Ascend Students Outperform New York City and State in ELA and Math

Brooklyn Charter Network Reaches Record 80% Math Proficiency, Significantly Outpacing City and State Averages

BROOKLYN, NY, UNITED STATES, August 18, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Ascend Public Charter Schools announced strong results on the 2026 New York State assessments, with students markedly outperforming both New York City and New York State in English Language Arts (ELA) and math and achieving the strongest math results in the network’s history.

Key Takeaways:
Math proficiency reached a record 80%, increasing eight percentage points year over year and outperforming both New York City and New York State by 23 percentage points.

68% of Ascend students demonstrated proficiency in ELA, 18 percentage points above New York City and 20 points above New York State.

“These are outstanding results and proof of the hard work of our students, educators, and families,” said Maryann Li, Chief Executive Officer of Ascend Public Charter Schools. “Our students continue to significantly outperform city and state averages, and our record math results show what high expectations, excellent teaching, and a shared belief in every student’s potential can make possible.”

For Ascend, strong academic outcomes are part of a broader promise to students: an education that challenges them to think deeply, discover their strengths, build confidence, and prepare for lives of boundless choice.

“Behind these results are classrooms in which students are being challenged to think, question, and explain their ideas every day,” said Kathariena Gittens, Senior Principal of Bushwick Ascend Lower School. “As an educator, I’m incredibly proud of what our students have accomplished and of the teachers who challenge and support them to reach higher.”

The progress in math extended across the network, with 13 of 16 tested schools improving their results year over year.

“These results reflect the dedication of hardworking students and educators who are dogged in the pursuit of excellence,” said Tahiri Jean-Baptiste, Chief People & Schools Officer. “We’re proud of our educators, who put students first every day, in and out of the classroom. Their work continues to strengthen the academic experience for students across Ascend.”

While state assessments are one measure of student learning, Ascend sees the results as an important reflection of the strong academic foundation its students are building. Across the network, Ascend is continuing to strengthen a coherent K–12 experience that pairs academic excellence with curiosity, confidence, independence, and belonging.

About Ascend Public Charter Schools
Ascend Public Charter Schools is a network of 17 free public charter schools in Brooklyn serving more than 5,000 students from kindergarten through 12th grade. Ascend graduates high-achieving students who have access to boundless choice in their futures, not only for college, but in preparation for career readiness and thriving lives.

Joshua Landon, Director of Marketing & Communications
Ascend Public Charter Schools
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