KIPP School Summit

KIPP School Summit (KSS) is a gathering of the KIPP Team and Family to connect, learn, and share with our colleagues and friends from across the country.

Thank you for a wonderful KIPP School Summit 2024!

Watch our highlight reel to get a sense of what KSS was like for the 3,000 KIPP educators in attendance.

Performers and Speakers

Watch our talented student performers and speakers take the stage, ending the night with a special concert by Common!

  • Student Performers
    • Estrellitas de Sorto — Washington, DC

      Estrellitas de Sorto — Washington, DC

      KIPP Promise Academy dance teacher, Edwin Sorto, brings his passion for education, dance, and music to life with his students, and the result is the sensational group Estrellitas de Sorto. They focus on honoring the African diaspora through Latin dance and serve as ambassadors for the power of partnered dance as a vehicle for expression. Their electrifying routine, fueled by Edwin’s dedication and creativity, showcases the remarkable talent and energy of KIPP DC students.

      KIPP DC's Estrellitas de Sorto performance
    • Fierce Lionettes — Miami, FL

      Fierce Lionettes — Miami, FL

      At the Opening Ceremony, KIPP Courage Academy’s dance team, the Fierce Lionettes, delivered an unforgettable performance. The mission of the Fierce Lionettes is to educate lifelong artists who embody leadership, excellence in dance, and discipline. It aspires to create a community built on respect, equity, collaboration, and belonging. Watch this video to experience the Fierce Lionettes’ vibrant choreography and the powerful presence they brought to the stage, exemplifying the spirit and talent of the KIPP community.

       

      KIPP Miami's Fierce Lionettes performance
    • KIPP Tulsa 3D Drumline

      KIPP Tulsa 3D Drumline

      KIPP Tulsa 3D Drumline kicked off the Opening Ceremony with an electrifying performance that set the stage for a 30th anniversary celebration. The mission of the KIPP Tulsa Music Program is to create a learning environment to provide the highest order of education in all major aspects of music, establish a foundation for lifelong learning through music, and encourage students to succeed in high school, college, and beyond.

      KIPP Tulsa 3D Drumline performance
    • KIPP West Philadelphia Orchestra and Band

      KIPP West Philadelphia Orchestra and Band

      Watch the KIPP West Philadelphia Orchestra and Band take the main stage at KSS! Their vibrant music and impressive talent showcase the rich artistry and dedication of these young musicians. The goal of the program is to create a K-8 youth orchestra in West Philadelphia and unique opportunities for students to showcase their talents and perform at a professional level. KIPP West has performed for the Philadelphia Eagles, 76ers, and at the Kimmel Center.

      KIPP West Philadelphia Orchestra and Band performance
    • KIPP Austin Collegiate Dance Crew

      KIPP Austin Collegiate Dance Crew

      Watch the KIPP Austin Collegiate (KAC) Dance Crew in action at KSS! This dance crew is a competitive performance group founded in 2010, and comprises of 10th-12th graders passionate about expressing themselves through rhythm and movement. In the 2023-24 school year, KAC Dance Crew competed in three cities and earned a Division I title, Best in Category Hip Hop, Best in Category Novelty, six Judges Awards, and a “Wow” Award.

      KIPP Austin Collegiate Dance Crew performance
    • Gamma Kappa Phi Boys Step Team — Atlanta, GA

      Gamma Kappa Phi Boys Step Team — Atlanta, GA

      The dynamic and powerful performance by KIPP Atlanta Collegiate’s Gamma Kappa Phi Boys Step Team left us all in awe, showcasing the remarkable skill and energy of these young performers. The team was founded in 2000 to form a group of young men who were examples to their school both on the step floor and in the classroom. Since then, they have won seven Georgia Steppers League State Championships as well as a National Championship in 2016.

      KIPP Atlanta Collegiate's Gamma Kappa Phi Boys Step Team performance
    • Eddie Ramirez — Alum, Houston, TX

      Eddie Ramirez — Alum, Houston, TX

      Eddie Ramirez is a dancer, choreographer, and creative who competed with KIPP Houston High School’s co-ed team KIPP Krew under the direction of Kinder Award winner Fendi Baggs. A recipient of the Award for Excellence in Performance and Choreography, Eddie continues his passion for the arts through community programming and teaching.

      A talented artist, Eddie received the YES! Magazine Powerful Voice Essay award and was named KIPP Krew Co-Ed Varsity Male Dancer of the Year. He is passionate about leveraging business to benefit low-income communities and plans to pursue business and marketing in college to advance this mission.

      Eddie Ramirez, KIPP Houston High School alum, dances at KSS
    • Windy Indie — Alum, Chicago, IL

      Windy Indie — Alum, Chicago, IL

      Windy Indie is a classically trained violinist from the West Side of Chicago whose versatility on the violin is rooted in her humble beginnings. Since picking up the violin as her principal instrument in 6th grade at KIPP Ascend Middle School, she has become passionate about music and encouraging others to believe in themselves.

      Windy Indie, KIPP Chicago Public Schools alum, performs at KSS 2024
    • Mashaud Strozier — Alum, Atlanta, GA

      Mashaud Strozier — Alum, Atlanta, GA

      Mashaud Strozier is a KIPP Atlanta Collegiate alumnus and a performing member, board of director, and marketing manager of the Cascade Dream Team, a nonprofit roller skating team, where he spearheaded initiatives to promote roller skating culture, youth development, and financial literacy at the iconic Cascade Family Skating Rink.

