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2026 Annual Report Design

Page 1

ELMHURST

MASPETH

LOWER MANHATTAN

MIDDLE VILLAGE

RIDGEWOOD BROOKLYN HEIGHTS

FOREST

GLENDALE

BUSHWICK BEDFORD-STUYVESANT

WOODH CROWN HEIGHTS PARK SLOPE

BROWNSVILLE

EAST NEW YORK

EAST FLATBUSH KENSINGTON CANARSIE

BOROUGH PARK

MIDWOOD FORT HAMILTON

BENSONHURST

GRAVESEND

SHEEPSHEAD BAY

FY26 ANNUAL REPORT

Excellence Starts HERE


NORTH HAVEN

WOODBRIDGE

EAST HAVEN WEST HAVEN

2


Table of Contents 05 Letter from Leadership 06 Mission, Vision and Graduate Aims 08 Our Impact

Class of 2026 at a Glance

10 Our School Communities Connecticut New York Rhode Island

18 The Journey: Excellence Starts Here Stop 1: Excellence Takes Root

Stop 2: Excellence Builds Momentum Stop 3: Excellence Opens Doors Stop 4: Excellence Endures Stop 5: Excellence Beyond

30 Looking Ahead Our Strategic Priorities Support Our Work

32 Financials 34 Board of Directors 36 Donors

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4


Letter from Leadership

Dear Friends of Achievement First, More than 25 years ago, Achievement First was

We are immensely grateful for the educators whose

founded on a bold promise: that every student

talent, resilience, and belief in students bring this

deserves an excellent education that prepares them

work to life each day; for the students whose

to thrive in college, career, and life.

brilliance, curiosity, and ambition continually inspire us; and for the families whose trust, partnership,

This year, we renewed our commitment to delivering

and accountability strengthen our schools and our

on that promise with greater focus, urgency, and

shared promise to students.

ambition. We reflected honestly on our progress, celebrated the dedication across our schools, and

We are also deeply grateful to our Board of Directors

recognized that our students deserve more than

and regional boards for their leadership and

incremental improvement. They deserve excellence.

stewardship, and to our philanthropic partners for investing in our students, educators, and schools.

Our road to excellence begins with running truly

We are equally grateful to our state partners

great schools: schools where students engage

and authorizers for helping create the conditions

in rigorous learning and deep thinking; where joy,

that allow strong teaching and learning to thrive.

belonging, and play are essential parts of the

Your collective partnership gives us the ability to

experience; where families feel connected and

strengthen our programs, respond to challenges,

heard; and where every student is prepared to

and pursue the bold changes necessary to create

pursue a fulfilling future.

lasting impact.

Over the past year, we took important steps forward

The pages that follow celebrate the progress

on that journey. We continued shifting leadership

we made this year and the people who made it

and decision-making closer to our schools and

possible. They also reflect an organization moving

communities, empowering regional teams to respond

forward with renewed clarity and momentum.

more directly to local needs. At the same time, we prepared to strengthen our commitment to being

The road to excellence requires focus, discipline,

One Achievement First: united by a strong K-12

and a shared belief in what is possible. We know

college-preparatory program, shared values, and

our destination. We are accelerating our progress.

consistently high expectations for every student. We

Together, we are all in to build the excellent schools

also recommitted ourselves to measuring success by

our students and families deserve.

what matters most: the experiences and outcomes of our students, and how well we prepare them to graduate ready to succeed in college. None of this work would be possible without the extraordinary people who make up the Achievement First community.

With gratitude,

Lisa Margosian Chief Executive Officer

Andrew Boas Board Chair,

Achievement First Inc.

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Mission, Vision and Graduate Aims

Our Mission Achievement First Public Charter Schools prepare every student to excel in college and career, deepen their knowledge of self and community, and lead lives of purpose. In partnership with our families and communities, we work to disrupt the legacy of inequity in education.

Our Vision We believe in the unlimited potential within our students and their power to shape a more just society.

Our Graduate Aims EXCELLENCE IN COLLEGE, CAREER, AND LIFE Our graduates are prepared to navigate life with agency, resilience, and a deep sense of pride. STRONG SENSE OF SELF WITHIN COMMUNITY Our graduates are individuals strengthened by the communities they come from, valuing and contributing to collective growth. PURPOSE AND LEADERSHIP Our graduates are ready to lead positive change locally and globally, driven by a strong sense of purpose.

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7


Our Impact

Class of 2026 at a Glance

97

of graduates applied to at least one college

632 109 graduates across Achievement First

colleges and universities will be attended by Achievement First graduates

74

of students were accepted to a four-year college or university

8


9


Our School Communities A view of Achievement First across our three states.

