Achievement First

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We set high expectations so that our students can exceed them. We are preparing our students for success in college, career and life. We are also a fully “open source” organization. We want to help all of us go further, faster toward the goal of providing an excellent education for every child, everywhere.

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All Achievement First students know they can and will go to college.

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Every day, students in our schools across Connecticut, Brooklyn and Rhode Island are solving for x and shattering stereotypes, winning debate tournaments and football games and preparing for their futures as college graduates.

Amistad Academy Elementary School Amistad Academy Middle School Achievement First Amistad High School Achievement First Bridgeport Academy Elementary School Achievement First Bridgeport Academy Middle School Elm City College Preparatory Elementary School Elm City College Preparatory Middle School Achievement First Hartford Academy Elementary School Achievement First Hartford Academy Middle School Achievement First Hartford High School Achievement First Summit Middle School

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Achievement First Alumni Support College Placement

Achievement First schools emphasize the REACH values—Respect, Enthusiasm, Achievement, Citizenship and Hard Work.

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We refuse to accept a world where social injustices stand as barriers to our students’ success. Our students can not only achieve on par with their affluent peers across the country, they can achieve alongside the highest-performing students in the world. Our students will redefine what excellence looks like.

Every year, our seniors gain acceptance to colleges and universities across the country.

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Every day, we work hard to fulfill our mission: to deliver on the promise of equal educational opportunity for all of America's children. We believe that all children, regardless of race or economic status, can succeed if they have access to a great education.

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We believe a great education can level the playing field, break the cycle of poverty and create a brighter future for all of us.

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Our students are all admitted by blind lottery and we serve all students, including English Language Learners and students with disabilities. We have no admissions tests or fees.

Students, teachers and parents work as a team to achieve success.

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Teaching and leading at Achievement First means being a part of an awesomely powerful team of tireless educators and specialists, incredible families, and students who are working every day toward improving themselves and our world.

We develop, recognize and reward teachers through constant professional development and the Teacher Career Pathway.

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Every day, we’re working toward social justice and better educational opportunities not just for our students, but for all students.Without you—our partners, friends, board members, donors, community leaders and neighbors—our work would not be possible.

We host hundreds of visitors—including community members, elected officials and educators—in our schools each year.

Resident Profiles

Tim Dutton
2016-17, Bridge Academy Resident

Tim Dutton serves as Director and High School Principal for The Bridge Academy Charter School in Bridgeport. Prior to his appointment as Principal, Mr. Dutton taught Physics, Chemistry and General Science for 20 years. Mr. Dutton worked as a Physics Teacher at Darien High school for three years and as a General Science teacher at Warren Harding High School for 5 years prior to founding The Bridge Academy. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Middlebury College and has completed 25 master’s degree credits in chemistry and elementary education from Sacred Heart University.

Katherine Leonard
2016-17, Hartford Resident

Katherine Leonard serves as a principal for Hartford Public Schools. Prior to her appointment as principal of Breakthrough II Magnet School, North Campus, she was an assistant principal for two years at Breakthrough Magnet South Campus. Mrs. Leonard has taught various grade levels Pre-K through Grade 2 at Breakthrough Magnet School over eight years. She earned a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Salve Regina University, a master’s degree in reading and language from St. Joseph’s College and a sixth-year degree in educational leadership from Quinnipiac University.

Monica Maccera Filippu
2016-17, Great Oaks Resident

Monica Maccera Filppu serves as Executive Director for Great Oaks Charter School of Bridgeport. Prior to her appointment as Executive Director, she served as Managing Director, Academic Affairs at Teach For America, Connecticut for seven years. From 1995-2005, she worked In DC Public Schools as a classroom teacher, instructional coach and Program Coordinator for bilingual programs. Ms, Maccera Filippu earned a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from the State University of New York at Albany and a master’s degree in TESOL/Bilingual Education from Georgetown University.

Emily Banks
2016-17, Achievement First Resident- Hartford

Emily Banks has served as the Principal of Achievement First Hartford High School since 2013. Prior to her appointment as principal, she served as an Academic Dean at Achievement First Amistad High School in New Haven. Before becoming a school leader, Ms. Banks taught middle school mathematics in New Haven and Washington, D.C. She earned her bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Carleton College and Master of Arts in Teaching from American University.

Latoya Johnson
2016-17, Jumoke Academy Resident

Latoya Johnson serves as a teacher and curriculum writer for Jumoke Academy Charter Schools in Hartford. She has been an educator for ten years, teaching 2nd, 3rd, and 5th grades in Connecticut. Mrs. Johnson holds a North Carolina teaching license and has taught grades 1st and 3rd, as well serving as a K-5 reading teacher in N.C. She earned a bachelor’s in Elementary Education and master’s degree in School Administration from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. Recently, Mrs. Johnson graduated with an Educational Specialist degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Liberty University. Mrs. Johnson holds an Administrator’s License for the state of North Carolina.

Dena Cooper
2016-17, Springfield Empowerment Zone Resident

Dena Cooper serves as Assistant Principal for the City of Springfield Public Schools. Prior to her appointment as an Assistant Principal she was a school counselor and Department Chair for four years. Ms. Cooper worked as a summer school coordinator and 9^th grade administrator. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and African American Studies from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, a master’s degree in School Counseling and a Certificate of Advanced Degree focusing in Educational Leadership from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

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