History of SANY
From one STEM-focused charter school in Syracuse to a multi-city SANY network serving students across Syracuse, Utica, and Rochester.
Since opening its first school in Syracuse in 2003, Science Academies of New York has grown from a single STEM-focused charter school into a network of public, tuition-free schools serving students and families across Syracuse, Utica, and Rochester. What began with a commitment to college preparation, science, math, technology, and student-centered learning has continued to expand through new schools, new campuses, and a shared belief that every student deserves access to a high-quality education. The timeline below highlights the major milestones that shaped SANY’s journey from one school to a four-school network.
2003
Syracuse Academy of Science Founded
Syracuse Academy of Science Charter School was founded by Syracuse University faculty and opened, serving grades 7-9.
2003
2007
First Graduating Class
Syracuse Academy of Science celebrated its inaugural graduating class.
2008
New Leadership Era
Dr. Tolga Hayali joined the Syracuse Academy of Science and helped drive future growth with the wonderful SAS team.
2008
2010
SAS Reaches K-12
SAS achieved its goal of providing full, tuition-free K-12 public education.
2013
Utica Academy of Science Opens
A second school launched in Utica, expanding the model beyond Syracuse.
2013
2013
SANY Charter Schools Network Takes Shape under one umbrella for SAS, UAS, and possible future charter schools
Dr. Hayali became Superintendent of the Science Academies of New York.
2017
CSA Syracuse Opens
Citizenship & Science Academy of Syracuse joined the growing network.
2017
2021
CSA Rochester Opens
Citizenship & Science Academy of Rochester became the fourth SANY school.
2021
Utica Campus Expansion
Utica Academy of Science reached a major milestone in K-12 campus development.
2021
2022
Expansion and Name Change
CSA Syracuse received an extension, expanded its campus, and adopted its current name.
2023
20th Anniversary
SANY celebrated 20 years of growth and honored its founding vision.
2023
2023
First student graduates with a high school diploma and an associate's degree
A landmark achievement for the SANY network: for the first time in the organization's history, a student graduated from high school while also earning an associate's degree.
2024
Continued Network Growth
The four-school network continued to expand across Syracuse, Utica, and Rochester.
2024
Today
Four Schools, One Network
SANY Charter Schools has more than 500 staff members serving more than 3500 urban students in grades K-12 and families across three New York cities (Syracuse, Utica, and Rochester). From one school in 2003 to a four-school network today.
Today: Four Schools, One Network
Today, SANY’s history is still being written by its students, families, teachers, staff, alumni, and community partners. Each milestone reflects more than growth in size; it represents a continued commitment to opportunity, academic excellence, character development, and preparing students for college, career, and citizenship. As Science Academies of New York looks ahead, the mission remains the same: building success, one student and one atom at a time.
