The KIPP approach

KIPP schools are free, open-enrollment, college-preparatory public schools where underserved students develop the knowledge, skills, and character traits needed to succeed in top quality high schools, colleges, and the competitive world beyond.

By providing a safe and structured learning environment, more time in school, and high-quality teachers, KIPP schools have helped students make significant academic gains.

For more on KIPP results, go to KIPP Results

Each KIPP school is governed by a local board of directors and led by a school leader recruited and trained by the KIPP Foundation.

Five Pillars

KIPP schools share a core set of operating principles known as the “Five Pillars”: High Expectations, Choice & Commitment, More Time, Power to Lead, and Focus on Results.

One of the “Five Pillars” is more time. KIPP students are in school learning 60 percent more than average public school students, typically from 7:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. on weekdays, every other Saturday, and for three weeks during the summer. Rigorous college-preparatory instruction is balanced with extracurricular activities, experiential field lessons, and character development. In spite of the long hours, average daily attendance at KIPP schools is 96 percent.

For more information on the remaining operating principles, go to Five Pillars

Types of KIPP schools

KIPP schools open in the 2008-09 school year can be classified into three groups:

• Middle schools – The traditional KIPP middle school starts with a fifth grade and adds a grade each year to serve fifth through eighth grades. Of the 66 KIPP schools, 52 are middle schools.
• High schools – In 2004, KIPP opened its first high school in Houston, TX. Today, there are seven KIPP high schools around the country. KIPP high schools begin with a ninth grade and add a grade each year until they become full ninth through twelfth grade high schools. More about high schools ...
• Elementary schools – In 2004, KIPP opened its first pre-kindergarten/elementary school in Houston, TX, and there are now seven KIPP elementary schools across the country. KIPP pre-kindergarten/elementary schools begin with a first pre-kindergarten class and add a grade each year until eventually enrolling pre-kindergarten through fourth grade students.

For a list of KIPP schools by location, go to our Schools Directory