Success Academy Charter School – Bensonhurst
General Information
About
Success Academy Charter School – Bensonhurst, located in the Bensonhurst neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York, is a free, public charter elementary school serving students in grades K through 4 (and transitioning toward K–4 status in its charter term). The school is part of the larger Success Academy network, which emphasizes rigorous academic instruction, a joyful learning environment, and strong supports for all students regardless of background. At Bensonhurst, young scholars work in a structured yet engaging setting that blends foundational literacy, mathematics, science, social studies, enrichment, and digital learning components. The network’s mission—to build world‑class schools that empower children to thrive in college and in life—guides the campus design, classroom culture, and family engagement efforts.
The charter model employed by Success Academy Bensonhurst includes a lottery‑based admission process, no tuition, uniformed scholars, and an emphasis on high expectations and strong positive routines. The school is designed to be accessible in its diverse Brooklyn community, welcoming families and offering wrap‑around supports, enrichment programming such as chess, debate and arts, and a clear pathway for students to grow toward middle and high school readiness. With the focus on K–4 grades, the campus aims to set the earliest educational years on a trajectory of success, preparing scholars for continued achievement in later grades and ultimately college readiness through the network’s long‑term design.
Contact Informations
Address: 99 Avenue P, Floor 4, Brooklyn, NY 11204 (between West 11th Street and West 12th Street)
Phone: 347‑514‑7082
Fax: 646‑219‑1663
Grades Served: K‑4 (for the current charter term)
District: Brooklyn Community School District 21
School Facts (Founding Year, Motto, etc.)
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founding Year (Bensonhurst campus) | 2014 (according to campus social media reference) |
| School Type | Public Charter Elementary School |
| Serving Grades | K through 4 |
| Address | 99 Avenue P, Floor 4, Brooklyn, NY 11204 |
| Network | Success Academy Charter Schools |
| Motto / Mission | Build exceptional, world‑class public schools that prove children from all backgrounds can succeed in college and life |
| Enrollment (2023‑24) | 643 students |
Success Academy Charter School – Bensonhurst Rankings
| Ranking Metric | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Best Charter Elementary Schools in New York | #2 out of ~213 | Based on Niche data |
| Best Public Elementary Schools in New York | #3 out of ~2,521 | Based on Niche data |
| Math Proficiency | 99% of students proficient | Reported by Niche |
| Reading Proficiency | 89% of students proficient | Reported by Niche |
Success Academy Charter School – Bensonhurst Academics
Success Academy Charter School – Bensonhurst Faculties / Departments
- Lower School (Grades K‑2)
- Upper Elementary (Grades 3‑4)
- Mathematics Department
- English Language Arts (ELA) Department
- Science & Social Studies Department
- Enrichment Department (including music, visual arts, chess, debate)
- Special Education & Related Services Department
- Technology / Digital Learning Department
Success Academy Charter School – Bensonhurst Courses and Programs / Majors
- Foundational Literacy: Phonics, reading comprehension, writing workshops
- Mathematics: number sense, operations, problem solving, introductory algebraic thinking
- Science: life science, physical science, earth/space science exploration
- Social Studies: local community, geography, history, civic responsibility
- Enrichment Electives: music performance, visual arts, drama, chess, debate clubs
- Physical Education & Athletics: team sports, fitness, movement and health instruction
- Technology Integration: Chromebooks, digital platforms, coding basics, blended learning
- Special Education & Intervention Services: individualized supports, IEPs, remediation
Online Learning
Although Success Academy Charter School – Bensonhurst is primarily an in‑person K‑4 elementary campus, students engage with online learning tools: they have access to Chromebooks, digital learning platforms for homework and practice, and when needed the network provides remote learning support. The overarching network emphasizes a rigorous K‑12 curriculum mapped out each year to advance intellectual development deliberately and ensures that every grade includes digital literacy and blended‑learning components.
