Brooklyn Ascend Charter School

Brooklyn Ascend Charter School is a K-12 charter school in Brooklyn, serving a predominantly Black student population. The school emphasizes a holistic approach, fostering critical thinking through the Science of Reading, an inquiry-based learning model, the Responsive Classroom framework, and anti-racist education. For its elementary and middle school divisions, the school demonstrates strong academic performance, with ELA proficiency rates well above the citywide 75th percentile and math proficiency near the 75th percentile. However, the high school division faces significant challenges. The four-year graduation rate is well below the citywide 25th percentile, and Regents exam pass rates are generally low across subjects. The school also reports no accelerated coursework, which is well below the citywide 25th percentile, suggesting limited advanced academic opportunities. While the college enrollment rate is near the citywide median, parent and teacher sentiment regarding the school environment is mixed. Many parents praise the supportive teachers and strong community, noting the school's commitment to college readiness. Conversely, some parents describe a highly structured and demanding environment with extensive academic workload, limited social-emotional development, and strict discipline. Teacher reviews frequently cite high turnover, weak leadership, and a high-pressure culture for both staff and students.