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How We Work

We’re more than just numbers.

Our data is more than lines on a graph, or figures on a spreadsheet.

Behind every data point is a student, a family, a teacher. Every statistic is a story of hard work, long nights and endless love. Yes, we’re proud of our test scores. But we’re proudest of everything they stand for.

How We Work

Connecticut Results

  • Across Connecticut

    We’re beating the state-wide averages and the host districts by the end of elementary school. And by the end of high school, our students are going on to some of the top colleges in the country.

  • In Bridgeport

    AF Bridgeport Academy Elementary students are not only outperforming the state average across all subjects, they are outperforming every town in Fairfield County—one of the wealthiest counties in America—in math.

  • In Hartford

    AF Hartford Academy Elementary students outperform their peers. They’re outscoring the state average, and the averages for students in CREC magnet schools, Hartford magnet schools and district schools.

  • In New Haven

    AF Amistad High is ranked the number one high school in Connecticut. And that’s not all. We’re #20 in the entire nation. And for the last three years, we have been a U.S. News & World Report Gold Medal School.

Our Connecticut Stories

Zada and her mom at AF Hartford Academy Elementary

Proving What’s Possible

Which student made the most academic progress in all of AF CT last year? Who has been proving doctors wrong since birth, and showing what’s possible when potential meets opportunity? Meet Zada.

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Heading for College

Every year, hundreds of college acceptances pour in for our seniors. For Isis, her journey to college acceptance started with her grandmother. 

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Brooke Williams and her students with their hands raised.

Serving All Scholars

We believe in serving all students well, including students with disabilities. Bridgeport special educator Brooke Williams’ described in this op-ed the progress made by one of her students, Nicole.

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New York Results

  • Outperforming Top Districts

    Every AF school’s eighth-grade class performed in the top 3% of New York schools in math. AF students are outperforming wealthy communities including Scarsdale and Larchmont.

  • Closing the Gap

    The percentage of AF students scoring proficient on state tests is double that of our host districts and more than 20% points better than the state and city averages. It is also above the state average for students from middle- and upper- income families.

  • Outpacing Their Peers

    AF students grew faster than their peers at any other New York charter school, improving by more than 20% points in math and ELA.

Our New York Stories

Teacher Joey Rabison and his students posing together.

Excellence in Math

What does it feel like to teach and lead at the middle school that scored #3 for math in the state? Joseph Rabison knows.

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Esther holds up her Yale University pennant.

Bound for College

Every year, members of AF’s graduating class are accepted to colleges and universities. For Esther, her journey involved debate championships, fighting injustice, and exploration of her own identity.

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Ashly at AF Bushwick Middle with one of her teachers.

Learning English

When Ashly first came to AF in kindergarten, she didn’t speak English. By the end of first grade, she could read at a second grade level. This is Ashly five years later.

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Rhode Island Results

  • Closing the Gap

    Most of our students (84%) qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. They are closing the gap with their wealthiest Rhode Island peers. Our fourth-graders’ math results exceeded those of students in East Greenwich.

  • Proving What’s Possible

    Achievement First Providence was named a 2017 Commended School, putting the school in the top 7% of all Rhode Island schools. It is the only commended school serving majority Latino, Black and low-income students and requiring no exams for entrance.

  • Outscoring the State

    Our Black and Latino students significantly outscored their state peers in ELA and math. By fourth grade, they outperformed the statewide average for white students by 18% points.

Our Rhode Island Stories

Students raise their hands in the classroom

Leading the Way

When our students crushed the state test, the Providence Journal took notice. Here’s what they had to say.

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Two students work on a robotics project.

Making Waves

Watch WPRI report how our middle school program is “unlike any other middle school program in the state.”

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Man walking holding students' hands

Supporting All Learners

How is AF ensuring all learners succeed? Read this article from AF Iluminar Mayoral Academy kindergarten special education teacher Carmen Naz.

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