Achievement First reviews

No alternative disciplinary system was introduced. students faced no consequences and regular modes of discipline like after school detention were not initiated or enforced. Horrific teacher turnover, we lost over ten faculty members during the year and just as many at the end of the year. STEM team was decimated by three teachers quitting mid-year and the rest of the team quitting after the school year ended. Teachers are generally held responsible for institutional problems. Leadership offered little to no solutions to overall low staff morale. Teachers were constantly criticized for taking PTO while leadership took extended leaves of absence throughout the school year. Turnover among leadership and staff makes it impossible to build a stable thriving community.

Achievement First encapsulates so much of what is wrong in education and charters overall. I would strongly urge anyone considering a move to AF, in any position, to be highly skeptical of anything you are told about what the organization, the school, etc. My experience and that of others I know was marred by a truly toxic work environment, very little support in your role, and almost no direction. The organization is quite literally bleeding people, and from all indications is in absolute disarray. Tragically, leadership seems far more concerned with their own comfort than actually doing right by kids and families. Leadership's go-to management techniques are nothing short of manipulation. Truly, this place is icky. If you are considering a move to AF, I would strongly urge you to consider other options.