Our mission is to deliver on the promise of equal educational opportunity for all of America’s children. We know that every child—regardless of race, zip code or economic status—deserves access to great schools. At Achievement First, our students realize their potential and develop the skills they need to graduate from college, succeed in a competitive world, and serve as the next generation of leaders in our community.

Who We Are and Who We Must Be

These values both define and reflect who we are and who we must be. And we know they don’t become real by putting words on a page. It is our job to ensure these values live throughout Achievement First every day.

Lead for Racial Equity

AF exists to address the legacy of racism in education. We look at ourselves first. We reflect and talk about the role race plays in our work, experiences, and decisions. We strive to be constantly anti-racist in our words and actions.

Strive for Excellence

We set ambitious goals and don’t stop until we achieve them. Then, we set new goals.

Embrace Challenge

We grow when we’re challenged. That’s why we welcome mistakes and challenges as opportunities to learn and get better.

Care for the Whole Person

We share a journey to fulfill our potential as whole people. We support that journey by honoring each other’s identities, emotions, and dreams AND by pushing each other from a place of belief and love.

Choose Joy

We choose to see the purpose and joy that is within and around us, and we actively work to spread joy to others throughout each day.

Go Further Together

We accomplish more together than we can alone. We join forces on big and small things. We do what we say we will do. We make choices with our team and family in mind.