KIPP origins

KIPP began in 1994 when two teachers, Mike Feinberg and Dave Levin, launched a fifth grade public school program in inner-city Houston, TX, after completing their commitment to Teach For America. In 1995, Feinberg remained in Houston to lead KIPP Academy Middle School, and Levin returned home to New York City to establish KIPP Academy in the South Bronx.

Since their founding, the original KIPP Academies have sustained track records of high student achievement. While fewer than one in five low-income students typically attend college nationally, KIPP’s college matriculation rate stands at nearly 80 percent for students who complete the eighth grade at KIPP. In addition, KIPP alumni have earned over $12 million in college scholarships.

For more on KIPP results, go to KIPP Results

KIPP Foundation

In 2000, Doris and Donald Fisher, co-founders of Gap, Inc., formed a unique partnership with Feinberg and Levin to replicate the success of the two original KIPP Academies across the country through the non-profit KIPP Foundation. The KIPP Foundation focuses its efforts on recruiting, training, and supporting outstanding teachers to open new, locally-run KIPP schools in high-need communities.

For more on the KIPP Foundation’s plans for growth, see What is the KIPP Foundation?
For the KIPP Foundation leadership, see Our leadership team and Our board of directors

The KIPP Foundation trains prospective school leaders through the yearlong KIPP School Leadership Program, which includes an intensive program of coursework at Stanford University run in partnership with the Stanford Educational Leadership Institute (SELI), residencies at other KIPP schools, and support from experienced KIPP staff.

For more on KIPP’s training programs for school leaders, see Lead a KIPP school

KIPP schools

There are currently 57 KIPP public schools in 16 states and the District of Columbia enrolling more than 14,000 students. Across the KIPP network, 55 of the existing 57 schools are charter schools. The majority of KIPP schools, 48 of 57, are middle schools designed to serve fifth through eighth grade students. The remaining nine are five high schools, three pre-kindergarten/elementary schools, and one pre-kindergarten through eighth grade school.

In the 2008-09 school year, eight new schools will open, bringing the total to 65 KIPP schools in 19 states and the District of Columbia, serving over 16,000 students.

Over 90 percent of KIPP students are African American or Hispanic/Latino, and more than 80 percent of KIPP students are eligible for the federal free and reduced-price meals program. Students are accepted regardless of prior academic record, conduct, or socioeconomic background.

For more on KIPP schools, go to What is a KIPP school?
For a list of KIPP schools, go to KIPP Schools Directory