Average Test Scores
| Test / Metric | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Math Proficiency (state exams) | 99% | Reported proficiency rate at the school |
| Reading Proficiency (state exams) | 89% | Reported proficiency rate at the school |
| Standardized Exams (SAT/ACT/GRE) | N/A | These tests are not applicable at the K‑4 level |
Retention and Graduation Rates
As a K–4 elementary school, traditional retention or graduation rate metrics (as used in secondary or tertiary education) are not applicable. Instead, the focus is on scholar retention year over year within the grades offered, cohort progression from K into grade 4, and readiness to transition into upper grades or middle school. The school monitors yearly cohort growth, student engagement, academic proficiency gains, and readiness for the next level of schooling. The strong proficiency figures suggest effective retention of student engagement, high instructional quality, and a stable learning environment across grade levels.
Success Academy Charter School – Bensonhurst Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
Because Success Academy Charter School – Bensonhurst admits students in grades K‑4, standard high‑school‑level metrics such as GPA, SAT or ACT ranges do not apply. Admission is conducted via a lottery process open to eligible applicants.
Success Academy Charter School – Bensonhurst Acceptance Rate
| Metric | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Admission Method | Lottery‑based | Admission occurs via random lottery, not on academic thresholds |
| Application Fee | $0 | There is no charge to apply or attend |
Success Academy Charter School – Bensonhurst Application Requirements
Application to Success Academy Charter School – Bensonhurst is designed to be straightforward and accessible. Families complete an application during the school’s designated admissions window, providing information such as the student’s birth date, guardian contact details, address and grade applying for. There is no entrance exam, no minimum academic threshold, and no application fee. If more applicants exist than available seats, a publicly run random lottery determines which applicants receive offers. Once an offer is accepted, families complete enrollment documentation—including proof of age, proof of residence, health/immunization records and guardianship verification. The school provides orientation sessions for new families. The process emphasizes openness, equity and ensuring that all children who apply have an equal chance irrespective of academic history or socioeconomic status.
Application Process
- Submit the application form during the admissions window
- Participate in the lottery if needed
- Receive offer letter if selected
- Accept the offer and submit required enrollment paperwork
- Attend new student orientation
- Begin school year as part of the cohort
Success Academy Charter School – Bensonhurst Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Event | Typical Timing | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application Window Opens | Early spring (varies each year) | Families should watch for school network announcements |
| Lottery Deadline | Late spring | If more students apply than seats available |
| Offer Notification | Shortly after lottery | Families need to respond to secure seat |
| Enrollment Paperwork Due | Within days/weeks of offer | Includes health, residency, guardianship documents |
| New Student Orientation | Late summer before school year | Families and students attend before first day |
Essay Prompt
Not applicable at Success Academy Charter School – Bensonhurst, as the admissions process does not include an essay.
Success Academy Charter School – Bensonhurst Scholarships
Since the school is a free public charter elementary campus, no scholarships are required for attendance. Attendance is tuition‑free. The broader network emphasizes college access and scholarship readiness in upper grades, but at this K‑4 level the focus is on equitable access, not scholarships.
Success Academy Charter School – Bensonhurst Tuition and Fees
| Category | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $0 | Attendance is free of charge |
| Application Fee | $0 | There is no cost to apply |
| Additional Fees | Typically none for standard attendance | Families may opt in for optional activities which may incur cost, but core instruction is free |
Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics
At Success Academy Charter School – Bensonhurst, student demographic breakdown reflects the K‑4 age range (approximately ages 5–10 years) and shows a diverse composition of ethnic and racial backgrounds. In school year 2020‑21 the data reported: male students about 53%, female about 47%. Ethnic breakdown: ~60% White, ~22% Asian or Native Hawaiian/other Pacific Islander, ~9% Hispanic/Latino, ~8% Black/African American, ~1% Multiracial.
Low‑Income Students / Students with Disabilities
The school serves a significant portion of students from economically disadvantaged families: approximately 58% of students are eligible for free or reduced‑price lunch, indicating a considerable low‑income population. In terms of students with disabilities: in the 2020‑21 school year approximately 14% of students were identified as having disabilities and receiving special education services, while ~51% of the student body were classified as economically disadvantaged.
