In Richard Whitmire’s New York Daily News article he writes, “What some NYC charter schools do better than any in the nation: A proud distinction for Uncommon, KIPP and Achievement First.” Whitmire presents data showing that fully half of these three charter school networks’ alumni graduate from college within six years, far above the 9 percent national average for low-income college goers.

As a result, we have tripled the percentage of incoming Pell Grant students while more than doubling the percentage of incoming domestic students of color. Most years, our Pell Grant students have earned the same or higher grades, first-to-second year retention rates, and graduation rates.

The data and numbers Whitmire tracks represent real victories and real students, like those I know here at F&M. For example, in 2013, 10 alumni of KIPP schools entered F&M; nine earned their degrees in four years and the 10th will receive his degree this year. Four Achievement First alumni entered in 2013; all four walked across the stage with diplomas this past May. Uncommon graduates were two for two.

Read the source article at The 74