Charter schools offer an alternative route to quality education for students.

In New York City, discussions surrounding the Gifted & Talented (G&T) program have often dominated educational dialogues, yet this program represents only a fraction of the city’s school system. The G&T program, currently catering to approximately 18,000 students, underscores a larger debate about access to quality education that extends beyond test scores. For many families, the pursuit of academic excellence relies on seeking schools that prioritize high expectations for all students, such as public charter schools.

Vanessa, a mother of six from Brooklyn, is emblematic of the proactive approach many parents take when navigating educational options. Five years ago, Vanessa was faced with the challenge of selecting the right elementary school for her son, who is now in the fourth grade. She diligently explored various educational avenues, including visiting multiple charter schools and a G&T program, while consciously opting out of local district schools that historically struggled to meet educational benchmarks.

Initially, her son took the G&T test and gained admission to the program, but ultimately, the family decided on East Flatbush Ascend Charter School (EFACS). This choice has yielded significant academic benefits, particularly in mathematics, where her son quickly developed a reputation for his skills. However, like many students, he faced challenges in reading during second grade. EFACS responded promptly, engaging in collaborative communication with Vanessa to provide targeted support that helped him regain his confidence. By the subsequent state exam, he nearly achieved a perfect score.

The academic performance at EFACS is a testament to the effectiveness of charter schools. Currently, approximately 75% of students at EFACS meet grade-level reading standards, and a remarkable 92% demonstrate proficiency in mathematics—statistics that substantially surpass the citywide averages. These results illustrate the potential of collaborative efforts between educators and families to foster an environment where every child can flourish.

EFACS is part of Ascend Charter Schools, a network comprising 17 successful public charter institutions. Across New York City, charter schools serve over 150,000 students within a framework that encourages innovation and accountability. Many of these schools are situated in areas such as Central Brooklyn, Southeast Queens, the South Bronx, and Harlem, where public district schools have long faced challenges in providing reliable educational quality.

The majority of charter school students in New York City are Black or Latino, and state data indicates they frequently outperform their district counterparts in both reading and mathematics, often achieving significantly higher scores despite operating with fewer resources and limited infrastructure support from the city.

To enhance educational equity, it is crucial for advocates at municipal and state levels to support public charter schools, ensuring that families have access to quality educational options. Educational reform advocates emphasize that success in any educational setting should unite rather than divide communities, highlighting the need for every family to find a school that aligns with their child’s specific needs—whether that be a G&T program, a charter school, or a high-performing district school.

As New York City continues to grapple with educational disparities, it is imperative that policymakers focus on replicating successful charter school strategies and fostering a culture of innovation and accountability throughout the education system. Vanessa’s experiences have led her to enroll her younger daughters at EFACS, where they too are thriving academically. Her story exemplifies the ongoing importance of school choice in creating supportive and effective learning environments for diverse families.

The shared goal among New Yorkers is clear: to see children succeed. This pursuit should begin by empowering parents with options and bolstering the schools that genuinely cater to the educational aspirations of their communities, fostering a thriving educational landscape throughout the city.

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