Ascend students top New York City and state in ELA and math

Ascend Public Charter Schools said its students posted record 2026 New York State assessment results, led by 80% math proficiency and 68% ELA proficiency. The Brooklyn network outpaced both New York City and New York State in both subjects, underscoring gains across 13 of 16 tested schools.

Why it matters: - Ascend Public Charter Schools’ latest test results point to stronger academic performance across a Brooklyn charter network serving more than 5,000 students. - The gains matter because state assessments are a key benchmark for how well students are meeting grade-level expectations in New York. - Record math results suggest the network is building momentum in one of the most closely watched subjects in K-12 education.

What happened: - Ascend announced 2026 New York State assessment results showing students outperformed both New York City and New York State in English Language Arts and math. - Math proficiency reached 80%, a network record. - Math proficiency rose 8 percentage points year over year. - Ascend students outpaced New York City and New York State math averages by 23 percentage points. - ELA proficiency reached 68%. - Ascend students outpaced New York City ELA results by 18 percentage points and New York State by 20 points. - The Brooklyn network includes 17 free public charter schools. - Ascend serves more than 5,000 students from kindergarten through 12th grade.

The details: - The network said 13 of 16 tested schools improved their math results year over year. - Maryann Li, chief executive officer of Ascend Public Charter Schools, said the results reflect the hard work of students, educators and families. - Li said the record math outcome shows what high expectations, excellent teaching and a shared belief in every student’s potential can make possible. - Kathariena Gittens, senior principal of Bushwick Ascend Lower School, said students are challenged every day to think, question and explain their ideas. - Tahiri Jean-Baptiste, chief people and schools officer, said the results reflect the dedication of students and educators pursuing excellence. - Ascend said its broader academic promise includes helping students think deeply, discover strengths, build confidence and prepare for lives of boundless choice. - The network said it is continuing to strengthen a coherent K–12 experience that pairs academic excellence with curiosity, confidence, independence and belonging.

Between the lines: - The results give Ascend a strong headline metric to show that its instructional model is producing gains across multiple schools, not just one campus. - The size of the math jump stands out because proficiency gains of that scale often signal meaningful shifts in teaching, support or curriculum alignment. - Ascend is framing the scores as part of a broader student-development mission, not only an academic one.

What’s next: - Ascend will likely use the 2026 results to reinforce its K–12 model and maintain momentum across the network. - The network’s next test will be whether it can sustain or extend these gains in future state assessments. - Ascend is also expected to continue emphasizing college, career readiness and long-term student outcomes as part of its public message.

The bottom line: - Ascend posted some of its strongest academic results yet, with record math proficiency and broad-based outperformance versus city and state benchmarks.