The Harlem Success Academy is looking to expand to yet another borough.
The highly praised charter school program has been so popular that thousands of parents have tried to win a lottery spot to get in.
Now, officials with the charter network hope to open a school in Brooklyn and have it up and running by August.
Former City Councilwoman Eva Moskowitz, the founder of Harlem Success, seen above, is looking into opening up to 40 schools citywide.
However, she has met protests every time she has opened a new school, from Harlem to the Bronx to the Upper West Side, mostly because the charters share space in existing public school buildings.
http://www.ny1.com//Default.aspx?ArID=132278
Honestly...HSA is a parasite. The horror stories from schools where they co-locate are many and unforgettable. Kids at PS241, 149, 123 etc have lost their libraries and use of the better classrooms and gym; special services get delivered in closets; they eat lunch at 9;20am and occupy basement 'rooms' next to the boiler. HSA kicks out any kids it doesn't want before those third grade tests, so they have very few ELL or SPED kids to drag down their numbers. It's really a shame.
ReplyDeleteThanks for weighing in, Anonymous! I think you misused the word parasite. A parasite is an organism dependent on something else for existence or support without making a useful or adequate return. HSA is neither asking for resources from the DOE to educate children who would not otherwise be eligible to receive a public education nor making folly of the meager resources which it receives. The DOE funds each charter school child at the ratio of $.75 for every $1.00 that a traditional public school child receives. In addition, each charter kid by ratio, is inexplicably allotted a smaller space per child making charter class sizes, by definition, larger not smaller. Surprisingly, HSA manages to spin that straw into gold not by eliminating SPED or ELL students as you allege (HSA's rate of attrition is comparable to that of the co-located district schools), but by making the most of the space and funds allotted by the DOE. HSA school administration places their offices in the most undesirable spaces, like closets and spaces near boiler rooms leaving the better spaces for classrooms. Which smarts of excellent resource planning, not parasitism. Oh, in reference to the matter of useful or adequate return... HSA usually improves the condition of unused or inadequately developed outdoor areas in co-located schools. For example, at HSA3 modern playground equipment was installed and a soccer field created. Both these spaces are available to ALL the occupants of the building where they are located.
ReplyDeleteHaving been born & raised in Bklyn, & still having a lot of friends & family there, I think it is a fantastic idea that HSA is looking to move into Bklyn. Being a parent of a HSA Scholar, I know the type of education that my child is getting would be an great opportunity for the under-privideledged families that will benefit from HSA being in Bklyn. When I was growing up, I don't recall Science being offered 5X a week, while at HSA from Kindergarden they get Science 5X a week. My wife & I also like the fact that they instill in all scholars that they need to strive to graduate from college. My child is not considered to be in the 3rd grade, he is in Class of 2024 (the year he will graduate college). I know a lot of people who always wished that HSA was closer to their home so they could try to get their child in the school, now they may get their wish.
ReplyDeleteI am the parent of a 4 year old son who is currently attending pre-k and will be attending kindergarten this September. My husband and I have been searching high and low for a school that is the right fit for our son. We would like him to be in an atmosphere where he is getting the best education offered as well as in an environment where he can be himself (a child). What we are finding so far (which is just from speaking with staff and parent's) is that education wise the charter schools surpass the other schools but we are a little leary because they seem to be a lot more militant. Don't get me wrong structure is great but boot camp is not! We would like our son's school experience to be one that he enjoys and learns a great deal from.
ReplyDeleteDoes any parent who has children in Charter schools have any advice/comments?
I agree with you Anonymous Mom. Everyone talks about raising the standards for early childhood ed., but seems to forget that they are children, not robots. It is not even mandatory for children to attend Kindergarten in NYS, yet I've heard of some Charter Schools making kids repeat it. It is extremely difficult to find a "Tuition-Free" option which gives kids the balance of rigor, character and fun. Good Luck!
ReplyDeleteOne of the great things about parent choice - you can choose NOT to send your child to Harlem Success Academy. I'm glad I chose HSA for both of my children, including my child who is a SPED student.
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