The New York Success Coach is an English language arts program for grades three through five that teaches critical skills in a targeted manner. Students complete skills-aligned content and receive support at every step of the learning process, including journal prompts, hands-on activities, and strategies for specific skills. New York Success Coach enables teachers to track student progress in a systematic and personalized manner. Teachers can customize the lessons for individual students to ensure that they meet the needs of their students.
The school has been accused of inappropriate behavior. New York’s Comptroller Scott Stringer released an audit report on Success Academy, covering the years 2013 to 2015. The report found that the school’s fiscal oversight was inadequate and that the NYC Department of Education was overcharged $51,000, despite providing no evidence that the students received special education. The audit also uncovered a number of inequitable practices, including unreported expenditures and improper loan documentation.
One of the most remarkable achievements at Success Union Square is its chess program. The kindergarten-third-grade team tied for first place in the K-3 U800 division of the National Elementary Championship. Middle school students also ranked among the top 15 in the Middle School Reserve division at the 49th Annual New York State Scholastic Championships. The school has a peer observation program for teacher development and supports teacher performance. And it is not surprising to find out that students at Success Union Square have been reaching impressive scores on state tests.