KIPP school gets an 'A' third time; McDaniel points to plans to grow breadth of span

ByBlack Chronicle Staff

For the third consecutive year, KIPP Reach College Preparatory, a public charter middle school in Oklahoma City, has received an “A” on the Oklahoma state schools report card.

This news comes as KIPP prepares to grow in Oklahoma City to serve even more students from underserved backgrounds.

“We are excited about receiving an ‘A’ for the third year in a row,” said KIPP Reach founding principal Tracy McDaniel.

“This grade is a testament to the dedication and commitment of our staff, students and parents.

“We’re committed to helping our students achieve at the highest levels, and to get ready for success in college and life beyond.”

Founded in 2002, KIPP Reach is located in northeast Oklahoma City, and currently serves300 students in grades 5-8. 82 percent of whom are Black, with 76 percent from low-income backgrounds. Over the past five years, KIPP Reach has become one of the highest-performing middle schools in the Oklahoma City metropolitan area.

It was named a national Blue Ribbon School in 2012, and has been included on lists of the nation’s top schools by organizations like The Best Schools and School Digger.

Mr. McDaniel also received a 2012 national Terrel H. Bell Award from the federal Department of Education, and was recognized as one of the top seven principals in the country that year.

KIPP is planning an expansion in Oklahoma City, with an ultimate goal of operating five charter schools in the city by 2020.

When that goal is reached, Mr. McDaniel said KIPP Reach will educate 2,500 students in grades pre-kindergarten-12.