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Math Scores at Edison Schools In New York Rise Dramatically Many More Students Meet and Exceed State Standards NEW YORK, Oct. 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Edison Schools , the nation's leading public school partner, announced today that achievement gains across all of its New York-based schools improved significantly on the New York Statewide Testing Program (NYSTP) in math standards. Edison's achievement gains are even more striking, as they come in a year when student achievement across the state improved overall. Every grade at all five Edison's New York charter schools, with more than one year of data, saw scores rise on the NYSTP from 2002 to 2003. The average overall increase of students meeting or exceeding math standards among Edison fourth-graders was an outstanding 26 percent in comparison to a solid 11 percent increase for fourth-graders at elementary schools across the state. Edison eighth-graders saw an 11 percent overall average increase in percent of students meeting or exceeding standards, in comparison with a three percent increase by eighth-graders across the state. While all New York public schools improved, those energized with Edison's research-based tools and systems often showed the highest gains. The success of Edison's New York schools, all of which are charter schools, exemplify the gains made by many public charter schools in the state. As noted in a recent release by the New York Charter Schools Association, "New York's charter schools continue to do a better job of improving student performance than their host districts." With approximately 3,850 students enrolled in its New York public charters, Edison's enrollment represents over 25 percent of charter school students in the state (New York has approximately 14,900 charter school students). "We are simply ecstatic about these New York results," said Chief Education Officer John Chubb. "NYSTP gains by all New York schools, and our Edison schools in particular, evidence truly astounding progress. Many more children are meeting state standards and continuing to make substantial progress against difficult odds. While these schools still have some distance toward reaching the high levels expected of them, these gains are encouraging signs that these schools are absolutely on the right path. We are so proud of all our New York administrators, teachers, and students for their continuing hard work, focus, and dedication to achievement." Among Edison's top-performing New York schools, Riverhead Charter School fourth-graders achieved a spectacular 29 percent one-year gain in math versus a ten percent gain by the Riverhead School District. Stepping Stone Academy Charter School fourth-graders made a substantial 18 percent one-year gain and Charter School for Applied Technologies achieved a 29 percent one-year gain versus a 12 percent gain by the Buffalo district. New Covenant Charter School fourth-graders made an outstanding 26 percent one-year gain versus a gain of eight percent by the Albany school district. Charter School of Science and Technology fourth- and eighth-grades made an overall one-year average gain of 20 percent versus an overall average gain by the Rochester school district of five percent. "These strong scores are the combined result of the hard work of students, teachers and administrators and the careful implementation of the truly effective Edison program," observed Riverhead Charter School Board President Steve Charkow. "We are overjoyed by these wonderful results and believe that by continuing our hard work, focus and strong partnership with Edison Schools, our students will continue to achieve." Edison's strong showing in math standards complements its strong performance on the English Language Arts (ELA) portion of the NYSTP. The average overall increase of students meeting or exceeding standards among Edison fourth graders was 17 percent in comparison to a 3 percent increase for elementary schools across the state. Edison eighth-graders saw a 16 percent overall average increase in percent of students meeting or exceeding standards. ABOUT EDISON SCHOOLS Founded in 1992, Edison partners with school districts, charter boards, and community groups to raise student achievement through its research-based school design, aligned assessment systems, interactive professional development, integrated use of technology and other proven program features. Edison students are achieving annual academic gains well above national norms. Edison Schools now serves more than 132,000 public school students in over 20 states through four different business channels: (1) the management of schools for school districts, (2) charter schools, (3) summer and after-school programs, and (4) achievement management solutions for school systems. The Company operates 130 full-year schools and 200 summer schools. Between 1992 and 1995 and in on-going efforts, Edison's team of leading educators and scholars has conducted intensive research to develop its school design and support systems. Edison opened its first four schools in August 1995, and has grown in every subsequent year. For more information, please visit http://www.edisonschools.com/. Any statements in this press release and any other press release issued by Edison on or about the date hereof about future expectations, plans and prospects for Edison, including statements containing the words "believes," "anticipates," "plans," "expects," "will," and similar expressions, constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including the risk factors discussed in our most recent quarterly report filed with the SEC. The forward-looking statements included in this press release represent Edison's estimates as of October 28, 2003. Edison anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause its estimates to change. While Edison may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, Edison specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing Edison's estimates or views as of any date subsequent to October 28, 2003. DATASOURCE: Edison Schools CONTACT: John Chubb, Chief Education Officer, +1-212-419-1641, Adam Tucker, VP Communications, +1-212-419-1602, both of Edison Schools Web site: http://www.edisonschools.com/

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