10


11


WEST HARTFORD

Hartford

EAST HARTFORD

WESTVILLE

New Haven Bridgeport 12

FAIRFIELD

EAST HAVEN

STRATFORD


Connecticut

Bridgeport, Hartford, New Haven CT by the Numbers

BRIDGEPORT Elementary Schools Achievement First Bridgeport Academy Elementary School Middle Schools Achievement First Bridgeport Academy Middle School HARTFORD Elementary Schools Achievement First Hartford Academy Elementary School

3,831

96

1,835

10

Connecticut

Hartford, and Bridgeport

Students

AF alumni in

66

Black and Latinx students

Schools across New Haven,

AF alumni now working at Achievement First as teachers, leaders, and staff

Middle Schools Achievement First Hartford Summit Middle School High Schools Achievement First Hartford High School NEW HAVEN

Key Statistics

94

of families say their school communicates with them in a language they understand.

Elementary Schools Amistad Academy Elementary School Elm City College Preparatory Elementary School

Multilingual learners are making strong academic gains. In one year, elementary multilingual learners increased proficiency by 13% points in math and 9% points in ELA.

Middle Schools Amistad Academy Middle School Elm City College Preparatory Middle School

AF students are outperforming their host districts in ELA.

High Schools

Hartford: AF students outperformed the

Achievement First Amistad High School

district by 20% points. Bridgeport: AF students outperformed the district by 17% points.

Hear From Our Families

“My child has wonderful teachers who really look out for her and reach out to me so we can work together to support her in and out of school. There hasn’t been one time when I felt unheard.” — AF Connecticut Parent 13


ELMHURST

MASPETH MIDDLE VILLAGE

GLENDALE

RIDGEWOOD BROOKLYN HEIGHTS

FOREST HILLS

BUSHWICK

WOODHAVEN

BEDFORD-STUYVESANT

CROWN HEIGHTS PARK SLOPE

BROWNSVILLE

EAST NEW YORK

EAST FLATBUSH KENSINGTON

CANARSIE

BOROUGH PARK

Brooklyn

FORT HAMILTON

BENSONHURST

MIDDLE VILLAGE

HOLLIS

KEW GARDENS HILLSIDE

RIDGEWOOD

GLENDALE RICHMOND HILL

WOODHAVEN

CAMBRIA HEIGHTS JAMAICA

Queens 14

EAST NEW YORK


New York

Brooklyn, Queens

BROOKLYN

NY by the Numbers

Elementary Schools Achievement First Apollo Elementary School Achievement First Aspire Elementary School Achievement First Brownsville Elementary School Achievement First Bushwick Elementary School Achievement First Crown Heights Elementary School Achievement First East New York Elementary School Achievement First Endeavor Elementary School Achievement First Linden Elementary School Achievement First North Brooklyn Prep Elementary School Middle Schools Achievement First Apollo Middle School Achievement First Aspire Middle School

7,500+ 96 Students

Black and Latinx students

800+

2,000+

Teachers & leaders

AF alumni & counting

23

Schools across Brooklyn & Queens

Achievement First Brownsville Middle School Achievement First Bushwick Middle School Achievement First Crown Heights Middle School Achievement First East New York Middle School Achievement First Endeavor Middle School Achievement First Linden Middle School Achievement First North Brooklyn Prep Middle School High Schools

Key Statistics

93

graduation rate is nearly 9% points higher than the New York City average of 84%.

Achievement First Brooklyn High School Achievement First Ujima High School Achievement First University Prep High School QUEENS

88

of AF students go on to college, compared with approximately 48% of New York City public high school graduates.

Elementary Schools Achievement First Legacy Elementary School

AF alumni are earning college degrees. AF alumni graduate from college at 3x the national rate for students from similar backgrounds.

Middle Schools Achievement First Legacy Middle School*

Hear From Our Families

“The teachers have integrity, passion, and patience, and they support both students and parents. The community is like a family. They celebrate Black and Brown culture and make sure every child knows they can achieve.” — Shana, AF New York Parent

*This school opened in the 2026–27 school year, after the 2025–26 school year covered in this report.

15


Providence FEDERAL HILL

EAST PROVIDENCE

SILVER LAKE

WASHINGTON PARK

Cranston 16


Rhode Island

Cranston, Providence RI by the Numbers

CRANSTON Elementary Schools Achievement First Iluminar Mayoral Academy Elementary School Middle Schools Achievement First Iluminar Mayoral Academy Middle School

3,209 Students

8

Schools serving

PROVIDENCE

grades K–12

Elementary Schools Achievement First Envision Elementary School Achievement First Promesa Mayoral Academy Elementary School Achievement First Providence Mayoral Academy Elementary School Middle Schools Achievement First Envision Middle School* Achievement First Providence Mayoral Academy Middle School High Schools Achievement First Providence High School

93

Black and Latinx students

94

Average daily attendance

36

Multilingual learners

Key Statistics

98

166

67

Providence Public School District

of AF Rhode Island’s first

proficiency. Among students in grades

average of 84%.

graduating Class of 2025.

