AMISTAD ACADEMY

Amistad Academy is a Title I public charter school that is part of the Amistad Academy District school district, located in New Haven, CT with about 1,081 students offering grade levels from Kindergarten to 12th Grade. Student demographics can be found below. A Title I school provides supplemental financial assistance to school districts for children from low-income families. Its purpose is to provide all children significant opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, and high-quality education. With about 136 teachers, Amistad Academy has a student/teacher ratio of about 7:1. The national average for public schools is about 15:1. A lower student/teacher ratio is a key factor that determines how much a teacher can devote his/her time to each individual student thus improving, or reducing (in the event of a higher student/teacher ratio) the attention each student is given for their educational needs.

Amistad Academy, located on Edgewood Avenue in New Haven, Connecticut, is the founding school of the Achievement First network. Established in 1999, it holds the distinction of being Connecticut’s first public charter school. The academy was created with the specific mission of closing the achievement gap and ensuring that students from historically underserved communities have access to a rigorous, college-preparatory education. By operating as a tuition-free public charter, the school provides an alternative to the traditional district model, focusing on high expectations, character development, and academic excellence.

The educational philosophy at Amistad Academy is defined by a structured, "no-excuses" approach that emphasizes extended school days, a data-driven curriculum, and a strong culture of discipline and respect. The school serves grades K–12 across its various campuses in New Haven, aiming to prepare every student for success in four-year colleges and beyond. As the flagship for the broader Achievement First organization—which now operates numerous schools across the Northeast—Amistad Academy serves as a model for urban educational reform and continues to be a prominent subject in discussions regarding charter school efficacy and community-based school choice.

For more information, contact Amistad Academy at (203) 772-7000 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.