What Achievement First Is and How It Operates

Achievement First is a charter school network operating in Connecticut, New York, and Rhode Island. Unlike traditional public schools run by your local district, Achievement First schools are publicly funded but independently managed. They do not charge tuition, and enrollment is open to any student in their service area — though some schools use a lottery system when more families want to enroll than seats exist.

The network runs elementary, middle, and high schools. Each school operates under a charter agreement with its state, which means the state sets performance standards the school must meet. If a school fails to meet those standards over time, the state can close it. This accountability structure is what distinguishes charter schools from both traditional public schools and private schools.

Achievement First schools follow a longer school day and school year than most traditional public schools in their regions. The network emphasizes structured instruction, regular assessment, and what it calls a "no excuses" approach to student achievement. This means the schools focus intensely on academic outcomes and student behavior expectations.

Key Takeaways

  • Achievement First schools are free, publicly funded charter schools in Connecticut, New York, and Rhode Island that do not require tuition or special entrance exams.
  • Enrollment happens through a lottery system at most schools when demand exceeds available seats, and the lottery is random rather than based on grades or test scores.
  • The school day and school year are longer than traditional public schools, and the network emphasizes structured academics and clear behavior expectations.
  • Your child's school performance is tracked through regular assessments, and families receive report cards showing progress toward grade-level standards.
  • Achievement First schools must meet state performance targets, and the state can close a school if it consistently fails to do so.

How Enrollment and the Lottery System Work

To enroll your child in an Achievement First school, you submit an enrollment form during the school's open enrollment window — usually in the fall or winter before the school year you want to enter. The form itself is free and does not require test scores, grades, or any entrance exam. You list your school choices in order of preference.

If fewer families explore than seats exist, all applicants are admitted. If more families explore than seats exist, the school holds a lottery. The lottery is a random drawing; it does not favor students with higher grades, test scores, or family connections. Some schools set aside a small percentage of seats for siblings of current students or for students living in specific neighborhoods, but the majority of seats go through the random lottery.

After the lottery, families are notified whether their child received a seat. If your child is waitlisted, you remain on the list for that school year. Some families move up the waitlist as others decline their seats. Waitlist policies vary by school and state, so contact your specific Achievement First school for details on how long waitlists remain active.

What the School Day and Year Look Like

Achievement First schools typically run from 7:30 a.m. or 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. or later, compared to the 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. schedule common in many traditional public schools. The extended day includes core academics, electives, and structured time for homework support and enrichment. Some schools also offer before-school or after-school programs.

The school year is longer than the standard 180 days. Achievement First schools typically run 190 to 200 days per year, adding roughly two to three weeks to the calendar. This means your family's summer break is shorter, and some traditional holiday breaks may be shortened as well. Check your specific school's calendar before enrolling, as schedules vary by location.

The longer time in school is intentional: the network uses the extra hours and days for additional instruction, particularly in reading and math, and for structured practice of behavioral expectations. Homework is assigned regularly, and families are expected to support learning at home.

Academic Approach and Assessment

Achievement First schools use a structured curriculum focused on literacy and numeracy in elementary grades, with expansion into science and social studies as students advance. Teachers follow detailed lesson plans and use frequent assessments — often weekly or biweekly — to track whether students are meeting grade-level standards. This data drives instruction, meaning teachers adjust lessons based on what assessments show students have not yet learned.

Your child will receive regular progress reports, typically more frequently than traditional public schools provide. Many Achievement First schools use online portals where parents can see grades, assessment results, and attendance in real time. Report cards show performance against grade-level standards, not just letter grades.

Standardized testing occurs as required by state law. In addition, Achievement First schools often administer their own benchmark assessments several times per year to monitor progress. These results are shared with families and used to identify students who need additional support or acceleration.

Behavior Expectations and School Culture

Achievement First schools maintain explicit behavior expectations and a structured discipline system. Students learn and practice specific behaviors — how to walk in hallways, how to raise a hand, how to transition between activities. The goal is to create an orderly environment where instruction can happen without disruption. Consequences for breaking rules are clearly defined and consistently applied.

