Success Academy Charter School - Harlem 1

Test scores at this school are exceptional by any measure — 90.2% ELA and 89.4% math proficiency far exceed the district averages of roughly 59% and 54%. However, the historical trend reveals volatility: scores peaked in 2018-2019 (86.7% ELA, 97% math), dipped significantly during the pandemic years (as low as 74% ELA in 2024), and have rebounded sharply in 2025. The latest year shows a dramatic 16-point ELA jump, suggesting recovery. Grade-level data shows strength in elementary (Grade 3 at 97.6% ELA, 100% math) and middle school (Grade 7 at 98.3% both subjects), with some inconsistency in Grades 5-6 and 8.

The culture and climate data presents a stark contrast to the academic picture. Parent satisfaction, parent-teacher trust, and parent-principal trust all sit at just 60% — significantly below the district average of 88%. The family survey response rate was effectively 0% (only 5 responses), which itself signals deep disengagement. Attendance is solid at 92.4%, but the chronic absenteeism rate of 74.3% is extraordinarily high — meaning nearly three-quarters of students missed significant school time. This combination suggests a school where academic rigor may come at a cost to family experience and student wellbeing.

The school serves 1,261 students across grades K-12, with a demographics breakdown of 62% Black, 28% Hispanic, 4% White, 2% Asian, 3% Native American, and 1% multi-racial. With an economic need index of 73.8% and 12% IEP students, the student body reflects a community facing significant economic challenges. The diversity index of 57% is moderate. The neighborhood has a relatively low proportion of households with children (12.4%), suggesting many families may commute from other areas.

Harlem (South) is a culturally rich neighborhood in Manhattan with strong transit access (98.85 percentile) and family density (95.4 percentile), though it scores poorly on safety (1.15 percentile) and health environment (5.75 percentile). The median home value of $1.3 million reflects the area's rapid gentrification, while the 20.3% poverty rate and 18.2% homeownership indicate ongoing economic diversity. With a BA+ education rate of 51.7%, many residents are highly educated.

Excellent transit access makes this highly reachable by subway, though families should consider the neighborhood's safety scores when planning commutes