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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

  • Our high schools are among the best in the state.

    U.S. News & World Report named AF Hartford High #3 in Connecticut, and AF Amistad High ranked #1

  • Even as we raise the bar, we get stronger.

    Since the state began Common Core-aligned assessments in 2015, our students have improved their proficiency rates by 21% points in math and by 15% points in ELA.

  • Advanced is the new proficient.

    More of our elementary schoolers are scoring advanced than any other level on state assessments. Our students scoring remedial are the smallest group. This means that more of our students are mastering material than struggling with it.

  • Enrichment matters.

    The innovative enrichment program at Elm City College Prep Elementary builds activities like soccer into the curriculum during the regular school day. That’s part of the reason why the school became the first in the state to compete as a travel team for South Central Premier in the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association!

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

  • We’re achieving excellence—nationwide

    Achievement First Bushwick has been named a 2019 National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education. This is a first for our network, and AF Bushwick is among only 362 schools to receive this prestigious honor this year.

  • AF students are college-ready.

    Students at AF University Prep High score an average of 1126 on the SAT, outperforming both their peers
    from similar backgrounds (990) and the national average (1068).

  • All kids can

    AF students are scoring at double the proficiency rates at their peers in our host
    districts. It shows what we all know—kids can achieve incredible things when you give them the
    opportunity to do so.

  • Our students make their voices heard.

    Students in the Speech and Debate program at AF Brooklyn High have won the State Championship and placed third, ninth, and 11th across three national championships. What’s more, their winning speeches center
    on our students’ truth, social justice, and identity. They push for change in an arena that is overwhelmingly white and affluent.

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

  • We’re raising the bar.

    Last year, our student outperformed their in-state peers at such a wide margin that we committed to benchmark our Rhode Island results against those of Massachusetts, which is widely considered to have one of best school systems in the country. The results are in—our kids in the Ocean State are outperforming the state average of our Bay State neighbors by 5% points in ELA and math.

  • We meet all students where they are, while also holding high expectations.

    English Language Learners at AF Rhode Island score proficient and above at five times the rate of their peers across the state.

Our Rhode Island Stories

Students raise their hands in the classroom

Leading the Way

When our school ranked as the top performer in the state, the Providence Journal called us the gem of the state. 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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