      Mashaud Strozier, a KIPP Atlanta alum, performs.
  • Student Speakers
    • Brooklyn Smith — Charlotte, NC

      Brooklyn Smith — Charlotte, NC

      Brooklyn Smith, a fifth grader from KIPP Change Academy, shares how her KIPP community has boosted her confidence both in and out of the classroom. She speaks about what drives her to persevere through challenges and emphasizes the importance of the KIPP team and family’s unwavering commitment to helping students like her create a more just and equitable world for themselves and their communities.

      Brooklyn Smith speaks at KSS.
    • Jehu King — Jacksonville, FL

      Jehu King — Jacksonville, FL

      “I had the incredible honor of attending and speaking at KIPP School Summit 2024, and it was an experience I’ll never forget! As I stood on stage sharing my journey, I couldn’t help but reflect on how KIPP has shaped me into the person I am today. From the classrooms of KIPP Impact Academy to KIPP Bold City High School, every step of the way has been filled with growth, learning, and invaluable experiences that will always stay with me.”

      Jehu King of KIPP Jacksonville speaks at KSS
    • Rocio Mendoza — Alum, Houston, TX

      Rocio Mendoza — Alum, Houston, TX

      Rocio Mendoza reflects on her experience as a KIPP Texas alumna, beginning her journey as a KIPPster 30 years ago. Hear her inspiring story of growing up alongside the national network of public schools and witnessing its growth and impact.

      Rocio Mendoza speaks at KSS
  • Features
    • Common Shows Love to KIPP

      Common Shows Love to KIPP

      Acclaimed rap artist and actor Common takes the stage at KSS 2024 and delivers an incredible performance. Watch Common shoutout KIPP Public Schools, helping us celebrate our 30th anniversary.

      Common performs at KSS 2024
    • Student Art Competition

      Student Art Competition

      We are thrilled to shine a spotlight on our students’ artistic achievements in a unique and exciting way. Instead of a traditional Student Art Gallery, we invited our student artists to create and submit artwork that embodies the theme: Every Student. Every School. Every Day.

      The response was phenomenal, and the selected pieces were featured on exclusive KSS swag! Yes, you heard that right! Thousands of attendees had the chance to take home these special items adorned with the inspiring artwork of our talented KIPP students.

      KSS 2024 Student Art Competition
    • A Book Talk with Dr. Mahalia Hines

      A Book Talk with Dr. Mahalia Hines

      Watch Dr. Mahalia Ann Hines, a distinguished teacher and principal with over three decades of experience, discuss her book Tomorrow’s Children: ‘Raising Children to Stay Human in a High-Tech Society’. This is not just a book; it is a heartfelt call to action. Drawing from her background as both a parent and an educator, Dr. Hines provides a compelling guide for parents and teachers navigating the complexities of raising children in an era dominated by advancing technology. Filled with personal stories, insights, strategies, and activities, Dr. Hines invites readers to envision the future adults they want to nurture and presents a roadmap for fostering love, empathy, and gratitude in the generations to come.

      Dr. Mahalia Hines gives a book talk.
    • Back in My Day...Preparing Students For a Future of Tech

      Back in My Day...Preparing Students For a Future of Tech

      Technology changes at a rapid pace. Things that were high tech when you were in school may now be obsolete. As educators, it’s our job to ensure that students are ready for a world of evolving technology, but what does that future look like and what skills do we need to teach students? Join leaders in the field of AI and tech to explore the possibilities for our students, and learn about what you can do to prepare yourself and students for the future.

      Back In My Day... Preparing Students For a Future of Tech that We Didn't Grow Up With
    • Building a Better Education System

      Building a Better Education System

      Renowned educator and former Chancellor of D.C. Public Schools, Kaya Henderson, brings her wealth of experience to the forefront in “Equity in Action: Building a Better Education System.” Henderson will inspire attendees to consider the responsibility we have as educators to create a future for students that is full of possibility.

      Building a Better Education System
    • Creating Schools Where Everyone Thrives

      Creating Schools Where Everyone Thrives

      Julie Jackson has spent three decades in education, spanning roles from classroom teacher to serving as a dean of students, a principal, a Chief Schools Officer, and now as Co-Chief Executive Officer for Uncommon Schools. Join us for an engaging conversation where Julie will share her personal commitment to the work, the lessons she’s learned over the years, and what we can do to make sure that we’re creating schools where everyone thrives.

      Creating Schools Where Everyone Thrives
    • Revolutionizing Education: A Fireside Chat with Reed Hastings

      Revolutionizing Education: A Fireside Chat with Reed Hastings

      “This learning organization attribute is the core superpower of KIPP. Now I look back at the 20 years and see the amazing progress. They are on the forefront of learning. They are not defensive. Always curious.” —Reed Hastings

      Reed, whom Forbes credits with “revolutionizing how the world is entertained,” is a pioneering entrepreneur, business leader, and active educational philanthropist. In an intimate fireside chat with KIPP CEO Shavar Jeffries, Reed draws on his longtime leadership on the KIPP Foundation board to discuss why he remains inspired by the potential of K12 education, how disruptors lead through change, and what he views as the next big challenges facing KIPP and the education sector.

      Revolutionizing Education: A Fireside Chat with Reed Hastings

Some Highlights from KSS!

Celebrating Award Winners

This year, we celebrate more than 30 phenomenal KIPP leaders, teachers, staff, and partners for their outstanding commitment to students and their communities. Meet our KSS 2024 Award Winners.

Photo of KSS attendees in a session.

Find Session Recaps on KIPP Share

Visit the KSS Resource page on KIPP Share for session materials. Content will be added over time by session instructors.

Log into KIPP Share