Why I love Audible: A Mother’s Tale
Georgia West – December 22, 2020
With a 17-year-old heading to college next year and a 14-year-old freshman in high school, I am at the tail end of hands-on parenting. There is, however, one thing I still do regularly with my kids: listen to books on Audible.
What it Means to be an Advocate for NYC Kids
Success Academy – January 10, 2020
Success Academy families go above and beyond to advocate for high-quality public education — and every parent brings their personal strengths and passions to the fight for educational equity.
My Family Chose Success Over a G&T School — Now the Mayor Wants to Take That Option Away
Success Academy – September 18, 2019
Jamaal Salah knew he had to go the extra mile as a dad at SA Far Rockaway — for his daughter, and for all kids.
From SA Parent to Principal-in-Training: A Conversation with Robertson Leadership Fellow Jessica Nelson-Clark
Success Academy – July 26, 2019
Robertson Leadership Fellow Jessica Nelson-Clark led a choice session at New Teacher Training about building strong relationships with parents — from the perspective of a parent!
How Likely is “Likely?” A Success Academy Waitlist Parent Asks
Megan Pryor – May 10, 2019
I was accepted to every single charter school I applied for — except Success Academy. My SA results read: “Waitlist – Likely.” What does that even mean? I thought. How likely is likely?
We’re the Same, But Different: Autism Awareness at SA Bronx 3
Success Academy – April 30, 2019
Earlier this month, SA Bronx 3 hosted an Autism Awareness Day to celebrate differences and teach about inclusion.
Success Academy High School Dean (and Mom): They Might Not Admit It — They’re Teens, After All — But Our Kids Love School
Ronda Ramos – April 2, 2019
Last week, SA 8th graders who applied to a district high school received their placement offers. It reminded me of when my daughter was deciding where to go for high school. Ultimately, she chose to stay at SA, and she is now in 11th grade, with a great group of friends both new and old, a high GPA, close relationships with teachers and deans, and a passion for track in which she excels. Neither she nor I have ever regretted her decision to stay at SA.
We Are Family!
Success Academy – December 14, 2018
As our scholars, staff, and families enjoy the holiday season and winter break, we want to express our gratitude for everyone who is working together to build magical schools for our kids. You’ve created a community that wants for all children what we would want for our own; in fact, there are almost 60 of you who are so committed to our schools that you are both employees and Success Academy parents!
9 Scholars and Counting: My Family’s Journey to Success Academy
Nana Hawawu Alawiye – August 27, 2018
In total, there are nine children in my family attending Success Academy this year. Eight of them are at SA Harlem 5, and my eldest just started sixth grade at SA Harlem West. We almost “bleed” blue and orange, and love celebrating together with the group picture at both the start and the end of the year!
Don’t Fear the Third Grade (or Why I Love My Child’s Teachers)
Polina Bulman – May 11, 2018
When my daughter, Sofia, started third grade earlier this year at Success Academy Bensonhurst, I was nervous. Third grade — that means the start of state testing. And while I knew that Success Academy scholars generally do very well on these tests, I was concerned that “test prep” was all she would get out of […]
Parent Perspective: “If we don’t speak up, our voices won’t be heard”
Success Academy – February 1, 2018
Her son’s experience at Success Academy lead Janelle McCoy to join dozens of other New York City charter school families in Albany last week for a Day of Action. There, families met with elected officials and staff, told their stories, and rallied in the State Capitol building. Step inside Janelle’s trip to Albany and learn what it takes to advocate for children.
“This is going to be the best year of my life!”
Cynthia Cummings – October 25, 2017
Last week, hundreds of charter school parents gathered in Brooklyn’s Cadman Plaza to advocate for educational equality across the city. Cynthia Cummings, a parent at Success Academy Bed Stuy 1 and Success Academy Bed Stuy Middle School, shared her story at the event.
Success Parents and Scholars Ask, “Why Isn’t the Mayor Giving Our Schools Space?”
Success Academy – September 26, 2017
With 112 chronically underutilized school buildings and a total of 65,000 empty seats available — parents are asking why is the city taking so long to find space for Success Academy middle schoolers. District families know what their middle school options are — why are Success parents treated differently?
Parent Perspective: Why Success Academy Pre-K Matters
Susana Taveras – June 13, 2017
Parent Susana Taveras was thrilled when she found out that Success Academy won the right to once again provide pre-K in New York City free of interference from the Department of Education.
Parent Perspective: Checkmated by a Third Grader: The Life of a Success Academy Chess Dad
Adrian Roberts – May 17, 2017
It’s safe to say my family loves the game of chess. Whether my son Aston is challenging an adult chess player at Washington Square Park, or my daughter is asking me to review her opening moves after a tournament game, chess is often the focus of our free time. My kids are learning so much through SA’s chess program — and so am I!
Paying It Forward: Why I’m Fighting for Success Academy Pre-K
Pierre Delsoin – May 2, 2017
Last year, I did something I had never done before: I wrote a petition and put it on Change.org. I did this because my daughter’s pre-kindergarten class, where she had grown and learned so much, was being forced to shut down.
Parent Perspective: My Family Loves a Good Argument!
Daniela Kempf – May 1, 2017
This school year, my husband and I have spent many weekends supporting our son Henry as he debates topics like the Cuban trade embargo and immigration at middle school debate tournaments around NYC.
In Just Three Days, SA Bensonhurst Scholars Traveled the World
Karen Mira – April 20, 2017
If you had dropped by Success Academy Bensonhurst last Wednesday, you would have been in for quite a treat: Music, dance — and even magic tricks — from countries like China, Georgia, and Russia filled the auditorium during our school’s first ever Multicultural Week Talent Show.
La Creación de un Héroe Cero
Yadira Méndez – February 17, 2017
Estoy tan orgulloso de la curiosidad por aprender que César a desarrollado. Como estudiante en México, no tomé la ciencia hasta que tenía 12 años. César tiene ciencia todos los días por 45 minutos. Cuando vamos a las tiendas, él ya no quiere juguetes – lo que quiere son artículos para hacer un experimento científico.
Scholars Have Front Row Seat to Chess History at World Championship
Adam Fenton – December 2, 2016
Chess is an essential component of SA’s school design starting in Kindergarten, and the program creates super-fans
Why I Cried at My Daughter’s School Meeting
Maggie Tejada – September 20, 2016
Last month, parents at my daughter’s school, SA Washington Heights, gathered in the auditorium to hear Ms. DePalo explain why Success Academy and other charter schools are marching in Prospect Park on September 28.
Success Academy gave my son a chance. Other families deserve the same.
Wayne Jackson – September 9, 2016
My name is Wayne Jackson, and I am the proud father of a scholar at SA Bronx 2.
Open Letter To Mayor Bill de Blasio From Success Academy Pre-K Parents
Success Academy – June 1, 2016
But thanks to the red tape you have rolled out to prevent Success from doing its work, we learned today that the organization has been forced to cancel its pre-k classes, costing our kids the opportunity to have a strong education foundation.
‘Don’t Thank Me, Thank Science’
Erin Zwicky – May 26, 2016
In fact, when I tried to thank Olive for coming up with her brilliant idea, she said, “Don’t thank me. Thank science!”