About
Success Academy Charter Schools is the largest and one of the highest-performing public charter school networks in New York City. Founded in 2006 by educator and former New York City Council member Eva Moskowitz, the network operates 59 free public charter schools open to all New York State children, serving scholars from kindergarten through 12th grade, and has begun expanding to Miami, Florida.
Mission
Success Academy's dual mission is to build world-class K-12 public schools while advocating to change policies that prevent children from accessing excellent educational experiences.
What they do
- Operates 59 free public charter schools across the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan (including Harlem), and Queens, spanning elementary, middle, and high schools plus a K-12 campus in the Bronx
- Provides a rigorous K-12 curriculum at no cost, along with arts, chess, debate, and athletics programming
- Supplies students with school materials at no cost, including books, musical instruments, art supplies, uniforms, and iPads, plus field trips and after-school clubs
- Offers special education programs across the network
- Runs a College Access and Preparedness team that works with each student and family on the path to college
- Has opened Success Academy Miami as part of an expansion into Florida
History
Eva Moskowitz founded Success Academy Charter Schools in 2006 after serving as chair of the New York City Council's Education Committee. The IRS issued the network's tax exemption in August 2007 (EIN 20-5298861). The network has since grown into a system of 59 schools across four New York City boroughs, describing itself as the top-performing K-12 public school system in NYC, and recently opened a new K-12 campus in the Bronx.
Scale and impact
According to the organization, Success Academy students far outpaced their peers across New York State and New York City district schools in math and reading on 2026 state tests. For nine years in a row, 100% of Success Academy graduates have been accepted to four-year colleges, and in 2026, 99% of graduates received offers meeting their full financial need.
Financials
Per ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer (IRS Form 990 data), Success Academy Charter Schools Inc reported revenue of $188.0 million and expenses of $153.6 million in the fiscal year ending June 2025, with net assets of $312.6 million. In the fiscal year ending June 2024, revenue was $211.0 million against $133.5 million in expenses. These figures reflect the network organization; individual schools file separately.
Governance
Eva Moskowitz serves as CEO and President of National Strategy and Advancement. The executive team includes David Ellner (Chief Operating Officer and Chief Growth Officer), LaMae de Jongh (Chief Schooling Officer and Provost), and Lisa Sun (Chief Learning Officer), with additional leaders overseeing finance, legal, technology, and human resources. Success Academy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit headquartered at 95 Pine Street in Manhattan.