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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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, January 29, 2024 —  “Fair is Fair!” echoed through the Albany Capitol last 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. 

“I send my children to Success Academy because I want them to receive an excellent education. Their school has been a lifeline of stability and pathway forward to a better future – and should receive equal funding and resources,” said Eunica Anthony, a mother of two Success Academy students. 

Parents met with several elected officials such as Assembly Member William Colton, Senator Jessica Scarcella Spanton, Assembly Member Jamie Williams, and Assemblymember Brian Cunningham, who pledged his support for equal treatment of charter schools. 

“As a new parent, it was heartwarming to welcome District 43 parents to my office in support of fair and equitable education across New York State,” said Assembly Member Brian A. Cunningham. “Parents know better than anyone what their child needs – that is especially true when it comes to their education. I pledge my support to ensure all students have access to a great education and the opportunity to reach their full potential.”

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 long overdue for politicians in Albany to recognize that fair is fair and that every child, regardless of whether they attend a charter or district school, deserves equal treatment,” said Eva Moskowitz, founder and CEO of Success Academy. “Our parent advocates understand that – hopefully all of our elected representatives will listen to their constituents.” 

“There is a choice for everything else, except when it comes to our children’s education,” said Assembly Member Jaime Williams. “We know what is working and what is not, so why are we not investing in that model? Charter schools like Success Academy continue to work. Investing in all public schools is a win for all our children, our parents and society at large. A good education starts with a solid foundation.”

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.