Success Academy Charter School - Bronx 3

These test scores are extraordinary by any measure — 91.5% ELA and 94.2% math proficiency puts this school roughly 47 percentage points above the District 9 average in both subjects. The school earned a 3.71 out of 4 overall rating. Looking at the trend, there was a clear COVID dip (2022 saw ELA drop to 74.2% and math to 81.2%), but the recovery has been steep — both metrics now sit at their highest points in the school's recorded history. Grade-level data shows consistency across the board, from third grade (89.4% ELA) through eighth grade (93.2% ELA in grade 7). The pattern suggests strong instruction that holds up as students move up.

Parents report high satisfaction (93%) and solid trust in both teachers (89%) and the principal (89%), which is notable for a large K-12 campus. The attendance rate of 92.2% runs slightly above the district average, though there's a concerning 72.9% chronic absenteeism rate — meaning roughly 7 of 10 students are missing significant school time, which could become a drag on performance. The school operates under charter governance, which means a different disciplinary and operational framework than traditional district schools. The family survey response rate was effectively zero (only 6 responses), so the trust numbers come from a very small sample and should be interpreted with caution.

The student body is predominantly Black (55%) and Hispanic (40%), reflecting the surrounding neighborhood's demographics. With an economic need index of 84.8% — meaning nearly 85% of students qualify for free or reduced lunch — this is a school serving predominantly low-income families. About 17% of students have IEPs, and the average class size is about 21 students. The diversity index is 50%, which is moderate. This is not a school serving affluent families; it's serving working-class and poverty-affected families in the Bronx who have chosen this charter through the lottery system.

Concourse Village is a densely populated, transit-accessible section of the Bronx with a high family density (77th percentile) but relatively few families with children in the household (only 13.7%). The neighborhood scores very low on safety (2.68 — second percentile) and education orientation (32nd percentile), while scoring high on stability (72nd percentile) and transit access (67th percentile). Most residents rent (only 11% own homes), the poverty rate is 34%, and just 16% of adults have a bachelor's degree or higher. Families considering this school are choosing it despite neighborhood challenges, not because of neighborhood amenities.

The area has strong transit access (66th percentile for transit), making it viable for families who rely on public transportation. The neighborhood is walkable in terms of getting to the school, though parents should factor in the safety context when considering commutes for younger children.