Achievement First Brownsville Elementary School

2021 Bergen Street
Brooklyn, NY 11233
Phone: 718-342-4302
Fax: 718-346-3270

Opened: August 2008
Grades: K to two (growing to K to four)
Number of Students in 2009-10: 248
Student Demographics in 2009-10:
45% Boys, 55% Girls
98% African American or Hispanic
76% Qualify for Free and Reduced Lunch

Overview

Each week, the entire Achievement First Brownsville Elementary team and family, including teachers, students and parents, gather for Morning Circle, during which the community celebrates successes and identifies challenges to overcome. In addition, students share their learning and talent with their peers, teachers and parents during quarterly "arts nights" and potluck dinners. Students perform before their school community while becoming accomplished dancers, singers and artists. Achievement First Brownsville Elementary students also work hard to achieve academic excellence. The school has introduced a math curriculum which uses a constructivist approach to encourage students to generate their own strategies for solving math problems by using manipulatives, writing and discussion.

School Leader

Gina Musumeci is the founding principal of Achievement First Brownsville Elementary School. Ms. Musumeci prepared to become a founding principal as a principal-in-training at Amistad Academy Elementary School in New Haven during the 2007-08 school year, as well as by teaching in California and working for Teach For America for several years. Prior to joining the Achievement First family, Ms. Musumeci attended Harvard University on an Urban Scholar Fellowship and graduated with a M.A. in education policy and management. She is honored to work with the teachers, children and families at Achievement First Brownsville to create a rigorous and loving school.