OUR IMPACT
Results-Driven
ISA is one of three organizations identified by the U.S. Department of Education as a whole school reform model that significantly improves student outcomes.
ISA is the only proprietary, high school whole-school reform provider selected under the School Improvement Grant (SIG) program.
Keeping 9th Grade Students on Track to Graduation
An independent evaluation of ISA shows statistically significant impacts of ISA on student outcomes, including on two key 9th grade predictors of on time graduation—attendance and grade promotion.
ISA Students
(n=1487)
%
%
Comparison Students
(n=1406)
ISA Students
(n=1487)
%
%
Comparison Students
(n=1406)
9th to 10th Grade Promotion Rate
- ISA Students (n=1487) 91%
- Comparison Students (n=1406) 71%
Higher On Time High School Graduation Rates
Three ISA-founded schools in New York City serve more underserved students yet have a track record of graduating their students within four years at rates that surpass city-wide averages.
Four-Year Graduation Rates, 2016-2019
Our Proven Track Record of Success
Multiple evaluations and independent studies show how our approach positively impacts student achievement, particularly for students who are historically underserved and/or underperforming
The Institute for Student Achievement Outcome Study
(IMPAQ International)
This study documents how ISA students in New York and Atlanta outperformed their peers in multiple areas including daily attendance in 11th grade, credit accumulation, and high school graduation rates. Read the full study.
Findings from the Institute for Student Achievement Outcome Evaluation
(Academy for Educational Development)
This six-year study followed two cohorts of ninth graders in New York City ISA schools. Compared to similar students in other schools, ISA students attended school, advanced to the next grade, and graduated at higher rates; earned more course credits; and failed fewer classes. They also were more likely to attend a four-year college full time and to continue their postsecondary education for more than one year. Read the executive summary and full report to learn more.
The Impact of the Institute for Student Achievement on African American Male Students’ High School Outcomes
(IMPAQ International)
This study followed the performance of Black male students in ISA schools and comparison schools in New York City and Atlanta. It finds that Black male students in ISA schools had higher average daily attendance rates, advanced to the next grade at significantly higher rates, dropped out of high school at lower rates, and graduated from high school at higher rates than students at comparison schools.
Can Small High Schools of Choice Improve Educational Prospects for Disadvantaged Students?
(MDRC)
This study examines outcomes for 12,130 students who attended New York City’s small high schools of choice. It finds that students who enrolled in small high schools of choice graduated at higher rates than students enrolled in other New York City public high schools. Read the policy brief and full report to learn more.
Small High Schools and Student Achievement: Lottery-Based Evidence from New York City
(Duke University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology)
This study analyzes how New York City’s small schools of choice affected student achievement. Students who attended small high schools earned more credits, progressed more rapidly through high school, graduated at higher rates, and were more likely to attend college than students in other schools. Read the full report.
Ready to work together?
Download our services guide to learn more about the ways that we support schools and districts or contact Abner Oakes, National Director of Outreach and Engagement, for more information about partnering.