Student Body
| Metric | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Total Enrollment (2023‑24) | 643 students | Reported by NYSED data |
| Free/Reduced Lunch Eligibility | ~58% | Proxy for low‑income status |
| International Students | 0% reported | According to Niche data |
University Diversity
Diversity at Success Academy Charter School – Bensonhurst is a key strength of the campus environment. The student body includes substantial representation from White and Asian backgrounds, with meaningful presence of Hispanic/Latino, African American and multiracial scholars. The school’s mission emphasizes serving children from all backgrounds—particularly those historically underserved—so the economically disadvantaged segment forms a crucial part of the community.
This combination of racial/ethnic diversity and socioeconomic variation fosters an inclusive and dynamic learning culture where students engage with peers across different lived experiences. The enrichment programming (such as arts, debate, chess) further supports cross‑cultural collaboration and social development. Teachers are trained to deliver culturally responsive instruction and to reinforce norms of academic respect, belonging and high expectations. The result is a school climate where diversity is embraced as a strength and where all scholars are held to ambitious standards.
Average Earnings
While direct data on average earnings of graduates from this K‑4 campus is not applicable, the broader network to which the school belongs reports strong long‑term outcomes: students who progress through the Success Academy network are admitted to four‑year colleges and are positioned for successful career trajectories. The early years at Bensonhurst serve as a foundational stage: by building strong academic skills, habits of success, and exposure to enrichment, the school aims to influence lifetime earnings potential for its students. Families enrolling scholars at this campus may view attendance as an investment in their child’s educational future, with the aim that early proficiency in reading and math, combined with support structures and high expectations, will correlate with higher educational attainment and improved earnings outcomes in adulthood.
Success Academy Charter School – Bensonhurst Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
The faculty and staff at Success Academy Charter School – Bensonhurst are selected for strong pedagogy, collaborative mindset, and alignment with the network’s high‑expectations culture. Teachers receive structured professional development, coaching and support through the Success Academy network. The campus leader (principal) oversees instructional quality, student culture, family engagement and operations; instructional coaches support teachers in class and via data review. Support staff includes special education teachers, enrichment educators (music, art, chess, debate), technology facilitators and administrative personnel. The model emphasizes that adults maintain high expectations, consistent routines, and rapid feedback loops to drive student growth.
Faculty Profiles
At the Bensonhurst campus, the principal joined following experience as a teacher and educational leader. Faculty members bring expertise in grade‑level instructional practices, differentiated learning, technology integration, and enrichment programming. Teachers are recognized for student outcomes such as exceptionally high proficiency rates in math and reading. Enrichment staff lead student participation in programs like chess championships, debate clubs, arts showcases and other extracurriculars that extend learning beyond the core curriculum. The network’s coaching model ensures that classroom practice is aligned with schoolwide goals and fosters continuous improvement. The faculty profile thus reflects not only strong teacher credentials but also evidence of results and proactive professional growth.
Success Academy Charter School – Bensonhurst Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
As an urban elementary charter school campus located in Brooklyn, Success Academy Charter School – Bensonhurst does not offer on‑campus housing; all students commute daily from home. The building is situated on the 4th floor at 99 Avenue P in Brooklyn, NY 11204. While there is no residential component, campus life is enriched with structured daily routines, uniformed scholars, core academic instruction, enrichment classes (chess, debate, music, art), field trips, after‑school programming and family engagement nights. Although students live off‑campus, the sense of community is cultivated through consistent schedules, shared values, and extensive extra‑curricular opportunity. Families can expect a well‑organized drop‑off/pick‑up environment, clearly defined transitions between disciplines, and a combination of high rigor and joy in learning.
Transportation (Access to Campus, Public Transport, On‑Campus Mobility)
Transportation to the campus is facilitated by its location in a dense Brooklyn neighborhood – families typically rely on public transit (bus or subway) or local walking commutes. The address at 99 Avenue P places the school in a neighborhood context accessible to many families. On‑campus mobility (within the building) is structured: classrooms, specialist rooms, and common areas are arranged to support the young student population safely and fluidly. Because the school occupies an urban floor‑space building, procedures for drop‑off and pick‑up, elevator/stair access, and scheduled transitions are well‑defined. The network’s operations model ensures orderly movement among grades, enrichment, lunch/recess periods and after‑school programs, promoting a smooth and safe campus experience despite the urban location.