“NYC public schools deceived me into thinking my son was a straight-A math student — but he can’t do fractions, basic algebra”
For 13 years, Adriana Aviles, a fierce education advocate and former NYPD cop, has been the ultimate insider in New York City schools. As a powerful leader on the Citywide Council on High Schools, she championed Queens District 26 as one of the best in the city. She knew the principals and the teachers — and trusted them. She was gratified that her son consistently received good grades, especially in math, throughout his K-8 years. Then, two weeks ago, she sat down with her 14-year-old son to help him review for his second math exam. What happened next left her stunned and the high school freshman devastated — and prompted her to publicly confront Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels at a town hall last week. She shared her family’s experience with The Post’s David Spector.
All through middle school, my son was, at least on paper, a numbers whiz. His report cards consistently showed A’s — his lowest grade was a B plus. But when he slid down to a 78 on his first exam at a top high school in Queens this fall, I pulled up a chair to help him review for his next test.
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Everyone is running a scam and families like mine are paying for it. It’s no wonder so many of my peers left and despite living in NYC for coming on 30 years, I probably will too at some point.
