Success Academy Charter School - Harlem 4

This school delivers exceptional academic results that significantly outpace District 3 averages — math proficiency of 96.1% compared to the district's 54%, and ELA at 86.5% versus the district's 59%. However, the historical trend shows meaningful variability: ELA peaked at 97.4% in 2019, dipped to 63.5% in 2024, and rebounded to 86.5% in 2025. Math has been more stable, consistently above 94% across the same period. The overall score of 3.65 out of 4 places it well above the district average of 2.27. Grade-level data shows consistent strength across grades 3-7, with math hitting 100% proficiency in grade 5.

The attendance rate of 94% exceeds the district average, but the chronic absenteeism rate of 76.8% is unusually high and worth investigating — this may reflect family challenges with the charter's longer school day or strict attendance policies common among Success Academy schools. Teacher instruction quality scores 89.4%, slightly above the district average, suggesting teachers feel supported in their pedagogy. However, parent satisfaction at 71.8% runs notably below the district average of 88%, which could signal that families have mixed feelings about the school's discipline approach or communication style. Parents should ask specifically about the school's culture and whether its expectations align with their family values.

The school serves 294 students with a demographic profile that reflects the neighborhood: 51% Black, 36% Hispanic, 4% White, and 3% Asian. With an economic need index of 83.5% and 18% of students receiving special education services, this is a high-need population achieving exceptional academic outcomes. The diversity index of 61% indicates moderate demographic variety, though the student body is predominantly students of color in a neighborhood that is 81.8% renters — suggesting many families are relatively new to the area or in transitional housing situations.

Harlem (South) is a transit-rich, family-dense neighborhood in Manhattan with a poverty rate of 20.3% and a median household income of $68,758. The neighborhood scores in the 98th percentile for transit access, making it highly accessible by subway. However, environmental health indicators show concerns: elevated lead rates, high asthma emergency department visits, and significant air pollution (PM2.5 levels of 9.25). Education orientation scores in the 76th percentile, indicating a community that values schooling — reflected in the strong presence of charter and district schools in the area. Homeownership is low at 18.2%, meaning most families rent.

Families primarily arrive via the excellent subway access in this neighborhood — the area is highly walkable with good pedestrian infrastructure, though the crime density figure suggests parents should be aware of their surroundings.