For Immediate Release: May 29, 2020
Contact: BronxCharters@skdknick.com
Bronx Charter Public Schools Are Some of Highest Performing Schools in the State
NEW YORK, NY – Six high-performing Bronx charter public schools were recently named 2019-20 “Recognition Schools” by the State Education Department – an honor that recognizes select schools across New York for their overall academic excellence. Under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), the State identifies “Recognition Schools” that have both high academic achievement and strong progress. Board of Regents Chancellor Betty A. Rosa described them as “exemplary public schools that demonstrate that all students can achieve at high levels with the right supports and resources.”
The six Bronx-based charter public schools include:
- Public Prep Boys Prep Bronx
- Public Prep Girls Prep Bronx
- Bronx Charter School for Excellence II
- South Bronx Classical Charter School
- South Bronx Classical Charter School II
- South Bronx Classical Charter School III
“During this challenging time, it’s refreshing to celebrate the successes of our team and our scholars, as well as the many schools across New York who are dedicated to protecting education and lifting up students,” said Dr. Charlene Reid, CEO of Excellence Community Schools. “We will always strive for excellence for the students, families and communities we serve.”
“It’s an honor for our scholars at Classical Charter Schools to receive recognition for their academic advancements and commitment to community. We’re excited to have the hard work of our students, parents and teachers highlighted. Our charter schools are dedicated to uplifting our scholars through academic and character enrichment. We look forward to continuing another successful school year and serving the South Bronx community. We congratulate all of the educators and schools sharing this distinction,” said Lester Long, Executive Director of Classical Charter Schools.
“We are thrilled to be recognized alongside so many extraordinary schools across the state, and it’s a testament to the hard work of our students, parents, and educators. The coronavirus crisis has brought new challenges to education, but we continue to improve our scholars’ lives and strengthen our communities each and every day. We look forward to another successful academic year and wish the best to the other schools,” said Ian Rowe, CEO of Public Prep Charter Schools.
This is the second year that school progress is being measured under the Every Student Succeeds Act, the main federal law for K-12 public education, which has given states more flexibility to measure school performance.
Following unprecedented city-wide school closures due to the COVID-19 outbreak, Bronx public charter schools have launched impressive remote learning programs for students including virtual math, reading, and history lessons, as well as music classes and student check-in sessions. Today, Bronx charters serve more than 30,000 students – or 14 percent of children in the borough – many of whom have been hardest hit by the pandemic.