K–4, 77% demonstrated growth.

graduation rate Nearly 14% points higher than the

Hear From Our Families

college acceptances earned by the 66 members

of multilingual learners improved their overall English-language

“My children will be able to use what they are learning as they grow to become successful adults. They understand how to approach people and carry on conversations about everything from current events to Greek mythology.” — Lissette, AF Rhode Island Parent

*This school opened in the 2026–27 school year, after the 2025–26 school year covered in this report.

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The Journey: Excellence Starts Here Student success at Achievement First develops over time, shaped by what happens each day in our classrooms and school communities. Across 41 schools in three states, students engage in learning that is purposeful, supported, and designed to help them grow. They are known by their teachers, challenged to think deeply, and given consistent opportunities to build knowledge and skills that prepare them for college and beyond. The stories that follow bring that journey to life. Each one captures a moment where learning, growth, and opportunity come together and shows how those moments build toward a fulfilling life on their own terms.

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Stop 1: Excellence Takes Root

Building Strong Foundations: Inside Math Instruction at North Brooklyn Prep

“Kids are the true mathematicians. The teachers are the facilitators.” Walk into a first grade math class at Achievement

in a curriculum called Context for Learning Math,

First North Brooklyn Prep and you will not find

which treats every student as capable of rigorous

students quietly copying problems from a board.

mathematical thinking, regardless of where they

You will find them arguing — productively — about

start. Rather than funneling all students toward

numbers. Debating strategies. Reaching for tiles and

a single method, teachers work within what the

counting strips to prove a point. And loving every

program calls a “mathematical landscape,” meeting

minute of it.

each child where they are and moving them toward increasingly complex strategies at their own pace.

That is by design. Co-teachers Ciara Joseph and Nile Lang have “You should expect to not see traditional pencil

spent five years building that kind of classroom

to paper,” says Daliza Lawrence, AF North Brooklyn

together in first grade. Their partnership is itself a

Prep’s first-year principal and a five-year veteran of

model of the collaborative, iterative thinking they

the school. “Kids are the true mathematicians. The

want students to develop.

teachers are the facilitators.” “I have become so much better as a math teacher The approach at AF North Brooklyn Prep is rooted 20

because of Ciara,” says Lang, who has taught at


Achievement First since 2014. “We have debates.

role, learning to ask open-ended questions instead of

We push each other. And that’s exactly what we

giving answers, to sit with student uncertainty rather

want our kids to do.”

than resolve it too quickly, and to see mistakes as data rather than setbacks. Leadership also had to

Ciara Joseph, who came to AF with prior experience

change how it coached and planned, moving from

in the same curriculum, describes the co-teaching

conversation to deliberate practice in professional

relationship as one grounded in shared goals and

development sessions.

honest disagreement. “There are times Nile will give me push back, and I will give him push back,” she

“We make the mistakes with adults before we make

says. “We’re not always going to agree, and that’s

them in front of the kids,” Lawrence says. “That way

the point.”

we’re more prepared.”

That culture of productive struggle extends directly

For Lang, who has his own history of struggling in

to students. In Joseph and Lang’s classroom,

school, the transformation he witnesses each year is

mistakes are not failures; they are starting points.

personal. “I didn’t like math,” he says. “But the feeling I

Students are regularly asked to share their thinking

get now is that the kids in our building love math. And

out loud, to question one another’s strategies, and

they don’t even realize how much they’re learning.”

to find their own path to a solution. Math lessons are often game-based and grounded in real-world

That, perhaps, is the strongest foundation of all.

context, from counting coins to measuring shapes for an imaginary art show. For a school where the majority of students are multilingual learners, nearly all Spanish-speaking, math has become a uniquely powerful entry point. “Math is the universal language,” Lang explains. “A student may not yet have the English words, but the numbers are the numbers. They can jump in. They can contribute. And that confidence carries over into everything else.” The results speak for themselves. AF North Brooklyn Prep currently achieves 94 percent math proficiency across the school, a figure that Principal Lawrence is quick to put in context. “It doesn’t matter where the new kids are coming in,” she says. “Our kids are consistently going into the next grade ready to tackle rigorous standards.” That outcome was not accidental. It required a fundamental shift in how teachers approached their 21


Stop 2: Excellence Builds Momentum

Leading What Comes Next: Angie Martinez and the Future of Envision Middle School in Rhode Island In the fall of 2026, rising principal Angela “Angie”

Her leadership comes at a moment of extraordinary

Martinez will open the doors to Achievement

demand for Achievement First Rhode Island schools.

