Success Academy Charter School - Prospect Heights

The test scores are striking: 96.9% ELA and 98% math proficiency in 2025, compared to district averages of just 60.5% and 57.3%. However, the historical trajectory reveals significant volatility — scores dipped sharply in 2022-2023 (ELA dropped to 68.8%, math to 86.5%) before rebounding dramatically in 2024-2025. Grade 3 and 4 performance is exceptionally strong (both near 98% across subjects), suggesting the school excels at teaching tested grades but the inconsistency raises questions about program stability. At 3.9/4 overall, this school far exceeds the district average of 2.36.

The attendance data raises a significant red flag: 66.1% chronic absenteeism is extraordinarily high, far exceeding typical elementary schools, despite a 90.9% raw attendance rate. This discrepancy suggests many students are missing substantial instructional time. Survey data is essentially nonexistent — only 1 family response with 0% response rate — making it impossible to gauge parent satisfaction, trust in leadership, or perceived safety. The district's average teacher-reported safety is 94.7%, but we lack school-specific data. Parents considering this school should prioritize understanding the attendance culture and discipline approach during any visit, as the data leaves major questions unanswered.

With 542 students across K-4 and an average class size of 22 (essentially matching the district average of 22), the school reflects the Crown Heights neighborhood's demographic profile: 70% Black, 23% Hispanic, with very low Asian (2%) and White (2%) enrollment. The diversity index of 48% is moderate. Economic need is high at 72.5%, and 16% of students have IEPs — both above typical district averages, suggesting the school serves a high-need population. The predominantly Black student body is notable in a neighborhood that is also majority Black with moderate poverty (20.2% poverty rate).

The Crown Heights (North) neighborhood offers strong transit access (87th percentile) and is very family-dense (90th percentile), but scores poorly on safety (14th percentile) and stability (7th percentile). Median home values are over $1 million, though homeownership is low at 16.4%. The area has an education-oriented character (77th percentile) and moderate poverty (20.2%). Families should expect an urban environment with good subway access but notable street-level safety considerations — the crime density and collision rates are elevated. The neighborhood is genuinely family-heavy, which means built-in community but also density-related challenges.

The neighborhood is highly walkable with excellent transit access (87th percentile), making car-free family life feasible. However, parents should assess specific walking routes given the low safety score and elevated crime density in the area.