FAQ

  1. What is KIPP Academy?

    KIPP Academy Charter School is a free public middle school that opened in 1995. In 2008-09, KIPP Academy will serve approximately 250 students in grades 5-8. Beginning in 2009-10, KIPP NYC will also open a high school to serve KIPP Academy students in grades 9-12.

  2. What sort of results have KIPP schools had?

    • 80% of the graduating class of KIPP NYC students are now enrolled in four-year colleges and universities.

    • Last year, over 91% of KIPP Academy 6th-8th grade students performed at or above grade level in Math, and 85% did the same in English.

    • By 8th grade, KIPP Academy students are at least twice as likely to be proficient in English and in Math as their peers in their local district.

    • KIPP Academy students had 97% average daily attendance in 2006-2007.

  3. What happens to KIPP students when they go on to high school?

    All students are admitted in the 5th grade and stay with the school until 8th grade. In 2009-10, KIPP NYC will open a high school for students graduating from KIPP Academy Middle School.

  4. What is the school schedule?

    By choosing to enroll at KIPP Academy, families and students commit to an extended school day that lasts from 7:25 am to 5:00 pm on Monday through Thursday, and 7:25 am to 3:00 pm on Friday. They also commit to attending a a Saturday school program that lasts from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm every other Saturday as well as a three-week mandatory summer school session (8:00 am to 2:00 pm).

  5. What is the school calendar?

    In general, KIPP Academy’s school calendar will follow the same schedule at the New York City Department of Education during the 2008-2009 school year. A more detailed calendar will be provided to all families in September. As mentioned above, summer school is mandatory for all KIPP Academy students.

  6. Do the students wear uniforms to school? Do I have to pay for the uniform shirts?

    Yes, all students are required to wear uniforms at KIPP Academy Charter School. All students will be provided with one KIPP Academy shirt free of charge. They will have the opportunity to purchase additional shirts over the summer and throughout the school year.

  7. How many students are in each classroom?

    The number of students in each classroom will vary depending on the subject.

  8. Do you take ELL (English Language Learner) or Special Education students?

    KIPP Academy Charter School is open to, and offers educational programming for, all students, including English Language Learners and special education students. Please note that there are no self-contained bilingual education or special education classes.

  9. When is the first day of school?

    The first day of school for incoming 5th graders will be on Monday, July 7th, 2008. Summer School hours will be from 8:00AM – 2:00PM from July 7th – July 25th, 2008. There is no Saturday School over the summer.

  10. Do you have free breakfast and lunch programs?

    Yes. Those students who are eligible for free or reduced lunch will receive breakfast and lunch (and an afternoon snack) as they did at their previous school.

  11. Will KIPP Academy provide transportation for my child to get to and from the school?

    As with any public school, KIPP Academy will provide eligible students with a ˝ fare or full fare metrocard depending on how far they live from the school.

  12. Where is the school and who can I contact with additional questions?

    The school is located on the fourth floor of 250 E. 156th St (near Grand Concourse). For more info, please contact Connie Owens, Office Manager at 718-665-3555 ext. 2000.

Lottery Process

  1. Do you have to apply to get into KIPP Academy?

    KIPP Academy Charter School is a public school open to all New York students that are incoming 5th graders. The only information needed to enter the KIPP Academy lottery is the student’s name and contact information. No test scores, demographic information, grades, recommendations, or behavioral history will be taken into consideration. According to new state law, KIPP Academy will give preference to applicants who reside within KIPP Academy’s community school district (District 7). All applications must be received by April 1 at 5pm via web, email, mail, fax, phone, or in person.

  2. How does the lottery work? Do I have to attend the lottery? How will I find out if my child was selected in the lottery?

    KIPP Academy plans to enroll 60-70 incoming 5th graders each year, including siblings and returning students. If the number of families interested in attending KIPP Academy exceeds this number, then KIPP Academy will conduct a lottery on April 3 at 5:30pm at KIPP Academy. All students entered into the lottery will have their names taken out of a box by an independent auditor. Open slots will be filled in the following order:

    3. a. Returning students

    b. Siblings of students already enrolled in KIPP Academy Charter School (by birth or legal adoption)

    c. Applicants who reside within KIPP Academy’s community school district (District 7)

    d. All other applicants

    Students will be contacted by phone to discuss the expectations of the school in the order they were drawn until all open slots are filled. Families may call the school beginning April 4th to find out the number that they were assigned in the lottery.

  3. Do you accept applications for 6th, 7th, and 8th graders?

    While there will be a lottery for 6th-8th grade students, we anticipate that there will be few, if any, open seats.

  4. Can I enter the lottery more than once?

    No. Each child may only enter once. Any duplicate applications will be taken out prior to the lottery.

  5. If I entered the lottery last year, do I need to enter again?

    Yes. There is a new lottery every year. Waitlists do not carry over from year to year.