Families sign a commitment agreement acknowledging these expectations. This does not mean your child will be punished harshly for minor mistakes; it means the school will address behavior issues directly and involve parents early. Serious infractions — violence, weapons, drugs — result in suspension or expulsion as in any school, following state law.

Some families find this structured approach effective for their children; others find it overly rigid. Before enrolling, visit the school, observe classrooms, and ask staff about how they handle common behavior situations. This will give you a real sense of whether the culture matches your family's values.

Special Education and English Language Learner Services

Achievement First schools must serve students with disabilities and English language learners under federal law, just as traditional public schools do. If your child has an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a 504 plan, the school is required to implement it. If your child is learning English as a second language, the school must provide language support services.

The quality and availability of these services vary by school and location. Before enrolling a child with an IEP or language needs, contact the school's special education or English language learner coordinator. Ask what services are available, how many staff members provide them, and whether the school has experience with your child's specific needs. Request to see the school's special education handbook and ask about class sizes for special education services.

If your child is currently receiving services in a traditional public school, ask Achievement First how they will transition those services and whether they can maintain continuity of care. Some families find charter schools offer more flexibility in service delivery; others find fewer resources. Get specific information rather than assumptions.

Transportation, Meals, and Costs

Achievement First schools do not charge tuition — they are free to attend. However, transportation is not always provided. Some schools offer bus service; others do not. Check with your specific school about whether buses run to your home and what the schedule is. If buses are not available, you are responsible for getting your child to school.

Breakfast and lunch are provided at Achievement First schools. Families with lower incomes may be may be able to access for free or reduced-price meals through the federal school meal program. You explore for this benefit through the school, and may be able to access is based on household income and size. The process is confidential.

Some schools charge fees for field trips, sports, or clubs, though these are typically optional. Ask your school about any fees before enrolling so you understand the full cost picture. Families with financial hardship can often request waivers or payment plans.

How to Find Your Local Achievement First School and Next Steps

Achievement First schools are located in three states: Connecticut (primarily New Haven and Hartford areas), New York (primarily Brooklyn and the Bronx), and Rhode Island (primarily Providence). To find schools in your area, visit the Achievement First website and use their school locator tool, or search for "Achievement First" plus your city name.

Once you identify schools near you, visit in person if possible. Observe a classroom, talk to current parents and staff, and ask about the enrollment timeline for the year you are interested in. Each school's enrollment window and lottery date are different, so confirm important date early.

Contact the school's enrollment office with questions about the lottery process, your child's specific needs, or anything else about how the school operates. Enrollment staff can walk you through the process and answer questions about whether the school is a good fit for your family.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to live in a specific neighborhood to enroll in Achievement First?

Most Achievement First schools serve a broad geographic area, not just one neighborhood. However, some schools give preference to students living in certain zones or districts. Check your specific school's enrollment policy. Even if your child does not live in a preferred zone, you can still enter the lottery for any seat not reserved for that zone.

What happens if my child does not get a seat in the lottery?

Your child goes on the waitlist for that school. You can also explore to other Achievement First schools or remain in your traditional public school. Waitlists move throughout the summer and early fall as families accept or decline seats. Contact the school in August to ask about your waitlist position.

Can my child leave Achievement First and go back to traditional public school?

Yes. You can withdraw your child at any time and re-enroll in your district public school. However, timing matters for scheduling purposes. Most schools ask for notice by a certain date if you plan to leave at the end of the year. Contact the school about their withdrawal process.

Does Achievement First prepare students for college?

Achievement First high schools focus on college preparation, including AP courses, SAT prep, and college counseling. However, college outcomes depend on many factors beyond the school. Ask the specific high school about graduation rates, college acceptance rates, and what colleges their recent graduates attended.

What if I disagree with how the school handled my child's behavior or academics?

Start by talking to your child's teacher or the relevant staff member. If you remain unsatisfied, request a meeting with an administrator. Achievement First schools have formal complaint and grievance procedures; ask for a copy of the parent handbook, which explains these processes. You also have the right to file a complaint with your state's education department.