Achievement First Students

Achievement First students work hard every day to master a college-preparatory curriculum and live by the REACH values of Respect, Enthusiasm, Achievement, Citizenship and Hard Work. Meet some of our bright and talented students.

Mayro Valenzuela
Elm City College Preparatory Elementary

“I have seen unequal education before. When my mom grew up in Guatemala, she didn’t have a good education. She couldn’t get the opportunity to do what she wanted. My mom stays home and cleans the house. She takes care of us. She can’t help us too much on homework because her education was very low. Today, my mom goes to school to learn English and to get a better education. I come to school to accomplish my goals and be able to help my kids some day. Right now, I am just a kid, but I am evolving. Someday, I will have freedom to do anything I want to do in my future and fulfill my big dreams.”

Julius Bennett
Amistad-Elm City High School

“I am near the end of my journey through high school, but nowhere near the end of my road to success. I am really looking forward to college. I am taking SAT classes, in addition to three AP classes, and working with our college guidance counselor to choose a college. My list so far includes MIT, Wesleyan University, UCONN, University of New Hampshire and Yale University, among others. I have worked hard with my mother, my peers and my teachers to reach my senior year, and I can’t wait to have my diploma read graduate of Amistad Academy High School.”

Onora Best
Elm City College Preparatory Elementary

“Education leads to freedom because when I am done with school, I will be prepared for most jobs. My dream is to go to Yale University and to be a teacher. I like being an Elm City College Preparatory Elementary student. I’m glad that the teachers are showing us how to REACH for success. Listening to what children in class think is important. When I am a teacher, I will listen to their ideas too and help make the world a better place.”

Michael Diaz
Amistad Academy Middle School

“I know that when I get to high school, I’m going to be pretty proud for having been able to come here and get the education that I need. At my last school, before I came to Amistad Academy in fifth grade, we didn’t read much or do much. Here, I know I’m going to use what I am learning in high school. I know I’m going to be ready.”