Success Academy Charter School - Harlem 5

The academic results are striking — 89% ELA and 96% math proficiency dwarf the district averages of 54% and 51%. But the trajectory tells a more nuanced story: this school peaked in 2019 at 89% ELA and 99% math, then dropped sharply during COVID (73% ELA in 2022), and has now fully recovered to pre-pandemic levels. The 3.69 overall score is well above the district average of 2.09, and performance is strong across all tested grades, with 7th grade hitting 95% ELA. This is rigorous, test-score-focused education that works for the families who can access it.

The school reports 92% attendance and 88% teacher instruction quality, both above district averages. However, the 72% chronic absenteeism rate is a serious concern — nearly three-quarters of students are missing significant school time, which raises questions about engagement or barriers families face. Teacher-reported safety and trust scores aren't broken out separately, but the 88% instruction quality rating suggests reasonable professional conditions. Parents report 91% satisfaction, which is high but not exceptional for a charter. The culture is likely structured and achievement-oriented — typical of the Success Academy network.

The student body is 61% Black and 34% Hispanic, reflecting the neighborhood's demographics. With an economic need index of 84% and 15% IEP students, this is a high-need population being served by a high-performing school. The diversity index of 50% is moderate — mostly two racial groups represented. White and Asian families are a tiny 2% each, meaning this is not a diverse-by-design school but rather a school serving the community that lives nearby.

Central Harlem is a transit-rich, family-dense neighborhood with strong cultural roots but real challenges. The median home value of $713,860 reflects rapid gentrification, yet median household income is just $55K and poverty sits at 25.5%. The safety score of 1.53 is concerning — among the lowest in the dataset — though transit access (96th percentile) and family density (96th percentile) are major pluses. Families live in a neighborhood that's changing fast, with good subway access but safety concerns that many parents factor into their school decisions.

The neighborhood is highly walkable with excellent transit options, though safety concerns on certain blocks mean many families may opt for structured drop-off or walking groups.