First Envision Middle School, a new Rhode Island

In 2026 alone, more than 4,600 families applied

school built to serve the growing number of families

for seats across the network.

seeking rigorous, joyful public education options for their children.

AF Envision Middle School is part of Achievement First Rhode Island’s effort to meet that demand

For Angie, the moment is years in the making.

and expand access to excellent schools for more students and families across the state. Once fully

Born in the Dominican Republic and arriving in the

grown, the school will serve hundreds of additional

United States at age five, Angie recalls what it felt

Rhode Island students on their path to college and

like to be underestimated after being placed back

career success.

into kindergarten because she did not yet speak English. She also remembers the teachers who

For Angie, however, the work always comes back to

saw her potential before she saw it in herself. They

individual students, especially those who may not yet

challenged her, believed in her, and changed the

recognize their own potential.

trajectory of her life. She knows firsthand what can happen when a Now, as the founding principal of AF Envision

school refuses to underestimate a child. And with

Middle School, Angie is determined to create that

the opening of AF Envision Middle School, she hopes

same experience for Rhode Island students.

even more Rhode Island students will have the opportunity to be seen, challenged, and inspired in

“There’s so much talent here,” Angie says. “Our job is to bring it out.” Angie joined Achievement First in 2019 as a science teacher and steadily grew into leadership roles as a grade-level lead, associate dean, dean of students, and interim principal. Students affectionately call her “Miss Girl” and “Miss Mom” — nicknames that reflect her ability to form relationships with students while holding them to exceptionally high expectations. 22

the same way she once was.


“There’s so much talent here, our job is to bring it out.” 23


Stop 3: Excellence Opens Doors

AF Seniors and the Impact of the Hartford Promise Scholarship There are many reasons to attend Achievement

critically about history, government, and current

First Hartford High School. In Hartford, there’s one

events, helping Ningozi discover her voice and

more that can be worth up to $100,000.

deepen her commitment to public service.

Through Hartford Promise, Hartford residents

But Ningozi’s story is about more than academic

who attend grades 9-12 in a Hartford public

achievement. It is about community.

school, maintain good grades, and demonstrate strong attendance, can receive up to a $100,000

Having attended Achievement First since third

college scholarship.

grade, she describes her school as “like a family,” where classmates support one another, and

This year, eleven members of Achievement First

teachers invest deeply in their students’ success.

Hartford High School’s Class of 2026 earned the prestigious scholarship, securing more

That support was especially visible as she and her

than $1 million in combined college scholarship

classmates worked toward the Hartford Promise

support. They will attend colleges and

together, encouraging each other to stay on track,

universities across the country, including Emory

celebrating milestones, and showing up for one another.

University, Temple University, and the University of Connecticut. The scholarship helps remove one of

“We were all so proud of each other,” she said.

the biggest barriers facing many families: affordability.

“Everyone pushed through to get there.”

“We constantly remind students that hard work

For Ningozi and her classmates, Hartford Promise

and achievement can open doors,” said AF

is a powerful reminder that hard work and

Hartford High School Principal Laneka Thomas.

perseverance can pay off in extraordinary ways.

“The Hartford Promise scholarship gives students and families the resources needed to attend college and pursue their dreams.” Among this year’s recipients from AF Hartford High is Ningozi Hibbert, who will attend Georgetown University this fall to study political science before pursuing her dream of becoming a civil rights attorney. Ningozi’s passion for advocacy was shaped both at home and in the classroom. At Achievement First, teachers challenged students to think 24


“We were all so proud of each other.”

Photo Credit: Hartford Promise

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Stop 4: Excellence Endures

AF Empower’s First Graduating Class

AF Empower, Achievement First New York’s

At the high school level, that support is intentionally

specialized service for students who learn

flexible. Some students learn in small class

differently, was built around a clear belief: every

settings. Others take integrated co-taught classes,

student deserves the support to access learning

participate in internships, explore career pathways,

meaningfully and the preparation to leave high

receive related services, or prepare for college. The

school with real choices.

goal is not to move every student along the same path. It is to help each student build confidence,

This spring, that belief came into focus as eleven

independence, and a clear next step.

Empower seniors became the program’s first graduating class.

That is what made the banquet so meaningful. The evening celebrated eleven seniors and the work

At the first annual Empower Senior Banquet, students

it took to reach graduation. It also showed what

were celebrated alongside the families, educators,

Empower can make possible when students are

school leaders, founders, and network staff who

supported as individuals, challenged with purpose,

had supported them on the path to graduation.

and prepared for what comes next.

