Pros
AF is obtaining significantly higher test scores (than their public school counterparts) with historically underserved populations of students. In order to do so, they employ many hard working dedicated teachers and have great systems in place to assess and track student achievement. This makes working there rewarding if you are an educator who has been discouraged working in schools where some colleagues were not as dedicated and hard working as they should be when responsible for the futures of young people. The standards are high for most teachers and students. Professional development is well-planned and usually more relevant than regular public school systems. A teacher can learn a lot spending a year at AF, then taking what they have learned back to a school or district that really needs help.
Cons
The high standards are overlooked for some individuals who have learned to work the system through such means as befriending supervisors and showboating. The pressure is high as teachers need to work long hours reinventing the wheel. The culture among employees is tough-too much fist pumping and doing chants and skits and stuff. Not enough time addressing student needs and interests. Some schools require students to remain in same seat all day to control chaos. Too many students spending time in detention due to ineffective discipline systems. Disturbing lack of attention to students with special needs.