View map of all KIPP schools >

About KIPP

KIPP, the Knowledge Is Power Program, is a national network of free, open-enrollment, college-preparatory public charter schools with a track record of preparing students in underserved communities for success in college and in life.

 

Who We Are

There are currently 125 KIPP schools in 20 states and the District of Columbia serving more than 41,000 students. More than 86 percent of our students are from low-income families and eligible for the federal free or reduced-price meals program, and 95 percent are African American or Latino. Nationally, more than 93 percent of KIPP middle school students have graduated high school, and more than 83 percent of KIPP alumni have gone on to college.

There are 70 KIPP middle schools (grades 5-8), 37 elementary schools (grades Pre-K-4), and 18 high schools (grades 9-12). Students are accepted regardless of prior academic record, conduct or socioeconomic background.

 

What We Believe

Since our founding, it has been our core belief that all students, regardless of their zip code or demographics, will learn and achieve. We are committed to serving the students who need us most and refuse to accept anything less than an excellent college-preparatory education for students from low-income communities. 

 

What We Do

Essential to creating a great system of schools is having our eyes on the same goal: college graduation. At KIPP, teachers, leaders, students, and parents are all united around this goal.  By providing outstanding educators, more time in school learning, and a strong culture of achievement, KIPP is helping all students build the skills needed to make it not only to, but through, college.
Learn more about Our Approach >>


Why It Matters

The future of our country depends upon our collective commitment to providing all children with access to a great education. In particular, there is a level of urgency when we consider the challenges faced by the one in five children living in poverty in America. We need to work together to change the reality that a child in a more affluent community is seven times more likely to graduate from college than a child growing up in poverty.   

 

How We're Organized

A majority of schools in our network operate within regions—a local system of schools. Schools in regions are supported by a central office, governed by a common local board, and led by a local executive director.

Schools clustered in KIPP regions can share instructional practices and materials, thereby accelerating innovation in the classroom. In a KIPP region, the KIPP school leader can focus on students, teachers, and families while a central office provides services across multiple schools, such as operations and alumni services.

At KIPP, we believe that a large degree of school leader autonomy can be preserved in a system of schools that makes selective investments in standardization (such as frameworks for defining a healthy school and leadership development), which enables the system to operate effectively and efficiently.