Mission and Overview

KIPP Academy (Knowledge Is Power Program) is a college-preparatory, public charter school serving students in 5th through 8th grades. Our mission is to teach our students to develop the character and academic skills necessary to succeed in high school and college, to be self-sufficient, successful, and happy in the competitive world, and to build a better tomorrow for themselves and us all.

KIPP encourages students and their families to embrace an intense academic commitment as the key to students' future success. By choosing to enroll in KIPP Academy instead of their locally zoned school, students commit to an extended school day, week, and year. With about two thirds more time in school than their peers at district schools, KIPP Academy students have the time—as well as the guidance and support from teachers and classmates—to build the academic and character skills they need in school and in their lives beyond.

In addition, the structure of KIPP Academy mitigates many of the external factors that can hamper a student's ability to learn. In the community surrounding KIPP Academy, just 15% of adults have Bachelor’s degrees, and many students live in neighborhoods where illiteracy, drug abuse, broken homes, gangs, and juvenile crime are prevalent. With an extended school day, KIPP Academy students are safe during the after-school hours when many children face temptations and dangers relating to sex, drugs and alcohol, and violence. Even more important, KIPPsters are a part of a team and family that shares their college aspiration and their belief that with desire, discipline, and dedication, they can transcend obstacles on their way to a better future. From the time students join KIPP Academy in 5th grade, we focus on teaching them to overcome challenges and build vital character strengths, which will enable all of them to beat the dreary statistics and climb the mountain to and through college to lives of self-sufficiency, success, and happiness.