Does Achievement First pay their employees well?

According to anonymously submitted Glassdoor reviews, Achievement First employees rate their compensation and benefits as 3.1 out of 5. Find out more about salaries and benefits at Achievement First. This rating has decreased by 5% over the last 12 months.

How satisfied are employees working at Achievement First?

35% of Achievement First employees would recommend working there to a friend based on Glassdoor reviews . Employees also rated Achievement First 2.6 out of 5 for work life balance, 3.1 for culture and values and 3.1 for career opportunities.

What are the top reviewed jobs at Achievement First?

Teacher (267) , Lead Teacher (34) , Academic Dean (20) , Teacher In Residence (20) , English Teacher (18) , Student Services Manager (17) , Math Teacher (14) , Dean (13) , Dean of Students (13) , Middle School Math Teacher (12) , Special Education Teacher (12) , Middle School Teacher (9) , Director (8) , Office Coordinator (8) , Associate Director (6)

What are the pros of working at Achievement First according to real employee reviews?

"Pay is good and beneficial" ((in 70 reviews)); "You meet some really great people at this organization and form relationships for the rest of your life." ((in 48 reviews)); "Competitive salary depending on number of years and education Day to day truly depends on the specific school" ((in 40 reviews)); "Good Professional Development" ((in 38 reviews)); "Great coaching during live teaching and documented summary provided." ((in 29 reviews))

What are the cons of working at Achievement First according to real employee reviews?

"No work life balance and a high" ((in 105 reviews)); "Long hours and overly tolerant of negative student behaviors." ((in 70 reviews)); "Misalignment from network level down to teachers and incompetent leadership at some schools/staff shortages" ((in 33 reviews)); "Long hours (9 hours a day required for teachers)" ((in 24 reviews)); "Poor management." ((in 13 reviews))

What are employees saying about Achievement First layoffs in 2026?

Explore Glassdoor’s employee reviews to understand what current and former employees are saying about Achievement First layoffs and their outlook for job security at Achievement First in 2026.

What are the top reviewed Achievement First locations?

Brooklyn , New York , New Haven , Providence , Hartford , Bridgeport , Bushwick , Crown Heights , Cranston , East New York , North Providence , Binghamton , Queensbury , Stanfordville , Tempe , Hamden , New Orleans , Warwick , Miami , Boston , Savannah , Grand Chute , Brooklyn , Brownsville

Achievement First reviews

3.1

35% would recommend to a friend

(999 total reviews)

Fatimah Barker

39% approve of CEO

21% positive business outlook

Company ratings over time

Ratings trend for the last 6 months (999 reviews)

Ratings by demographic groups

Race / Ethnicity

Gender

Sexual orientation

Disability

Parent or family caregiver

Veteran status

Achievement First has an employee rating of 3.1 out of 5 stars, based on 999 company reviews on Glassdoor which indicates that most employees have a good working experience there. The Achievement First employee rating is in line with the average (within 1 standard deviation) for employers within the Education industry (3.7 stars).

Reviews by job title

999 reviews

4.0

Apr 2, 2022

Great pay but A LOT of work!

Special education teacher

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Supportive admin. Pay is better than most schools. Bonuses and raises are frequent. Pretty transparent with expectations. Diverse staff.

Cons

It is A LOT of work. More work than any other teaching job. Student behaviors are draining. No subs so you may/will cover a class. Long days.

1.0

Mar 24, 2022

Unprofessional

Teacher in residence

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

The scholars at best are the only pros I can think of.

Cons

The lack of professionalism amongst the staff and the level of conniving and manipulative behavior is beyond anything I’ve ever witnessed. Don’t trust a soul in there.

2.0

Mar 23, 2022

Not sustainable

Ela learning specialist

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

The pay is above average

Cons

Not actually doing the role I signed for Overworked and stretched thin Systems and rules are abusive towards children

Viewing 328 - 330 of 999 Reviews

Jobs at Achievement First

2026-2027 (NY) Academic Dean-History/Science

2026-2027 (NY) Academic Dean -Math

2026-2027 (NY) Academic Dean

RI Academic Paraprofessional (2026-27)

RI 2026-2027 Academic Dean