You Told Us is a regular feature highlighting comments from users in the communities DNAinfo covers.
UPPER WEST SIDE — The Success Academy charter school networkis proposing to grow its Upper West Side branch to serve students in kindergarten through 10th grade, an expansion of more than 300 students that requires state approval.
We asked readers whether they thought the expansion, which Success Academy anticipates will be voted on in early 2016, should get approved.
Readers responded with a range of reactions, with some citing reasons they opposes the idea while others argued passionately in favor of the charter network.
Many said they liked the idea of having an abundance of education options and that the demand for the school is high.
► "The UWS (and all neighborhoods!) needs as many high quality school options for parents and kids as possible. I don't see why we wouldn't expand what has proven to be a strong model in our neighborhood," wrote a commenter on Neighborhood Square.
► "We need the seats for our kids - why shouldn't people pick the style of school they like. We have G&T, dual language, progressive at MSC and now charter. Not to mention the private and religious schools. Its not like this is squeezing anyone out," added another Neighborhood Square commenter.
► "Why shouldn't a school that provides a positive learning environment and has proven itself over and over again be given the option to expand. I promise you, there is a demand. There is never a shortage of applicants for these schools," wrote yet another, identifying as a Success Academy parent.
Others worried about Success Academy's ability to support students with different needs.
► "It seems that the school is dedicated to getting high test scores at the expense of the social emotional well-being of the students (and the teachers, apparently). To accept kids that need support the Success Academy can't give just seems irresponsible," wrote a Neighborhood Square commenter.
► "These schools skew their numbers by pushing out low performers and rejecting special needs kids. Their 'success' is smoke and mirrors because they can be selective," added another.
► "Public schools need our support. Not charter schools that fudge their stats by keeping only the smart kids," a Facebook commenter chimed in.
Still others wanted the money and support charter schools receive to flow first to public schools.
► "It shouldn't be allowed. Instead the money that is spent in charter schools should be invested in buying books and materials for the public schools," wrote a Facebook commenter.
► "Public Schools Must be fully and properly funded. After this is accomplished, then we can reconvene," another said.