The evening included awards, speeches, and a slideshow tracing students’ journeys from elementary

“Our first annual Empower Senior Banquet

school through high school, offering a powerful

was a celebration of resilience, growth, and

reminder that this milestone was years in the making.

achievement,” Castleberry said. “This event reflects the heart of Empower: creating opportunities,

For Sonia Castleberry, Director of the Empower

building confidence, and ensuring every student is

Program, the moment reflected what the program is

prepared for their next chapter.”

designed to do. For the eleven seniors in the room, the evening was “Empower is a service and not just a place or just

a moment of recognition. For the students who will

a program,” Castleberry said. “It’s really about

follow, it offered a clear picture of where the path

providing specific individualized supports and

through Empower can lead.

meeting students where they are.” 26


“Our first annual Empower Senior Banquet was a celebration of resilience, growth, and achievement.” 27


Stop 5: Excellence Beyond

How an Achievement First Education Shapes Life Beyond Graduation Kevin Torres graduated from Achievement First

were ingrained,” Kevin says. “Those things are still

Amistad High School in 2012 as part of its third

deeply important to me as I think and write about

graduating class. Today, he serves as Chief

them today.”

Operating Officer of the Noble Story Group, an executive coaching and leadership development

That foundation shaped the kind of professional

firm, and sits on the Elm City College Preparatory

Kevin would become. His work today, helping leaders

Board of Directors.

and organizations build emotional intelligence, understand their own triggers, develop self-

The through line connecting those two roles runs

awareness, and cultivate the trust that transforms

straight back to Amistad Middle School and

teams, is, in many ways, citizenship at scale.

High School. Kevin’s path there was anything but linear. After “The value that always stuck with me was

earning a full scholarship to the College of the

citizenship,” Kevin says. “It was always about

Holy Cross, he returned to Achievement First as an

other people. About the betterment of the group

executive assistant to the co-CEO, got an inside

and my contribution to that.”

look at how a growing network of schools actually operates, and eventually found his way to his firm,

Citizenship is one part of the larger set of

first as a part-time business manager, then through a

R.E.A.C.H. values embedded in the culture at

steady climb to COO.

Amistad Middle School: Respect, Enthusiasm, Achievement, Citizenship, and Hard Work.

Along the way, he carried memories of

The values are posted in every classroom and

Achievement First teachers and mentors who had

celebrated through annual awards recognizing

quietly changed his trajectory. His AF science

students who embodied each one individually or

teacher, Kim Mowery, took him to lectures at Yale

R.E.A.C.H. as a whole.

on weekends and set up early-morning dissection sessions just for curious students. His AF music

These values are also reinforced through everyday

teacher, Daniel Levin, opened the music room every

actions. Students are taught to hold doors for

Friday afternoon for open jam sessions, cementing

others, listen without interrupting, focus on their

Kevin’s love of music. And Luke Harrison, who served

effort and choices as well as their outcomes, and

as Kevin’s academic dean at Achievement First,

genuinely care for the people around them.

noticed Kevin carrying his textbooks in a grocery bag and offered him a spare backpack, framing it

28

“I don’t know a single other person who points to

as a favor to himself so Kevin could accept it with his

their middle school as a place where their values

pride intact.


Then

Now

“That’s the epitome of care,” Kevin says. “Seeing

Kevin sees that network as a lasting expression of

something and doing something about it.”

one of AF’s founding values: Team & Family. When former AF students or staff members meet, something

Now, Kevin tries to pour that same energy into others

often clicks. They begin tracing shared connections,

through executive coaching, his service on the Elm City

comparing experiences, and reminiscing about the

College Preparatory Board, and his work supporting

people and places that shaped them. It can feel like

the National Fellowship of Black and Latino Male

meeting someone from the same alma mater, but

Educators, an organization led by Keith Brooks, a

with a bond rooted in an especially formative and

former Achievement First principal in New York.

values-driven experience.

Those connections are part of a much larger AF

“Don’t undersell the power of the AF network,” he

network that has continued to shape Kevin’s life and

tells current students. “Your teachers don’t stop

career. Matthew Taylor, Kevin’s former principal at

caring about you when you graduate. Paths are

Achievement First Amistad Middle School, is now his

rarely linear. Say yes to opportunity.”

CEO. Luke Harrison, Kevin’s former AF academic dean, now works alongside him as an executive coach.

