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 4% 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 3.0 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 69 reviews)); "Competitive salary depending on number of years and education Day to day truly depends on the specific school" ((in 43 reviews)); "You meet some really great people at this organization and form relationships for the rest of your life." ((in 43 reviews)); "Excellent professional development, especially if you are a new teacher." ((in 34 reviews)); "Great coaching during live teaching and documented summary provided." ((in 27 reviews))

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

"No work life balance and a high" ((in 106 reviews)); "Long hours and overly tolerant of negative student behaviors." ((in 74 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 23 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

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Achievement First

Achievement First reviews

3.0

35% would recommend to a friend

(999 total reviews)

Fatimah Barker

39% approve of CEO

21% positive business outlook

Ratings by category

3.8

Diversity & inclusion

3.1

Culture & values

3.1

Compensation and benefits

3.0

Career opportunities

2.6

Work/Life balance

2.5

Senior management

Achievement First has an employee rating of 3.0 out of 5 stars, based on 999 company reviews on Glassdoor which indicates that most employees have an average 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

2.0

Jan 4, 2019

Cult

Anonymous employee

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Most coworkers are incredibly smart, interesting and dedicated. The kids, obviously.

Cons

Rampant and unapologetic brain-washing. You'll question your reality.

Achievement First Response

Thank you for your review … it was certainly vivid, and enough to let us know that you didn’t have the experience we’d want all our team members to have (questioning assumptions = great, but questioning reality is not what we’re going for!). But, it was a little short on the type of detail that would give us a better sense of how to act on it. If you’re willing to reach out at tomkaiser@achievementfirst.org then I promise nothing but gratitude and no cult-like overtures. So that glassdoor users know, our retention last year was 82% across our schools, which IS too low in our eyes and something we are working actively.

4.0

Nov 26, 2018

Good opportunity, people, and positive trends.

History teacher

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

There a great people at my particular school. Leadership really takes change seriously— when we say we are going after an initiative we mean it. It shows in our professional development and our coaching structure so that we have alignment and a clear goal and plan. Good pay. Our school is working on making work/life balance better and has taken steps towards improving it for employees. Culture of feedback promotes rapid growth and professional development

Cons

Work life balance is improving but has room to grow. Oppressive behavior management systems Culture of feedback can lead to a feeling of defeat or that you’re never good enough.

5.0

Nov 21, 2018

Consider Making a LONG term commitment

Resident teacher

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

I work with AF because its a long term commitment. A commitment to hold not only our scholars to the best but a sense of personal responsibility in yourself as a teacher to never settle. AF works with you to become the best version of yourself with the mission in mind to teach ALL. The amount of inclusiveness you feel is beyond wonderful. We really mean team and family!

Cons

A downside that AF has unfortunately is the reality that we are very unique! Finding a school that can offer so many options for you to develop in the manner we do each day is challenging. Some people can not live up to that personal responsibility. To those I say you are choosing to settle! You can't find a place similar to AF where you are admired for your everyday actions.

Viewing 73 - 75 of 999 Reviews

Jobs at Achievement First

2026-2027 (NY) Academic Dean -Math

RI Academic Paraprofessional (2026-27)

2026-2027 (NY) Academic Dean

RI 2026-2027 Academic Dean

CT Building Sub (2026-27)

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Cult

Good opportunity, people, and positive trends.

Consider Making a LONG term commitment

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