Success Academy’s Virtual Tour Open Doors to its Innovative Teaching Approach
At the entrance of the school, the principal warmly welcomes each student by shaking their hand. As they make their way up the front steps and walk down the hallway adorned with the students’ artwork, a tour guide explains the school’s emphasis on leadership.
The tour then takes visitors to various locations within Success Academy Charter Schools, including classrooms, the library, and the playground. At each stop, the tour guide provides an explanation of what sets Success Academy apart from other schools.
Traditionally, touring Success Academy Charter Schools required an appointment and commuting to one of their 34 locations in New York City. However, the school network has now introduced a virtual tour on its website. This online tour allows prospective parents and educators from around the country to get a 360-degree glimpse into the innovative teaching methods employed by the charter network.
The virtual tour by Success Academy allows interested parents and educators to virtually explore the hallways of a New York City elementary school. The focus of this tour is to showcase the aesthetics and unique features of the charter schools.
In the previous year, over 1,200 people expressed their interest in touring a Success Academy school, triple the number from previous years. Success Academy spokesperson, Ann Powell, stated that they struggled to accommodate requests from outside educators and government officials, in addition to prospective parents.
Success Academy students have achieved impressive academic results, with 93 percent passing the state math exam in the last school year. In comparison, only 35 percent of students in New York City and 38 percent in New York state achieved this feat. The schools also rank in the top 3 percent in English among all schools in New York. Despite being situated in some of the city’s most impoverished neighborhoods, 76 percent of Success Academy students come from low-income backgrounds, and 85 percent belong to minority groups.
According to Powell, Success Academy holds high expectations for its students and believes that learning should be engaging and enjoyable. She asserts that when children find school engaging, they are more likely to stay and prioritize their education over other activities.
Critics argue that Success Academy lacks joy in its approach and focuses too much on test preparation and rigid protocols. Powell contends that the virtual tour allows parents and others to witness firsthand the activities taking place in classrooms, dance studios, art rooms, science labs, and soccer fields. This includes observing children discuss literature, tackle mathematical concepts, and actively engage in critical thinking and learning.
During the previous application cycle, 22,000 families vied for only 2,300 available seats at Success Academy schools. Powell notes that these families are less concerned about critics’ opinions on the school’s approach and are more worried about the potential consequences of sending their child to a failing school in New York City.
While Powell is not aware of any other schools offering virtual tours of their facilities, she acknowledges being inspired by "Inside Abbey Road," a virtual tour of a renowned recording studio in London. Encouraged by the positive response to their virtual tour, Success Academy is currently planning additional virtual tours for their middle and high schools.
For parents considering enrolling their children in a Success Academy school, Powell suggests that the virtual tour can serve as an initial step, followed by an in-person visit if desired. However, for outside educators seeking insights into the charter school network’s approach, the online tour is their only option.
According to Powell, there is no special secret to Success Academy’s achievements. Rather, it is the result of hardworking teachers and an evolving curriculum that continually improves. This commitment to continuous improvement is deeply ingrained in the school’s culture.
Eva Moskowitz photo by Getty Images