Success Academy Harlem 1

I know with all things there are good and bad. This school (hsa1)has proven true to this fact. While the curriculum is on point there are other aspects of the school culture to be frowned upon. If you are considering any success academies do your homework!
—Submitted by a parent

run by a politician who is lookng to make a name for herself and run for mayor

The luck of the draw. Overall HSA has a great educational program and some really good teachers (Mr. Y, Ms. Dugan, Mr. Inslee, Coach Collier, Ms. Bezner, Ms. O). Unfortunately, like most schools HSA 1 aslo has some horrible teachers. Not just horrible in the sense that they do a poor job of imparting knowledge; but horrible in terms of classroom management and communicating with parents. I would highly recommend you make an unplanned visit to the school and see for yourself. To be fair, my son's first grade experience at HSA1 was great, but his second grade experience left much to be desired. On balance, if I had it to do over I probably would not choose HSA 1 and indeed we are considering private school as an alternative to sending him back for more of the same next year. It may take more work on your part at home to replicate the academic achievement, but the are gifted and talented programs throughout the city and you will be sparing your child from being bullied, robbed, degraded and other horrible experiences no child should experience. Complaining to the teachers or administration will only waste your time and make things worse.
—Submitted by a parent

My neice has atend this school since the 1st grade. She was pick by lottory. This is a wonderful school with a great core values and very invovled with the children. Thye have a very high academic standard that they hold the students and parents accountable for. if my children where smaller this would have been one of the schools that i would have definitely been proud to apply for.
—Submitted by a parent

Harlem Success Academy 1 is truly a school to be emulated. To see that it already has been proves that more need to be created. The teacher, parent and children are all held accountable to their part in process. There are 4 schools in Manhattan, 2 in the Bronx and I believe 2 in Brooklyn. This is proof that the methods and materials used is working. Harlem Success Acadmey 1 should be honored for leading the way on how our children should be taught. Harlem Success stand out as a school all its own. The teachers are well trained and truly go above and beyond your expectation. For a public school, the teaching, guidance and encouragement my child receives is truly a blessing. My son already knows and is preparing himself for his graduation. He know that he is part of the graduating Class of 2024!
—Submitted by a parent

Simply becuase they care. I get a phone call at least once per week telling me what a good job my daughter is doing. I love this school, kids are there focus.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is in HSA3 and is the best thing i did. This school worked hard with my daughter on her reading. I'm very happy with this school. It's the best thing that ever happend in harlem....5***** for HSA3 next stop is college....
—Submitted by a parent

Exellent school! I am very happy my son was accepted into Harlem Success Academy! Rigorous academic program with a touch of joy so kids want to come back and learn. Encourages a college education early on! College tours starting in Kindergarten. Strong leadership in these schools. Parent involvment is strong! Love this school and I'm sure you will too!
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter will also begin grade K at HSA 4 on 8.18.10 and I am so excited. We are so blessed that she has been accepted and will receive a top notch education. I have done extensive research on this school, attended various community events regarding HSA, and attended all of the mandatory meetings to ensure her acceptance. I am positive that my daughter will become the "brain doctor" that she has set out to be!
—Submitted by a parent

I'M SO VERY HAPPY THAT I CHOSE THIS SCHOOL...VERY HAPPY WITH THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION MY CHILD IS GETTING.
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is entering kinder in the fall of 2010 and I am so excited. My husband and I were at one of the orientations yesterday and I love how friendly and enthusiastic all of the staff is. The technology in the school is amazing and we love all of the bright colors and books that they have in order to keep the kids interested. I cannot wait for my daughter to start school there.
—Submitted by a parent

The best public school in the city-hands down!. I'm so fortunate to have my two daughters attending HSA 2 (Kinder and 2 grade). Devoted teachers and staff, committed to excel and bring the best out of every child. It is not only about the academic aspect but also about the school culture and its values: Agency, Curiosity, Try and Try, Others, No short cut! A true recipe for success in life now and in the future. If only more public school in this city were run like HSA!
—Submitted by a parent

I am a parent of 2 HSA3 students. The only thing I have to say is PHENOMENAL!!! My 2nd grader does rudimentary algebraic formulas and my kindergartener reads chapter books! If you're interested in an excellent, free, public education for your child this school is the benchmark for charters!
—Submitted by a parent

Harlem Success has always maintain the promise to provide my children with the best education possible. In the 4 years my children have been in the school, HSA has kept that promise. My scholars excite and surprise me everyday with their educational insights. Thank you HSA for your continuing dedication to our children !
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter attends HSA2 and she's in her 2nd year. Initially, she was on the waitlist, she didn't make the lottery, but I was pleasantly surprised when they called and said she was accepeted. Academically, it is everything they claim it to be. Mr Manly greets the children in rain, sleet or snow and he asks the 1st graders math questions, and they enter after answering correctly. My only issue was getting in contact with the main office, it always went to voice mail and I was not able to reach a live person. However, it appears that issue was resolved. I couldn't find the cell phone sheets, my fault. Over the easter weekend, my daughter had a 105 page book to read, and she is in the 1st grade. Not only can she read it, she understands what she is reading. I will defiantly recommend this school.
—Submitted by a parent

My son attends HSA1 and this is a fantastic school! The curriculum and academic program is extraordinary and he is reading and doing math problems well beyond his grade level. Additionally, the curriculum is beyond that which my daughter was exposed to at his age, and she attends a Manhattan private school. It is demanding (on the child and the parent) and both of you must be disciplined, but that's what's expected in life if you want to be successful! I especially like that science is taught everyday and I love the extended day. My only issue is that they don't offer an after school program, but hey, you can't have everything!
—Submitted by a parent

My son attended HSA2 for 3 months & I pulled him out, b/c I felt they are not patient enough to deal w/4 year olds & the discipline is OVERRRATED. My 4 year old son was suspended for a day. Sent home w/o a note or an incident report. Suspension for a child that is 4 is ridiculous & unacceptable. These charter schools are runned like boot camp, & expect for children to transform overnight. Also if you're a working parent, I dont recommend this school for you, b/c they do not work around your schedule. If you miss any family events, which are held during the day, you have to attend Saturday Classes 'NONSENSE'. I for one didnt have to attend any Sat class b/c I pulled my son out. This school is not made out what it is hyped up to be..Just FYI
—Submitted by a parent

The best Charter School in all NY State! I will fight for this school at all cost! See you in Albany!
—Submitted by a parent

The instruction in this school is extraordinary. Students' individual needs are catered to like I've never seen before and the structure of the school culture leads to excellent behavior on behalf of the students.
—Submitted by a parent

My son attends HSA1 and i must admit i am extreamly please with the entire Administration that HSA provides, each and every single teacher at the school, provides excellence and attentiveness to each student , i can't even start to explain the kind of improvement in reading writing drawing amongst other motives that my child has achieved thus far, this is a school of excellence , pride , and dignity, it shows its integrity and gives minorities another way of appreciating our education system, we also have a chance to bring change and we show it through our scholars, the communication with the school is at its highet. HSA is the best choice any parent can make in life for there child with the oppurtunity. I am a proud parent of a HSA student!!
—Submitted by a parent