Full Breakdown
Rosalyn Yalow Charter School Triumphs in State Chess Championship
4/3/2026, 5:41:20 AM
Overview of the Championship Victory
The Rosalyn Yalow Charter School, located in the South Bronx, has achieved notable success by winning the “under 900” category at the 58th Annual New York State Scholastic Chess Championships held in March. This K-8 school, which serves a student body where 22% are homeless and nearly all are economically disadvantaged, will advance to a national competition in Baltimore next month. The school's chess team, coached by internationally recognized players including Grandmaster Irina Krush, competed against over 1,700 students from across New York State.
Academic and Extracurricular Excellence
Rosalyn Yalow Charter School has demonstrated exceptional academic performance, with 73% of its students passing the state’s standardized math exam, significantly higher than the 39% pass rate of traditional public schools in Bronx District 7. The school also boasts a 64% pass rate on the English Language Arts exam, surpassing both local and state averages. Alec Diacou, the school's executive director and founder, emphasizes that the chess program is integral to preparing students for life, stating, “This success isn’t just about chess. It’s about preparing students for life.”
Student Perspectives on Chess
Students have expressed the personal impact of chess on their lives. Samuel Lin, a member of the second-place team in the “under 1,400” category, shared, “Most of my best memories are related to chess,” highlighting the enjoyment and learning opportunities provided by the sport. Eleven-year-old Ishaan Nikhil, who began playing chess only recently, noted that “losing is not a mistake, but not learning from losing is a mistake,” reflecting the life lessons imparted through the game.
School Demographics and Mission
The student population at Rosalyn Yalow is predominantly Black and Latino, with many students being West African immigrants. Diacou founded the school in 2015 with the mission to provide opportunities similar to those he afforded his own children, who participated in chess and fencing. He believes that these activities teach critical skills such as reasoning, strategizing, and resilience. “These kids are thriving here. We are a crown jewel in The Bronx,” Diacou stated.
Future Plans and Expansion
Looking ahead, Rosalyn Yalow Charter School plans to expand its offerings by adding a seventh grade in the fall and an eighth grade in 2027. The school aims to continue closing the achievement gap for its economically disadvantaged students, ensuring they receive the same opportunities as their more affluent peers.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This success demonstrates what happens when you balance preparation and opportunity for children in The Bronx,’’ crowed Alec Diacou, executive director and founder of Yalow Charter School, to The Post on Thursday.” — Alec Diacou, Executive Director
- “Samuel Lin, who scored a 2025 New York State Scholastic Chess Championship and was on the second-place team in the “under 1,400” category this year, said, “Most of my best memories are related to chess.” — Samuel Lin, Student
- “Losing is not a mistake, but not learning from losing is a mistake,” — Ishaan Nikhil, Student
- “These kids are thriving here. We are a crown jewel in The Bronx,” — Alec Diacou, Executive Director
Conclusion
The achievements of the Rosalyn Yalow Charter School chess team highlight the potential of students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds to excel when provided with the right resources and opportunities. As they prepare for national competition, the school continues to serve as a model for educational success in challenging circumstances.
