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 66 reviews)); "You meet some really great people at this organization and form relationships for the rest of your life." ((in 43 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 32 reviews)); "Great coaching during live teaching and documented summary provided." ((in 30 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 72 reviews)); "Misalignment from network level down to teachers and incompetent leadership at some schools/staff shortages" ((in 34 reviews)); "Long hours (9 hours a day required for teachers)" ((in 22 reviews)); "Poor management." ((in 15 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

(998 total reviews)

Fatimah Barker

39% approve of CEO

21% positive business outlook

Company ratings over time

Ratings trend for the last 6 months (998 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 998 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

998 reviews

4.0

Dec 28, 2014

Happy to be on a great team with lots of flexibility

Anonymous employee

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

The sheer number of really bright and really kind co-workers who are passionate about scholars Great immediate supervisor who encourages my individuality Opportunity to engage in important, strategic work Paid time off between Christmas Eve and New Year's Day!

Cons

"Whatever It Takes" culture is sometimes taken too literally Need more transparency around non-instructional career opportunities

4.0

Dec 11, 2014

Stressful at times, but I consider myself lucky to work at Achievement First.

Anonymous employee

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

I work in Network Support and I agree that the fast pace and incredible sense of urgency makes the job overwhelming at times; however, there are a great number of positives. My direct manager is one of the kindest, smartest, and most caring people I've ever met. My personal AND professional goals are valued. Everyone I've met has been nothing but supportive and encouraging -- this sort of culture is valued highly at AF. There is a lenient work from home policy, which is terrific if you have a long commute like I do. AF also provides a lot of opportunities to get involved with student events, activities, and rallies outside of work. Every Network Support employee is given a laptop and cell phone. Most importantly, I feel like I'm doing meaningful, important work. Really competitive compensation, great benefits, and a long holiday break! Can't ask for more than that. Finally, the team's passion and drive to achieve the MISSION is incredibly inspiring to witness every day.

Cons

Due to the nature of the work, you will find that you work long days more often than not. Personally, this doesn't bother me as much but I know this is a make or break for some people. What's toughest for me is the inability to really be able to unplug after hours. You'll find that you're working even when you're not working. The organization also tends to switch gears in terms of priorities/strategies pretty quickly which can be frustrating and confusing. Finally, depending on your team, you'll find that you'll be traveling much more than you anticipated. Though it's fun to visit other schools in other states, the amount of travel does take a physical and emotional toll after while.

5.0

Nov 24, 2014

Impactful ed reform work

Anonymous employee

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

AF has a team of some of the smartest, most committed individuals I've experienced in my career (which has been in social justice/ed reform work in its entirety). Though the pace is fast and the urgency undercuts all work, I feel that my personal priorities are respected and that there is tremendous room for growth and development.

Cons

Because we are doing real work on daily basis on behalf of kids, some staff can feel overwhelmed at times. I think a reframe of expectations across the ed reform movement focused on student culture rather than adult culture is required -- this is service work, and AF is leading the charge.

Viewing 964 - 966 of 998 Reviews