At Achievement First Amistad High School it is our expectation that all students can and will go to college.

College Preparatory

• College credit: All Achievement First Amistad High School students benefit from a minimum of two Advanced Placement courses that enable them to earn college credit. They also enjoy the opportunity to earn credits at the University of Connecticut for their high school course work.
• SAT preparation: We employ a three-pronged approach to preparing students for the SAT: (1) SAT concepts and skills are built into the nine through 12 curricula in English and math, (2) juniors complete an SAT preparation course as part of their regular school day and (3) rising seniors enjoy the opportunity to attend a two-week SAT “boot camp” in August to prepare them to take the SATs in the fall.
• Summer enrichment: Every student must participate in at least one summer enrichment program before graduation. The staff at Achievement First Amistad High School supports students in researching and applying to summer programs that provide enriching experiences, expose students to new people and parts of the country and challenge them to step beyond their comfort zones. Summer programs attended by Achievement First Amistad High School students include: American Wanderer, Youth at Work, Fairfield University’s Pre-College Program, United States Naval Academy, ArtSpace, College Bound Summer Institute, Yale Bio-Imaging Internship, Cornell University Summer Program, Aspirations for Higher Learning Pre-Collegiate Institute, Landmark Volunteers, Yale Explo, UCONN Mentor Connect, Camp College and Camp Anytown.

College Counseling

Achievement First Amistad High School provides all students with intensive college counseling. Our counselor to student ratio is low to provide intimate support to students and families as they navigate the college application process. Counselors come to know students and families well, and they rely on their knowledge of and relationships with students to provide guidance tailored to each student’s individual interests and needs.

College Readiness Class (Ninth and 10th Grades)

All ninth and 10th-grade students at Achievement First Amistad High take a college readiness course that meets daily. Students explore different facets of college life, learn about different programs offered at colleges and universities, develop general college “literacy,” complete career interest surveys, reflect on their personal interests and begin developing college lists.

College Readiness Class (11th and 12th Grades)

In the upper grades, college readiness class focuses more intensely on the college application process. By the end of junior year, students have drafted and revised their college lists. During senior year, class time is devoted to completing college applications. This enables counselors and 12th-grade teachers to ensure that students are thoroughly completing high-quality college applications.

College Exposure

Beginning in ninth grade, Achievement First Amistad High School students gain exposure to colleges through field trips to colleges in the region, meeting with admissions officers and attending college fairs hosted by Achievement First Amistad High School and other local schools.