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?

"The pay was good and sustained" ((in 70 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 40 reviews)); "Well supported, extensive professional development." ((in 35 reviews)); "Furthermore, I have grown tremendously due to the coaching and support I've received." ((in 24 reviews))

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

"No work life balance and a high" ((in 107 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 35 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

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 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

5.0

Jul 1, 2020

Truly moving in the right direction for Staff, Families, and Students

Associate director

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

They are focused on the individual and provide coaching and support consistently for ALL staff to share, grow, and learn. The schools and Network partnership is strongly focused on hearing from principals and families, and leading with racial equity.

Cons

There is travel included in the position.

5.0

Jun 24, 2020

Work here if you want to have an impact!

Network support teammate

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Education is broken in the United States. While no one has figured it out, my teammates at Achievement First are doing their best to make it happen for the kids and communities we serve. The people who work here are smart, dedicated and hard-working. They are committed to working together, even when it is hard, and even when we make mistakes, to show what is possible for the amazing students in our schools.

Cons

It is just hard work and we are always learning and evolving, so you need to like fast-paced change

5.0

Jun 16, 2020

Unique School System!

Physical education teacher

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

I have just been hired so I have not been in the school yet. Overall, the administration seems SUPER onboard and engaged with their employees. They really tried and accomplished in getting to know me during the interview process and continue to do so now. They have one on ones with the principal already in the midst of being organized as well. They hold themselves to a high standard and expect it from their students. In the same breath, they also know that mistakes are part of the growing process. They truly value a growth mindset attitude.

Cons

I have not found any cons! I felt the interview style was a bit abrasive and off putting at first but at the completion of the interview process I realized just how much better this style is compared to other schools. It was a perfect way to get to know me and see how I teach. It comes off hard or off-putting at first but it really is a great tactic!

Viewing 850 - 852 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)