If you relied only on the New York City newspapers one would think that Eva Moskiwitz's Success Academy Charter Schools are a success. The truth is that for every student that started in first grade eleven years ago, over three left the school due to various reasons. In the first graduating class 16 students graduated out of 73 first graders. That is a measly 22% graduation rate. What happened to the 78% that left Success Academy?
I venture to guess that the majority of students left, as the school counseled them out. Many students who academically struggled were probably threatened to repeat the grade and behaviorally challenged students were simply kicked out of the school. Others wearied of the intense academic pressure, including summer homework and having few, if any extracurricular activities that makes school a pleasant experience.
Regardless, the "drill and kill"culture of Success Academy Charter School is not for most students and if your child is an English Language Learner or self contained Special Education student, then Eva Moskowitz's Success Academy would counsel you that the public school is a more appropriate environment for your child.