Billionaire financier Carl Icahn plans to open a network of five new charter schools to build on the success of the first one he founded in the South Bronx, The Post has learned.
At the Icahn Charter School, a stunning 70 percent of fourth-graders met or exceeded standards by passing the state reading exam this year.
That’s more than double the 30 percent passing rate of surrounding public schools in Bronx District 9.
And it’s the third-highest test scores in all of The Bronx, trailing only two schools in the well-to-do Riverdale section. It’s also tops for all the city charter schools where fourth-graders were tested.
The school day at Icahn’s charter runs from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. – but many students stay until 6 for tutoring or other after-school programs, said Principal Jeff Litt. And teachers use the rigorous “Core Knowledge” curriculum of noted educator E.D. Hirsch.
“We’re very pleased,” Icahn told The Post. “We doubled the results of other schools. Doesn’t that say something? It proves the point that charter schools really work.”
Icahn said he’s so enthused, he’s presenting a plan to Mayor Bloomberg and Schools Chancellor Joel Klein to open five more charters – and he hasn’t ruled out doing even more.
He said he’s willing to put up $10 million to launch the initiative.
Charters are privately run but publicly funded schools that operate independently of city union rules.
Icahn said his charter school is based on a business model.
“It’s the same discipline of a well-run company,” he said. “You have a board, but you don’t micromanage. And there’s accountability. You don’t have accountability in public education today.”
He said it’s important to hire good people, and praised the performance of Litt and the teachers. Litt was a top aide to former Schools Chancellor Anthony Alvarado.
Icahn Charter School, Bronx (Metro)
* 180 students grade K-to-4.
* 70 percent met or exceeded standards by passing the state’s fourth grade English exam.
* The pass rate was by far the highest in the South Bronx and third highest in the borough.
* Icahn plans to finance the opening five more charter schools in low-income city neighborhoods.