For Kevin, Achievement First was never just a school. It

Across his work, Kevin continues to encounter former

was the place that taught him what it means to show

AF students and staff members connected by shared

up for other people, connected him to a community

experiences and relationships.

that continues to show up for him, and gave him the foundation to spend a career doing exactly that. 29


Looking Ahead

Our Strategic Priorities The stories in this report show what excellence can

multi-year strategic plan is focused on strengthening

make possible: rigorous classrooms where students

those experiences across Achievement First so that

discover their capabilities, schools where every

every student is prepared to excel in college, career,

learner is known and supported, and communities

and life.

whose impact continues long after graduation. Our

Great Schools We are strengthening the full K–12 student experience

emotional growth, and inclusive school communities.

by pairing rigorous, engaging instruction with the

Our goal is an excellent, college-preparatory

support every student needs to thrive. That means

education that develops critical thinkers, confident

investing in high-quality instructional materials and

learners, and young people prepared to lead lives

exceptional educator development while deepening

of purpose.

our approach to student well-being, social-

Exceptional Talent The excellence our students deserve is only possible

develops, and retains a diverse and inclusive

through exceptional educators and staff. At a time

team. By creating a culture grounded in equity,

when schools nationwide are confronting educator

transparency, growth, and well-being, we can ensure

shortages and changing workforce expectations,

our people feel valued, supported, and empowered

we are strengthening how Achievement First attracts,

to build lasting careers in service of students.

Strong Communities As Achievement First enters its next quarter-century,

strength of one network while remaining grounded

we are evolving to meet the needs of a multi-

in the identity, priorities, and aspirations of every

state network and the distinct communities within

community we serve.

it. We are strengthening the systems that sustain excellent schools while empowering regional

Together, these priorities represent our path forward:

teams to respond more directly to local needs and

strengthening what happens in every classroom,

deepen relationships with families and community

investing in the people who bring our mission to life,

partners. This approach allows us to benefit from the

and building an organization equipped to serve students and communities for generations to come.

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Support Our Work At Achievement First, we know that we’re stronger and can go further — together. Your support is crucial in providing our community of students, families, and educators with the resources they need to build a thriving future. Get involved or donate today to help us make a lasting impact, educate the next generation of leaders, and advance our mission. Together, there’s no limit to what we can achieve in support of our students and communities!

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FY26 Budget OUR SCHOOL FINANCES

FY26 UNAUDITED FINANCIALS NY

CT

RI

AF Revenues Per-Pupil Philanthropy

$68

$645

$33

Federal

$921

$1,750

$2,021

Titles, CSP, Meals, Erate, IDEA, ESSER

State/District

$23,746

$15,680

$21,186

Per-Pupil, SPED, lease assistance

Other

$549

$1,376

$2,181

Interest income, ERC

Total Per-Pupil Revenues

$25,284

$19,451

$25,421

Personnel

$15,893

$11,969

$11,190

Non-personnel

$11,401

$8,212

$11,873

Total Per-Pupil Expenses

$27,294

$20,181

$23,063

AF Expenses Per-Pupil

Leadership and

12

Administration

Information Technology and Data

11 18

Operations

and Finance

6

Development and Community Relations Source: https://educationdata.org/public-education-spending-statistics Financial figures reflect updated information as of October 1, 2026.

32

34

School Support and Curriculum

18

Talent Development and Recruiting


NETWORK SUPPORT EXPENSES

FY26 UNAUDITED FINANCIALS

Core Operations Revenues Network Support Fee

$38,958,780

Public Grants

$1,463,962

Philanthropy

$15,845,697

Other

$840,038

Total Revenues

$57,108,477

Core Expenses Personnel Expenses

$35,152,542

Non-personnel Expenses

$9,727,976

Total Expenses

$44,880,518

Surplus/(Deficit)

$12,227,959

33


Board of Directors AMISTAD ACADEMY

Surbhi Patel, Director

Lorraine Gibbons, Chair

Victor De La Paz, Treasurer

Jen Alexander, Vice Chair

Leonard Epps, Director

Shannelle White, Parent Rep, Secretary Jason Prime, Treasurer

AF RHODE ISLAND

James Baron, Director

Mayor Brett Smiley, Chair

Alex Guzhnay, Director

Maryellen Butke, Vice Chair

Yashira Zwisler, Director

James Wiley, Treasurer Nicole Pollock, Director

AF BROOKLYN

Janelle Clarke-Holley, Director

Brandon Sorlie, Chair

Victor Capellan, Director

Paul Cabana, Vice Chair

Mayor Charles Lombardi, Director

Christopher Lynch, Treasurer

Macky McCleary, Director

Akeem Frett, Secretary

Michael Broschart, Director

Desiree Dalton, Trustee Romy Coquillette, Trustee

ELM CITY COLLEGE PREP

Kevin Miquelon, Trustee

Richard Ferguson, Chair

Tamika Bradley, Trustee, (Parent Rep)

LaVonta Bryant, Director, Parent Rep

Amy Arthur Samuels, Trustee

Stephanie Ma, Secretary

Keith Brooks, Trustee

Kevin Torres, Director

Avril Gordon, Trustee

Latisha Douglas, Director

Kimberly Cutler Lee, Trustee (Parent Rep)

Shannon Garfield, Director

David Pollak, Trustee Erica Murphy, Trustee

AF, INC.

