Mission Statement
KIPP is a national network of free, open-enrollment, college-preparatory public schools with a track record of preparing students in underserved communities for success in college and in life. There are currently 82 KIPP schools in 19 states and the District of Columbia serving more than 21,000 students.
KIPP builds a partnership among parents, students, and teachers that puts learning first. By providing outstanding educators, more time in school learning, and a strong culture of achievement, KIPP is helping all students climb the mountain to and through college.
Every day, KIPP students across the nation are proving that demographics do not define destiny. Eighty percent of our students are from low-income families and eligible for the federal free and reduced-price meals program, and 90 percent are African American or Latino. Nationally, more than 90 percent of KIPP middle school students have gone on to college-preparatory high schools, and over 85 percent of KIPP alumni have gone on to college.
There are 55 KIPP middle schools (grades 5-8), 16 elementary schools (grades pre-K-4), and eleven high schools (grades 9-12). Students are accepted regardless of prior academic record, conduct, or socioeconomic background.
Our mission is to create a respected, influential, and national network of public schools that are successful in helping students from educationally underserved communities develop the knowledge, skills, character and habits needed to succeed in college and the competitive world beyond.
Description
Since our inception, KIPP has focused on helping students in underserved communities climb the mountain to and through college. With college graduates today earning twice the salary of high school graduates, obtaining a college degree has never mattered more. KIPP believes that K-12 public schools today are preparing far too few low-income and minority students for college and careers. Yet there is a prevailing assumption that children in underserved communities cannot achieve at high levels, and that schools cannot empower students with life-changing opportunities.
At KIPP, we are challenging this assumption in two ways: first, by transforming the lives of the students we serve in our growing network of schools; and second, by inspiring others to reconsider what is possible in public education.
