Achievement First

Mission In the Schools Our Approach Curriculum and Instruction Open Source Greenfield Residency Program Navigator Charter Network Accelerator AF Teacher Career Pathway Core Values

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 Brownsville Elementary School

2021 Bergen Street
Brooklyn, NY 11233
Phone: 347-471-2600
Fax: 347-402-2900

Enroll Now

Opened: August 2008
Grades: K to four
Number of Students in 2017-18: 465
Hours: 7:15 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Monday - Thursday; 7:15 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Friday

"Home of the Bears"

School Leader

Jesse Balis-Harris is the principal of Achievement First Brownsville Elementary School. Prior to this role, he participated in a rigorous leadership training through Achievement First’s Principal-in-Residence program at Achievement First Aspire Elementary in Brooklyn. Before joining AF Aspire Elementary, Mr. Balis-Harris served for two years as an academic dean at AF Apollo Elementary where he was also a founding teacher. He began his teaching career in West Philadelphia teaching first and second grades at Samuel B. Huey Elementary School, and then went on to coach teachers in Philadelphia. Mr. Balis-Harris earned his B.A. in international relations from George Washington University, and his master’s from Teacher U at Hunter College.

AF Brownsville Seen & Heard

The Joy of an AF Brownsville Dance Party

Teacher Spotlight: Michael Morrissey

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.