Andrea Kilpatrick, Trustee

Andrew Boas, Chair Reshma Singh, Vice Chair

AF BRIDGEPORT ACADEMY

Valerie Rockefeller, Director

Rajeev Lakra, Chair

Elizabeth Rose, Director

Richard Kalt, Director

Jennifer Mulhern, Director

Marlene Macauda, Secretary

Katie Ballah, Director

Ruben Felipe, Director

Carrie Schindele, Director

Ebrima Jobe, Director

Kathy Hamel, Director

Dewey Loselle, Treasurer

Shelly Cleary, Treasurer

Jahneel Small, Director

Pinak Pujari, Director

Kelia Lanham, Parent Rep AF HARTFORD ACADEMY Erwin Hurst, Sr., Chair Francoise Deristel-Leger, Director Alice Turner, Director Charon Smalls, Director 34


35


Donors Achievement First would like to extend our thanks and appreciation to the following organizations, foundations, and individuals who made a donation in the 2025-2026 school year (July 1, 2025 June 30, 2026). ORGANIZATIONS

The Darrell Harvey Family Foundation Inc.

Anonymous (1)

The Feinstein Foundation

50CAN, Inc.

The Grossman Family Foundation

Big Y Giving Tag Program

The Henry E. and Nancy Horton Bartels Trust

MFA Boston

The Jane and William Curran Foundation, Inc.

Peach & Bloom

The Krupp Foundation

Stop & Shop Community Bag Program

The Louis Calder Foundation

Teach For America

The Mind Trust, Inc.

Yale University

The PCLB Foundation The William H. Pitt Foundation, Inc.

FOUNDATIONS

Thomas L. Kempner, Jr., Foundation

The Act Foundation

36

Ambler Family Memorial Fund

INDIVIDUALS

American Online Giving Foundation

Anonymous (40)

Bedford Family Social Responsibility Fund

Sadiquah Adams

Bloomberg Philanthropies

Latoya Akpoesienwa

CAF America

Bruce and Nancy Alexander

Carson Family Charitable Trust

Jennifer Alexander

Charter School Growth Fund

William Alvarado

H. A. Vance Foundation

Gerald Antunes

JPMorgan Chase Foundation

Amy Arthur Samuels

Klyberg Educational Access Fund

Chris Bailey

Leo Nevas Memorial Fund

Keshia Barker

Lloyd G. Balfour Foundation

Eve and Frank Barron

Lone Pine Foundation, Inc.

Jennifer Barron

Near & Far Aid Association, Inc.

B. Bazemore

NewAlliance Foundation

Alex Bestman

“Next Chapter” A De Lisi Family Foundation

Andrew and Carol Boas

NewCity Foundation

Brianna Borbon

Papitto Opportunity Connection

Tiffany Bostic

Robbins Family Foundation

Charlotte Brigham

Robin Hood Foundation

Keith Brooks

Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors

Olivia Brooks

Russell & Carey Jeffrey Family Foundation

Crystal Brown

Silverleaf Foundation

Kelsie Bryer

The Charlene Y. Wang Charitable Trust

Maryellen Butke

The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven

Peter Butler


Paul Cabana

Katy Erbiti

Anne and Guido Calabresi

Audrey Eshub

Bella Canarte

George W. Evans III and Elizabeth R. Chesler

Awilda Candelaria

Chance Fagundes

Ruddy Canela

Ruben Felipe

Andrea Canon

Dick and Marissa Ferguson

Victor Capellan

Katie Fink

Natalie Cassello

Julio Flores

Sabrina Charles

Akeem Frett

Kerisha Christopher

Damon O. Gardine

Allen S. Church

Fana Garrick

Shaunakay Clarke

Lorraine Gibbons

Janelle Clarke-Holley

Kiersten Gibson-Cooper

Dave Coalter

Lori Glover

Lauren Cohen

Blanche and Steven Goldenberg

William Cohen

Ruby Gonzalez Hernandez

Jessica Collazo-Beau

Miliana Gonzalez

Robert Consla

Vanessa Gonzalez-Rivera

Romy and David Coquillette

Avril Gordon

Justin Cox

Valentina Greco

Anibal Crespo

Pedro Guerra

Charisse Cruz

Yuderky Gutierres

Jamie Cunningham

Kathy Hamel

K. Daisy Curbelo

Shentell Harford-Hammond

Velvida Currens

Onious Henry

Lauren D’Addario (Patalano)

