"A ZIP code does not determine your ability": Educators turn failing New Jersey school into success story

Camden, New Jersey — A charter school in New Jersey was one of the worst performing schools in the state until a group of educators led by principal Susanna Tagoe stepped in. 

"Camden is not just the boarded up houses that you see. There are lives, there are brilliant, beautiful scholars," Tagoe said. "There are families who love their kids, who are passionate about education, passionate about equity, passionate about change."

That passion helped turn Camden's failing public schools into a success story. Eight years ago, the state took over the schools and transformed them. Once a rundown building, Camden Prep is now the highest performing school in the area.