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 3.0 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)); "You meet some really great people at this organization and form relationships for the rest of your life." ((in 46 reviews)); "Competitive salary depending on number of years and education Day to day truly depends on the specific school" ((in 42 reviews)); "Good Professional Development" ((in 35 reviews)); "Teachers and educational staff are great" ((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 103 reviews)); "Long hours and overly tolerant of negative student behaviors." ((in 78 reviews)); "Misalignment from network level down to teachers and incompetent leadership at some schools/staff shortages" ((in 36 reviews)); "Long hours (9 hours a day required for teachers)" ((in 19 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

3.0

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 3.0 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).

Reviews by job title

999 reviews

4.0

Apr 14, 2021

Great Organization and Community

Student services manager

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

During my time at AF I have always felt part of a team and family. People are always ready to help each other, and to work really hard. I have also found that through the years AF has changed and thankfully for the better, we are not at 100% but we are in a great place. I have been lucky to work with people who care about kids and the joy we bring to kids.

Cons

Being in education is hard and it will take a toll on you. Finding the work life balance is a con. It is better at AF but not at 100%. I have also hoped to see change fast given our current times, and though it is happening, it feels at times that it takes a long time.

5.0

Apr 13, 2021

A great place for kids and students

Teacher

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Leadership is flexible and works well with teachers to accommodate what’s best for teachers and students. Great approach on managing student behavior as well family and student support is all time high academically and socially

Cons

Long hours Work load but that is sorted out through effective converation

4.0

Apr 13, 2021

Depends on the Leadership

Certified occupational therapy assistant

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Progressive, staff works hard for kids and families, plenty of coaching and professional development for teachers.

Cons

Limited advancement and little appreciation for operations staff, employees have to go along with whatever "great new idea" leadership comes up with, however invasive (full-staff therapy sessions) sometimes you forget you're working at a school as employees are always looking to climb the professional ladder, network is out of touch and sets arbitrary "goals" for staff to achieve.

Viewing 769 - 771 of 999 Reviews

Jobs at Achievement First

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

RI Middle School History Teacher (2026-27)

2026-2027 (NY) Academic Dean -Math

2026-2027 (NY) Academic Dean

CT College Counselor-Hartford 2026-27