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  • Stay in Touch!

    Prospective Parents: If your child will be entering Kindergarten through 4th grade for the 2016-17 school year, please register below to receive more information regarding your neighborhood Success Academies.

  • Register

    Prospective Parents: Register below to be notified when the application for the 2017-18 school year becomes available and to receive more information about Success Academy Charter Schools.

Start stronger. Go further.

From the moment scholars join Success Academy in elementary school, we are committed to their success in college and in life.  Our schools function as one system, and as scholars advance, teachers and school leaders collaborate on each child’s academic and social-emotional welfare to ensure scholars transition smoothly.  We tailor our engaging and rigorous approach across each school level to teach core knowledge and critical thinking and then develop the independence and self-advocacy skills scholars will need to excel.

High School

At Success Academy High Schools of the Liberal Arts, scholars encounter sophisticated, collegiate-style academics, discover and develop talents, and forge close bonds with peers and faculty as they grow into informed, thoughtful citizens. Our goal is to prepare scholars to graduate from college in four years and pursue a life of unfettered choice and personal fulfillment. Every aspect of our high school model is designed to cultivate the skills, mindsets, and knowledge our scholars need to successfully navigate the demands of college, citizenship, and professional life.

College Representatives: Schedule a visit here.

DAY IN THE LIFE

  • Good Morning, Scholars

    Before classes begin, scholars meet with advisors to share experiences, discuss ethical issues, gain practical life skills, and better understand the process of learning. Our advisory program is designed to help scholars develop a strong moral compass as well as crucial life habits, such as time- and task-management, goal-setting, calendaring, and self-advocacy.

  • Sports, Fitness, & Wellness

    Our sports and fitness program consists of competitive sports, athletic clubs, core courses, and health-related classes.

  • Math

    Our math curriculum emphasizes the use of logic and reasoning to demonstrate problem-solving as a method of inquiry and investigation. Algebra, geometry, statistics, and calculus make up the core courses; functions, history of math, and 3-D modeling are some electives.

  • English

    Rigorous courses focus on close analyses of life-changing works of poetry and prose. Cross-curricular writing requirements reinforce formal training in grammar, syntax, and style, with an emphasis on revision and self-editing.

  • Current Events

    Scholars participate in a weekly current-events seminar where they unpack what’s happening in the world, explore a range of perspectives, and pay close attention to social context.

  • Lunch & Lab Block

    The high school schedule includes a 100-minute block of free time each day. Scholars have the option to use this time to meet with teachers for academic support, to work on homework and research projects, and to spend time in creative or athletic pursuits.

  • Electives & Experiential Learning

    Electives, sports, internships, clubs, and summer programs are central to the high school curriculum. Scholars participate in sophisticated field trips and choose from a wide array of electives, teams, and clubs, as well as exciting internships and summer program opportunities.

  • History

    The history program is set apart by an emphasis on inquiry, historiography, and sustained research that most students do not encounter until college. Our curriculum features a global approach that delves deep into the context and social import of history, sharpening critical analysis and expository writing skills.

  • Science

    Daily, inquiry-based science is integral to our physics-first curriculum. Scholars gain a deep understanding of physics, chemistry, and biology; the importance of objective analysis; and the scientific skills they need as they observe the natural world. Several days per week, they visit the “Fab Lab,” a fully equipped, MIT-styled laboratory.

  • Independent Reading

    Since their earliest school days, Success scholars have luxuriated in frequent, long reading sessions. This tradition continues with independent reading time built into our scholars’ schedules. During Winter J-term, scholars can join a book club of their choice.

  • Fine Arts

    All scholars are required to take Fine Arts classes, learning both theory and practical techniques for self-expression on the canvas, the stage, and in the music room. Our campuses offer state-of-the-art spaces for practicing and performing, including a new 1,000-square-foot dance studio opening Fall 2018.

  • After School

    Scholars often stay later in the day to rehearse for the upcoming musical, practice their sport, or talk policy at a debate meeting. Campus stays open until 7:00 p.m., so scholars can freely pursue their passions after the demands of the school day.

APPROACH TO LEARNING

Our advanced liberal arts curriculum prioritizes student-led inquiry and cross-disciplinary perspectives, preparing scholars for the demands they will encounter at selective colleges. Scholars critically analyze and interpret seminal texts; grow into accomplished thinkers, writers, and researchers; and hone their public speaking skills. Our specialized STEM program offers electives and advanced courses, and allows scholars to master flexible thinking and essential knowledge. Many courses are taught at an Advanced Placement (AP) level and culminate with AP exams — all juniors are required to sit the AP World History and Literature exams. The standards are high and the work is challenging, but teachers are always available for individualized support.

  • Math
  • Science
  • History
  • Electives
  • Sports &
    Wellness
  • English
  • Fine
    Arts
  • Current
    Events
  • Math

    The math sequence emphasizes conceptual understanding and applied problem solving in algebra, geometry, statistics, pre-calculus, and calculus. Approximately 25 percent of scholars are invited to enroll in a STEM honors sequence with in-class and extracurricular opportunities — including AP-level Calculus and Coding.

