Exclusive | NYC charter school is so crammed that choir practices in stairwell, students in broom closets

The Space Crisis at Success Academy Charter High School

In Manhattan’s bustling East Side, a thriving charter high school is facing an unprecedented space crisis, leaving students and educators scrambling to make the most of inadequate facilities. The Success Academy Charter High School of the Liberal Arts, part of the high-achieving Success Academy network, has nearly 900 students, yet it is allocated far less space than its smaller neighboring schools in the same building. This disparity has forced choir students to rehearse in a staircase, musicians to practice in storage closets, and athletes to train in retrofitted classrooms. The situation has become so dire that school administrators recently barred a photographer from capturing the sight of a trombone player practicing in a cramped storage closet, fearing the image would embarrass the institution.

Georgia Williams, an 18-year-old senior and choir member, described the challenges of rehearsing in such tight quarters. “A lot of the time, people can’t all fit in the actual staircase,” she lamented. “So we have to clump up in the back. And also, we have songs where we move and clap, and we have to bend down, clap diagonally, snap, sway—it’s really difficult next to all the people.” These conditions underscore the harsh realities of a school community that is being forced to prioritize academic success over adequate facilities.

Unequal Allocation of Space and Resources

The charter high school shares its building at 111 East 33rd Street in Murray Hill with three traditional public high schools: Murray Hill Academy, Manhattan Academy for the Arts & Language, and the Unity Center for Urban Technologies. While the charter school has nearly 900 students, the other three schools have fewer than 300 students each. Despite this, the charter has been allocated significantly less space, with its facilities operating at nearly 100% capacity, compared to the other schools, which are operating at under 50% capacity. This disparity has resulted in larger class sizes for the charter school, with an average of 26 to 27 students per class, compared to the other schools, which often have class sizes of around 16.

The space constraints extend beyond classrooms. The charter school has only one science lab for its hundreds of students, and extracurricular activities are severely impacted. For instance, a bass clarinet player was recently forced to take a makeup test in a tiny storage room, while a trombone player practiced in another similarly cramped space. Both students appeared visibly uncomfortable, highlighting the claustrophobic conditions they must endure. Meanwhile, the school’s basketball teams are using a retrofitted classroom as a makeshift gym, where players squat, lift weights, and perform strength training under the watchful eyes of their coaches.

Principal Kenneth Zhang praised the resilience and creativity of his teachers and students, stating, “Really, that’s a testament to our teachers’ flexibility day to day and what they’re able to do.” Despite their best efforts, the lack of adequate facilities is taking a toll on the school’s ability to provide a well-rounded education.

Academic Success and Growing Demand

The Success Academy Charter High School of the Liberal Arts is part of the larger Success Academy network, which operates 57 schools across New York City and has a reputation for high academic achievement. Since its opening in 2014, the school has consistently demonstrated impressive results. For example, 100% of its seven graduating classes have been accepted into four-year colleges, with 51% attending selective institutions or programs and 98.8% receiving offers that meet their full financial need. Additionally, 95% of last year’s seniors scored 3 or higher on at least one Advanced Placement exam, matching the performance of prestigious Stuyvesant High School.

The school’s success has led to growing demand, with many eighth-grade students from Success Academy middle schools choosing to attend the high school rather than pursue other opportunities. However, this growth has exacerbated the space crisis. The school has been forced to rent space at the Javits Center for Advanced Placement exams due to the lack of sufficient facilities in its building. Principal Zhang noted that as the school grows, class sizes have increased, and the availability of elective courses and extracurricular activities has become increasingly strained.

The Performing Arts Programs Bear the Brunt

The performing arts programs at Success Academy have been particularly hard-hit by the space constraints. Dance, choir, band, and theater classes are frequently displaced due to the lack of dedicated spaces. For instance, the theater teacher often struggles to find consistent access to the auditorium, forcing her to shuffle between different spaces for practices and performances. Principal Zhang described the situation as “a lot of kind of shuffling, maneuvering things that we really, you know, shouldn’t have to do because the kids deserve the space to have class.”

The lack of adequate facilities has not dampened the spirit of the students, however. Despite the challenges, they continue to excel in their performing arts programs, showcasing their talent and dedication. Their resilience serves as a testament to the school’s commitment to providing a well-rounded education, even in the face of significant obstacles.

Political Battles and the Fight for Fairness

The Success Academy Charter High School of the Liberal Arts is caught in a broader political battle over the role of charter schools in New York City. Charter schools, which are publicly funded but privately managed, have long faced opposition from the city’s Democratic establishment and teachers’ unions, which view them as competition to traditional public schools. A state-imposed cap on the number of charter schools has prevented the opening of new schools, even as demand for spots continues to grow.

The space crisis at Success Academy has sparked a petition from parents, who are calling on the Department of Education (DOE) to fairly allocate space in the building. The petition, which has garnered 259 signatures, argues that the school’s scholars are being unfairly hindered by the inadequate facilities. It emphasizes that as more students from Success Academy middle schools choose to attend the high school, it is imperative that the DOE adjusts the space allocation accordingly.

Principal Zhang has placed the responsibility for resolving the issue squarely on the DOE, stating that the decision to provide more space is in their hands. However, he expressed frustration with the slow pace of progress, accusing DOE officials of dragging their heels in finding an equitable solution. The DOE has dismissed the charter’s concerns, directing inquiries to the school itself.

A Call to Action for Fairness and Equity

The space crisis at Success Academy Charter High School of the Liberal Arts is more than just a logistical challenge—it is a matter of fairness and equity. Students at the school are achieving remarkable academic success, yet they are being denied the resources and facilities they need to thrive. The situation highlights the broader challenges faced by charter schools in New York City, which often struggle to secure adequate funding and support despite their proven track record of success.

As the school continues to grow and serve its students, it is imperative that the DOE takes immediate action to address the space crisis. Providing fair and equitable access to facilities is not only a matter of justice for the students and families of Success Academy but also a recognition of the valuable role that charter schools play in the city’s educational landscape. By investing in the success of these students, the city can help ensure that they have the opportunity to reach their full potential and contribute to the vibrant future of New York.