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.

Resident Profiles

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

Achievement First Iluminar Mayoral Academy Elementary Achievement First Providence Mayoral Academy Elementary Achievement First Providence Mayoral Academy Middle

Achievement First Alumni Support College Placement

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

Across Achievement First In Connecticut In New York In Rhode Island

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.

About Achievement First Brooklyn High School

1485 Pacific Street
Brooklyn, NY 11216
Phone: 718-363-2260
Fax: 718-363-2262

"Lead with Love. Champion Excellence. Choose Solidarity."

Opened: August 2009
Grades: Nine to 12
Number of Students in 2017-18: 413
Hours: 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Monday - Thursday ; 7:30 a.m. – 1:35 p.m. Friday

Overview

Achievement First Brooklyn High has one goal: 100% of students will be accepted into four-year colleges and universities. The school prepares students to meet this goal by providing a challenging course of studies and supporting students in their growth outside the classroom. Here, we combine rigorous courses and high expectations with a host of support services more common at affluent and private high schools, including SAT prep, intensive college counseling and tutoring.

As students grow from grade nine to 12, instruction shifts from a teacher-directed approach to student-led exchanges of ideas. Outside of class, students grow as athletes, volunteers, leaders and responsible community members through participation in the school’s extracurricular, varsity athletic and arts programs (including speech & debate). Our support extends beyond high school graduation, with high school counselors working closely with our alumni as they attend colleges including SUNY schools, CUNY schools, Syracuse University, Stanford University, Williams College, St. John’s University, Howard University, and many more. Read more in our brochure or on our parent portal.

School Leader

Cristina López del Castillo-De La Cruz is the principal of Achievement First Brooklyn High School. Prior to becoming principal, Mrs. López del Castillo-De La Cruz was a principal-in-residence while teaching A.P Physics. Before this, she was a dean of students and physics teacher. She joined AF after teaching in the Bronx. Mrs. López del Castillo-De La Cruz holds a Bachelor of Science in biomedical engineering from the University of Miami and a master's degree in education from Lehman College.

AF Brooklyn High Seen & Heard

Watch our Senior Signing Day Video

AF Brooklyn High Alumni Come Back to Teach

Visit Our Schools

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.

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