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 3.2 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 72 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 43 reviews)); "Good Professional Development" ((in 37 reviews)); "Great coaching during live teaching and documented summary provided." ((in 27 reviews))

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

"No work life balance and a high" ((in 104 reviews)); "Long hours and overly tolerant of negative student behaviors." ((in 75 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 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

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Achievement First

Achievement First reviews

3.1

35% would recommend to a friend

(999 total reviews)

Fatimah Barker

39% approve of CEO

21% positive business outlook

Ratings by category

3.7

Diversity & inclusion

3.2

Career opportunities

3.1

Culture & values

3.1

Compensation and benefits

2.6

Work/Life balance

2.6

Senior management

Achievement First has an employee rating of 3.1 out of 5 stars, based on 999 company reviews on Glassdoor which indicates that most employees have a good 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).

Ratings by demographic groups

Race / Ethnicity

Gender

Sexual orientation

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Parent or family caregiver

Veteran status

Reviews by job title

999 reviews

4.0

Jan 15, 2026

Great place to work, but not stay forever

Behavior therapist

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

High expectations and academic rigor (great in most cases); clear work expectations for staff

Cons

Not the best environment for students with significant behavioral or learning challenges, teachers are already doing a lot to manage class and teach so asking them to track data or implement BIP can be tough. Had some opportunities to grow but not much - difficult to stay long term

3.0

Jan 10, 2026

Admin is Inconsistent

Teacher

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Nice coworkers. A lot of young teachers that are dedicated but get burnt out.

Cons

High turn over and admin can be overbearing

2.0

Jan 2, 2026

For the Children

Art teacher

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

I love my students, I love my coworkers, above average pay

Cons

Micromanaging from upper level, thankless, and long hours. “Extended” school year model, so days are 7:30-4 as opposed to DOE 8-2:45. Shame in taking PTO, and a lack of accountability from higher ups.

Viewing 13 - 15 of 999 Reviews

Jobs at Achievement First

2026-2027 (NY) Academic Dean -Math

2026-2027 (NY) Academic Dean

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

RI 2026-2027 Academic Dean

2026-2027 (CT) Dean of Special Services

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Achievement First

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Ratings by category

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Reviews by job title

Great place to work, but not stay forever

Admin is Inconsistent

For the Children

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