Original Research by School Decision on Success Academy Charter School-bronx 5 Lower
Success Academy Charter School-Bronx 5 Lower serves kindergarten and first grade in Mott Haven, a neighborhood in the South Bronx. The school is small, with enrollment split roughly evenly between the two grades. The student body is predominantly Black and Hispanic, with a substantial majority of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch. Demographic breakdowns and special education enrollment data were not available.
The school does not report state test results in the data available here. No proficiency, graduation, or attendance metrics appear because those measures do not apply to a school serving only early elementary grades, which fall outside New York's state testing bands.
A major structural change is underway. The school is being converted into a new charter entity called Strive Charter Network and separated from Success Academy's direct operation. This transition was approved by the State University of New York Board of Trustees in October 2025. Strive will operate an extended-day, year-round schedule, running from early morning through evening, multiple days per week, and significantly expanded calendar year. This is a fundamental departure from a conventional school day and calendar. Families considering enrollment should understand that the daily and yearly schedule will differ substantially from traditional public school timing. The school will receive a newly renovated building and will use Success Academy's curriculum as the foundation for instruction.
The location in Mott Haven places the school in a neighborhood undergoing rapid residential growth. The Bronx as a whole is in a strong development phase, with major affordable housing projects and infrastructure investment underway. The area is served by subway transit and is walkable for daily errands and services. The broader Bronx offers parks including the Bronx Zoo and New York Botanical Garden, and a diverse employment base anchored by Montefiore Medical Center, the borough's largest employer. Walkability is strong enough that residents can complete many daily tasks without a car.
Housing values in the school's zip code have appreciated and remain above the statewide benchmark, though rents have stabilized. Current mortgage rates and unemployment are stable. The neighborhood reflects the Bronx's character as a mix of residential and commercial districts with distinct, block-to-block variation in density and character.
Academic programs and staffing details were not available in the data provided. A parent interested in understanding the curriculum, teacher qualifications, class sizes, or specific support services should contact the school or Strive Charter Network directly, particularly given the imminent operational transition. The extended-day model itself represents a choice about structure and time investment that merits direct conversation with school leadership.
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