  • Science

    The science sequence begins with Conceptual Physics in grade 9 and Chemistry in grade 10. Underclassmen complete weekly laboratory experiments and reports, mastering advanced applications of the scientific method. Juniors and seniors engage in college-level science coursework that prepares them for undergraduate STEM majors. Eleventh-grade biology culminates in all juniors taking the SAT II subject test in molecular biology. Seniors are able to choose from a range of AP-level science courses, including Physics, Computer Science, Psychology, and Environmental Science.

  • History

    The high school sequence begins with two years of World History culminating in the Global History AP exam in grade 10. In grade 11, scholars take U.S. History and have the option to sit for the U.S. History AP exam. During senior year, scholars study Contemporary Global Politics and Economics.

  • Electives

    Scholars take two or three electives each semester. Electives may include Art, Chess, Chorus, Computer Science, Cross Country, Dance, Debate, MATHCOUNTS, Musical Theater, Newspaper, Robotics, Science Olympiad, and Poetry.

  • Sports &
    Wellness

    Our sports and fitness program consists of competitive sports, core courses, and health-related classes. Core health courses address social issues like substance abuse, family living, and human sexuality.

  • English

    Scholars take full-year Literature and Writing seminars each year, and have independent reading time built into their schedule. Survey courses in grades 9 and 10 expose scholars to literature from a range of eras, cultures, and genres, engaging them in close analysis and situating texts within the literary canon and broader historical context. Juniors and seniors choose among courses focused on specific themes, literary movements, and time periods. All literature courses require prolific writing, through which scholars master the literary analysis essay.

  • Fine
    Arts

    Scholars must complete at least three credit hours of Fine Arts, choosing from painting, printmaking, photography, and sculpture, among other options.

  • Current
    Events

    Scholars analyze articles from top news sources — such as The New Yorker, The Atlantic, and The New York Times — and hone their opinions through discussion and debate.

Real-World Exposure

Our schools nurture the creative interests and special talents of scholars, and we regard electives, internships, clubs, and summer programs as vital to the curriculum. Whether combining creativity with engineering skills in robotics, or training diligently for the nation’s largest track and field event, scholars are invested in their pursuits. We support them by providing high-level elective courses, truly excellent faculty, and sophisticated enrichment activities, including Broadway plays, trips to world-class museums, and travel to events in cities across the U.S.

  • Summer
    Programs
  • Internships
  • College
    Prep
  • Summer
    Programs

    We help scholars apply to and attend exceptional summer programs. Pre-college academic programs are particularly popular — most of our seniors have spent at least one summer on a college campus. Other summer experiences include sports camps, dance workshops, trips abroad, and theater programs.

  • Internships

    We work with businesses, museums, institutions of higher education, civic institutions, universities, and research institutes to identify meaningful internships where scholars can participate, develop their talents, and gain key insights outside of the classroom. Past internships have included stints at Merrill Lynch, Sotheby’s, and 300 Entertainment.

  • College
    Prep

    Our college counseling program provides comprehensive support in the complex college application process. In a ratio similar to top independent schools, each college counselor advises 50 scholars. Counselors partner with scholars and families to help them identify the best colleges where financial support is available, complete financial aid forms, and showcase scholars’ achievements in compelling applications. Unlike most schools that begin college advising in junior year, counselors begin working with scholars in grade 9, ensuring scholars know early on what it takes to get into top universities and helping them craft action plans to get there.

    During senior year, advisory becomes a College Knowledge seminar. Seniors meet once a week to delve into college-focused topics like financial literacy, campus resources, stress management, and wellness.

    Our high schools provide comprehensive preparation for the PSAT, SAT, and AP exams. Building this essential prep into the schedule means that scholars don’t need to seek out costly external tutoring. To graduate, scholars must pass AP exams and take the SAT test, as well as SAT II subject tests.

Virtual School

Learn about our revolutionary high school design.

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PARENT INVOLVEMENT

We Promise To:
  • Instill in scholars not just the curiosity and work ethic required to enrich their minds, but the independence and agency needed to succeed in college and beyond.
  • Ensure a balanced community, one that matches the ambitious goals of our curriculum with a small-school feel.
  • Provide a culture of high standards and personal responsibility that complements the deep, rigorous learning present in our classrooms.
  • Never compromise our mission to deliver an education that endures. Our philosophy isn’t about the short-term or the easy way — it’s about the difficult and necessary steps to achieving daily mastery and self-motivated inquiry.
We Expect Parents and Guardians to:
  • Encourage the hard work, discipline, and focus young people need to fully reap the rewards of their education.
  • Engage with the community. Strong school culture is a touchstone of our program, and parent involvement is critical in making co-curricular and community service events exceed expectations.
  • Support scholars’ interests and ambitions. We equip scholars with the tools to realize their own goals, not just the ones dictated by our curriculum.
  • Understand the process. The Success Academy program emphasizes how to learn as much as the learning itself, and therefore stresses mindset and attitude as much as preparation and practice. We want our scholars to see education as not a chore but a responsibility.

  • Stay in Touch!

    Prospective Parents: If your child will be entering Kindergarten through 4th grade for the 2016-17 school year, please register below to receive more information regarding your neighborhood Success Academies.

  • Register

    Prospective Parents: Register below to be notified when the application for the 2017-18 school year becomes available and to receive more information about Success Academy Charter Schools.