Charlene Henryce

Desiree Dalton

Luis Hernandez

Kyla Darby

Ana Hidalgo

Victor De La Paz

Erica Hill

CheSan DeGazon

Daniel Hillman

Catie Delahanty

Janet Hoffman

Amanda Donaldson

Don Huml

Ben Doolittle

Shawnlee Hutchinson-Mitchell

Andrea and Alan Dorsey

Saraiz Inoa

Janine Duncan

Barry Jacobson

Cyricia Edwards

Carlyn Jean Baptiste

Emily Eisenlohr

Brittany Jean 37


Donors

38

Symiara Jenkins

Linda McMahon

Hu Jian

Jessie McQueen

Anne Johnson

Brenda Mejia

Sade Johnson

Henry Melzer

Chantelle and Robert Jones

Judith Mendez

Ines Juarez

Amanda Mexquititla

Jazmin Juarez

Esmeralda Mexquititla

Maguadalupe Juarez

Anthony Meyer

Miguel Angel Juarez

Nakia Meyers

Richard and Lydia Kalt

Valrose Minott

Steven Keough

Kevin Miquelon

Michael Kerin

Dixon Morisseau

Kayla Khor

Jennifer Mulhern

Andrea Kilpatrick

Erica L. and Timothy C. Murphy

Mitchell Kirsch

Maalik Murphy

Debbie Kovalsky

Tatyanna Nedd

Phillip Krall

Santana Newell-Thompson

Mary and Brian Krueger

Grant Newman

Damani Laidlow

Zakiyya Nicholas

Rajeev Lakra

Trelawn Noel

Martin Lechuga

Lindsay Nurse

Mayra Leon

Tanisha Nuzzi

Avis Levine

Alice Nyatome

Jesse Limoneous

Kerryann Oldham

John Linderman

Colleen Olsen

Lexi London

Alisa Omert

Erika Long

Jessy Onwuamaegbu

Phari Long

Erika Ortiz

Alondra Lopez

Sandra Ortiz

Dewey Loselle III

Jasmin Osborne

Rodolpho Loureiro

Michael P.

Jun Lu

Jose Paniagua

Christopher Lynch

Zakiya Paul

Peter Maccario

Peach & Bloom

Jon Marcantoni

Danielle Phillips

Lisa Margosian

Karen Pinnock Bernard

Courtney Martin

Jessica Pippin

Javier Martinez

David and Cheryl Pollak

Mark Mathias

Bertha Powell

Macky McCleary

Jason Prime

April Mckenzie

Nancy Pulla


Ellie Rabinovitz

Katie Stanton

Rebecca Raich

Aaron Stelson

Karla F Ramirez

Teneisha Stewart-Blair

Anthony Ramsey

Yvrose Tilus

Ana Reyes

Dacia Toll

Naixtza Rivera

Kevin Torres

Michelle Roberts

Michael Vanleesten

Valerie Rockefeller

Liliana Vasquez

Annetta Rodriguez

Mailyn Vasquez

Maria Rodriguez

Sthefanie Velez Colon

Sharonid Rodriguez

Beatriz Villegas

Stephanie Rodriguez

Jovanna Villegas

Elizabeth and John Rose

Maria Villegas

Rachel Ross

Migdalia Villegas

Ariela Rozman and Chris McGee

Samuel Walker

Rachel Rubin

Ari Weber

Maria Salazar

Shellean Weir

Deeraj Samaroo

Chloe Weisenhaus

Lisbeth Sanchez

Richard Weiss

Valeria Sanchez

Fleur Williams

Lauren Sanfilippo

Nyla Williams

Laura and Ken Saverin

Mary Lou Winnick

David L. Savin

Rick Witmer, Jr.

Katherine Savits

Marilyn Woolery

Taylor Scheer

Reggie Woolery

Margot Schonholtz

Yashira Zwisler

Erica and Andrew Schwedel Lindita Semanjaku Isadora Semsker Julia Semsker Meryl Senter Lorenzo Septs Donald Sheppard Ewura-esi Simpson Premjit Singh Reshma Singh Prince Sisouvong Mark Smith Brandon Sorlie Melissa Soto Nina Stachenfeld 39


FEDERAL HILL

EAST PROVIDENCE

SILVER LAKE

www.achievementfirst.org

Achievement First

achievement1st

470 James Street, Suite 007, New Haven, CT 06513 206 Elmwood Ave, Providence, RI 02907 25 Broadway, 12th Floor, New York, NY 10004

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