Here are 3 ways that a high-ranked Nashville high school is working to help its students

A recent ranking places KIPP Nashville Collegiate High School among the five best high schools in the city. The school’s principal credits expanding college prep work, a supportive staff and a positive outlook for the continued growth of this school, which serves primarily students of color.

The latest U.S. News and World Report measures factors like college readiness, graduation rates, advanced class offerings and state test scores.

Halima Labi, KIPP Collegiate’s principal, told WPLN News that the accolades are nice but that she’s more focused on how those rankings translate to real-life opportunities.

“Being proficient in English and in math, or getting a 21 or above on the ACT, that’s going to give them access to Hope Scholarships. That’s going to give them access to Tennessee Promise,” she said. These programs provide scholarships ranging from $1,600 to covering the full tuition for students enrolled in a Tennessee college or university.

“We’re talking about open accessibility for our students.”

This aligns with the mission of KIPP, which stands for the Knowledge is Power Program. The school is part of a national network of public charter schools focused on preparing kids in underserved and low-income communities for college and career success.

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