Author Archives: garyrubinstein

Former Success Academy Teacher Speaks Out

Posted on April 20, 2023 by garyrubinstein

For over 10 years I have been observing and writing about the Success Academy charter network. Every time I think that there’s no way that I can learn anything more scandalous about these schools, I’m proven wrong. The latest news … Continue reading →

Posted in Success Academy | 3 Comments

Success Academy Attrition Worse Than Ever

Posted on April 13, 2023 by garyrubinstein

On April 5th The New York Post published their annual ‘100% of Success Academy students get accepted into four-year colleges’ editorial. The class of 2023 will be the sixth graduating class of the infamous charter chain and according to the … Continue reading →

Posted in Success Academy | 3 Comments

Trainwreck For America

Posted on January 23, 2023 by garyrubinstein

Between 1990 and 2013, Teach For America grew in size and influence from a tiny inconsequential alternative placement provider to a $300 million a year political powerhouse. But the last ten years have been rough on TFA. In 2016 they … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 3 Comments

Steve Perry and P. Diddy Harlem Charter School: Only One 8th Grader Proficient On State Math Test

Posted on January 8, 2023 by garyrubinstein

Dr. Steve Perry is an outspoken education reformer who has billed himself ‘America’s most trusted educator.’ He also once called the teacher’s unions ‘roaches.’ He founded a chain of charter schools called Capital Preparatory which has a few schools in … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 2 Comments

New Data Reveals That Success Academy Attrition Is Worse Than Previously Reported

Posted on December 10, 2022 by garyrubinstein

For all my years of blogging about education, the most important part of any post is pursuing the right questions. My first investigative post back in 2011 was inspired by listening to an Arne Duncan keynote speech in which he … Continue reading →

Posted in Success Academy | 7 Comments

Success Academy Parents Speak Out. Part 2 “I was told my seventh grade daughter had to repeat entire grade because she failed one course by one point”

Posted on November 13, 2022 by garyrubinstein

A few months ago I published the first part of this series where parents of current or former Success Academy students can share their stories.  As I hoped would happen, another frustrated parent found that post and contacted me with … Continue reading →

Posted in Success Academy | 4 Comments

Success Academy’s Backhanded Backfill Policy

Posted on August 26, 2022 by garyrubinstein

Success Academy is a charter school network in New York City with over 40 schools and approximately 20,000 students. Since it was first formed in 2006, it has been known for having outstanding standardized test scores for grades 3 through … Continue reading →

Posted in Success Academy | 9 Comments

Success Academy Parents Speak Out.  Part 1 “They banned me from attending my son’s graduation.”

Posted on July 17, 2022 by garyrubinstein

The Success Academy charter school network has over 40 schools in the five boroughs of New York City.  About 20,000 students in grades K to 12 attend these schools.  Though Success Academy students have gotten exceptional 3-8 state test scores, … Continue reading →

Posted in Success Academy | 13 Comments

Nearly Half Of Success Academy 9th Graders Do Not Graduate From Success Academy

Posted on July 15, 2022 by garyrubinstein

With 40 schools and 20,000 students, Success Academy is the highest profile charter school network in New York City. It is known for its high standardized test scores and its equally impressive PR campaigns. Here is an advertisement I saw … Continue reading →

Posted in Success Academy | 11 Comments

Has Ember Charter Earned The Right To Expand?

Posted on June 20, 2022 by garyrubinstein

Currently there are 267 charter schools in New York City. In New York State the charter ‘cap’ is 460, though the cap for New York City is 267 so as of right now, no new charters can open in New … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 4 Comments