Success Academy sues over state block of AP scores that slashed its ranking

Success Academy has taken legal action, asserting that a New York State Education Department ruling barred the release of 2026 AP test scores to US News & World Report, which it says caused the charter system’s ranking to tumble from No. 11 to 196 among state high schools. Eva Moskowitz, the network’s founder, argues that the decision strips the public of a complete view of the school’s achievements, especially for its low-income, first-generation scholars who excel in college-level coursework.

The department, led by Education Commissioner Betty Rosa, maintains the policy protects student data under state privacy laws and limits the information to International Baccalaureate results. Critics, including Assemblyman Lester Chang and Senator Steve Chan, contend the move conceals the state’s educational shortcomings and disadvantages charter schools. State test data this year showed Success Academy students far outpacing city public-school peers in reading and math proficiency.

Other Long Island schools have voiced similar concerns about ranking impacts. The lawsuit also argues that lower rankings could harm college admissions prospects for its students.