MIAMI — Governor Ron DeSantis unveiled a transformative expansion of Success Academy Charter Schools to Miami on Thursday, powered by a landmark $50 million donation from Citadel CEO and philanthropist Ken Griffin — his largest-ever commitment to educational opportunity in Florida. Joined by Griffin, Success Academy CEO Eva Moskowitz, Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins, and Florida Education Commissioner Staci Kamoutsas at Florida International University, the announcement spotlighted plans to open high-performing charter schools starting in the 2027-28 school year, targeting underserved communities in Miami-Dade.
The initiative, driven by Griffin’s funding, aims to replicate Success Academy’s proven model—known for its nearly 100% college acceptance rate in New York—in Miami-Dade, the nation’s third-largest school district. “Welcome to the state of Florida,” Griffin told Success Academy CEO Eva Moskowitz during the event. “All of us are so thrilled that you’ve chosen to come here to have such a profound impact on the lives of so many children in our great state.”
Success Academy’s move comes as the network faces funding and regulatory hurdles in New York, where Moskowitz recently criticized “inequitable” support for charter schools at a rally. In contrast, Florida’s recent legislation, signed by DeSantis in June, facilitates charter growth by providing state funding and allowing schools to share space with underutilized public facilities. “Here in Florida, we’re going to do everything we can to ensure that you’re successful,” DeSantis said, noting that 1.4 million Florida students currently benefit from school choice programs.
Moskowitz highlighted the warm reception in Florida compared to New York’s challenges. “I’m not used to being welcomed,” she said. “I’m not used to people liking high standards.” Success Academy aims to establish 40 schools across Florida over the next decade, starting in Miami, with Griffin’s donation covering critical costs like facilities and scholarships.
Since relocating Citadel to Miami from Chicago in 2022, Griffin, 56, has invested over $100 million in Florida’s education system. Recent contributions include $9 million for math tutoring in Miami-Dade’s underserved middle schools, $2.1 million for tuition aid at Cristo Rey Miami High School for low-income students, and $20 million for scholarships at Miami Dade College. His $35 million in prior support to Success Academy’s New York operations underscores his long-standing commitment to the network.
Griffin’s gift ensures Success Academy can bring its rigorous academics to Florida families who need it most. The expansion signals a new chapter for Florida’s education landscape, with Griffin and Governor DeSantis paving the way for charter schools to thrive.
