982 Hegeman Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11208
Phone: 347-471-2632
Opened: August 2017
Grades: 5 (will add one grade per year until serving grades 5-8 at full scale)
Number of Students in 2017-18: 100
Hours: Monday - Thursday, 7:26 a.m. - 4:05 p.m.; Friday, 7:26 a.m. - 1:05 p.m.
AF Aspire Middle is not only built on the foundations of our thriving Achievement First middle schools in New York, it is structured to answer the question, “if you could build a school to help develop the best prepared students in the world, what would that school look like?” AF Aspire Middle is an AF Greenfield school, which means that everything we do here is anchored in our pursuit of achieving accelerated academics, student investment and life habits, excellence in enrichment and awesomely powerful community. Our culture is one where everyone feels driven, motivated and engaged.
Step inside our classrooms, and you’ll see so many different types of learning happening. You’ll see students working independently, learning in small groups and working closely with teachers. You’ll see students deep in discussion and debate with their classmates as they delve into humanities and science. You’ll see students working toward true mastery in their chosen enrichment. Our students also have dedicated time each day to gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their peers while also working on setting goals that will allow them to achieve their dreams. And three times each year, you’ll see students going beyond the school walls. They’re in a theater, staging a production of Macbeth. They’re working with leading engineers at a national robotics competition. They’re on farms studying the environment and issues of hunger and nutrition. And when they come back, they’ve honed their skills and deepened their learning in these real-world settings.
Zachary Segall is the founding principal of AF Aspire Middle School. Prior to accepting the role as principal, Mr. Segall served as the dean of special services at AF Crown Heights Middle School for four years. There, he oversaw special education and related services, and led the history and literature departments. Under his leadership, the school posted double-digit gains on the New York State Test. He also cultivated a strong school culture for students, families and staff. Before joining Achievement First, Mr. Segall served as a TFA corps member and special education coordinator in Phoenix. He graduated with honors from Washington & Lee University and holds a master’s in education from Arizona State University.
We are always eager for visitors to see firsthand the extraordinary teaching and learning taking place in our schools. Click here to learn more about visiting an Achievement First school.