KIPP STEP Summer Program at Deerfield

Over the last five years, Deerfield Academy has enrolled more KIPPsters than any other national boarding school. Thanks to the partnership of KIPP with the Head of School and the admissions team at Deerfield, 40 KIPPsters from KIPP middle schools coast to coast spend three weeks in July at Deerfield Academy. While living in dormitories, they experience the academic challenges and opportunities at one of the most prestigious boarding schools in the country.

About the Program

The KIPP STEP (Success Through Enrichment Program) exposes students to the resources, academic rigor and high expectations of boarding school. The program encourages curiosity and familiarity with the language of physical and life sciences. During their three-week tenure, students take advantage of Deerfield's state-of-the-art equipment and resources by engaging in intensive lab work and experimental research in both biology and physics. Students also focus on English Language Arts, where they are challenged to develop advanced writing skills, and to read for greater depth and meaning.

The KIPP STEP curriculum also includes leadership and teambuilding. The program is taught by both KIPP and Deerfield teachers who work together, along with KIPP alumni, to make this experience the best that it could be.

Through the generous support of the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation and other KIPP friends and donors, all costs associated with boarding, transportation, and course materials are covered for all KIPP students.

Selection Process

In the Fall, school leaders and their staff were asked to identify and nominate up to two remarkable young students who exhibit intellectual curiosity, personal responsibility, leadership, and teamwork. Beyond test scores and grade point averages, nominees were considered based on teacher recommendations, personal evaluations, and student essays.

Reflections

Visit our Team & Family Blog to read reflections from two 2011 participants:

KIPP is committed to a policy of equal treatment for all individuals. KIPP does not discriminate on the
basis of race, color, gender, handicap, age, religion, sexual orientation, national, or ethnic origin.