR ALL

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contacts:
Jessica Siegel
516.458.1331
[email protected]

Taylor Fleming
631.662.4841
[email protected]

CHARTER SCHOOL PARENTS MEET WITH ELECTED OFFICIALS IN ALBANY TO DEMAND EDUCATIONAL EQUITY FOR ALL

Success Academy parents demand lawmakers provide equal support and funding for charter schools

Albany, NY, March 26, 2024 — “Fair is Fair!” echoed through the Albany Capitol this week as Success Academy parents and charter school advocates demanded equity when it comes to their children’s education.

Charter schools receive less per-pupil funding, less space, and fewer options than typical public schools: $18,345 per year compared to $38,000 on a single DOE student.

“Being a part of the Success Academy family, you see the growth, maturation and overall development and it’s powerful,” said Stanley Philippe, whose son is in 5th grade at Success Academy. “I want to see that continue for all kids, regardless of background. I’m proud to be a part of that culture, and I’m going to continue to fight for it.”

Parents met with several elected officials including Senator James Sanders, Jr., Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato, and Senator Luis R. Sepúlveda, whose Queens and Bronx districts house several Success Academy schools.

“I have an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of my constituents and creating opportunities for educational equity,” said Senator Luis R. Sepúlveda. “Today, I welcomed many parents to my office who told me how the Success model is achieving just that, and I support investing in our public schools to pave the way for tomorrow’s leaders.”

“The importance of access to high-quality education for the working-class families in my district is one of my top priorities,” said Senator James Sanders, Jr. “I commend my constituents who took time out of their busy schedules to join me and talk about the need for equal pupil funding.”
A 2023 national study by CREDO found that charter schools outperform traditional public schools in New York City, gaining an equivalent of 42 days of learning in reading and 80 more days of math over district peers. Specifically, Success Academy provided an additional 206 days of math instruction – more than any school nationwide – and 107 days of additional reading instruction, the 10th highest nationwide. Yet, these schools still do not receive adequate funding and resource equity.

“It’s always great to see parents advocate for their children in Albany,” said Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato. “I believe parents should have a choice regarding schools and I’m proud to work towards ensuring all schools get the funding they need.”

“Every child deserves a great education, regardless of whether they attend a charter or district school,” said Eva Moskowitz, founder and CEO of Success Academy. “Our parent advocates know this better than anyone, and they are here today in Albany to call on our elected representatives to listen. I am hopeful that they will hear us.”

“We’re here because we believe in the model of Success Academy. They are delivering what our kids need,” said Astoria Mashack, mother of a Success Academy third grader. “No matter what route you choose to go, whether it’s public or charter school, all kids deserve the same, equal opportunity as it pertains to education.”

About Success Academy
Since 2006, Success Academy created a national model of K–12 access to excellence for children across all demographics. The majority of our 20,000 students are children of color from low-income households in disadvantaged neighborhoods admitted to our 53 schools through a random public lottery. To date, 100% of our graduates have been accepted to college, many to highly selective institutions. Our distinctive K–12 approach, designed as a holistic 13-year educational trajectory, producing student outcomes that outpace even those in affluent suburban schools. We regularly share our curriculum and methods with educators and school leaders across the country.

For more information about Success Academy, go to successacademies.org.