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?

"The pay was good and sustained" ((in 66 reviews)); "Some great people work there!" ((in 47 reviews)); "Competitive salary depending on number of years and education Day to day truly depends on the specific school" ((in 41 reviews)); "Good Professional Development" ((in 40 reviews)); "Great coaching during live teaching and documented summary provided." ((in 25 reviews))

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

"No work life balance and a high" ((in 108 reviews)); "Long hours and overly tolerant of negative student behaviors." ((in 71 reviews)); "Misalignment from network level down to teachers and incompetent leadership at some schools/staff shortages" ((in 37 reviews)); "Long hours (9 hours a day required for teachers)" ((in 22 reviews)); "Poor management." ((in 14 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

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Achievement First

Achievement First reviews

3.1

35% would recommend to a friend

(999 total reviews)

Fatimah Barker

39% approve of CEO

21% positive business outlook

Ratings by category

3.7

Diversity & inclusion

3.1

Culture & values

3.1

Compensation and benefits

3.1

Career opportunities

2.6

Work/Life balance

2.6

Senior management

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).

Ratings by demographic groups

Race / Ethnicity

Gender

Sexual orientation

Disability

Parent or family caregiver

Veteran status

Reviews by job title

999 reviews

4.0

Feb 9, 2022

I love it!

Paraprofessional

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

The kids are amazing. The staff culture is great. They always make sure I could ask questions and the team is so helpful. Paid vacations/summers off. Career advancement opportunities.

Cons

It can be easy to forget yourself (self care) The cons are more things that come with working with kids. Things that people don't really have control over.

5.0

Feb 9, 2022

Great Company with Thoughtful Leaders

Director

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Network Support is full of people trying to pivot and understand school needs to meet them where they are at

Cons

lots of changes this year

3.0

Feb 4, 2022

A stepping stool company

Anonymous employee

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

This company wants to see you grow, so they will push you past your comfort level.

Cons

Achievement First is a toxic productivity bubble; everyone is constantly competing to be better (which is a great thing!). However, it makes it hard to relax or feel comfortable doing what is actually in your job description.

Viewing 355 - 357 of 999 Reviews

Jobs at Achievement First

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

2026-2027 (NY) Academic Dean -Math

RI Academic Paraprofessional (2026-27)

2026-2027 (NY) Academic Dean

RI 2026-2027 Academic Dean

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Achievement First

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I love it!

Great Company with Thoughtful Leaders

A stepping stool company

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