KIPP

KIPP (Knowledge Is Power Program) is a national network of tuition-free, college-preparatory public charter schools in the United States. Founded in 1994 in Houston by Teach For America corps members Mike Feinberg and Dave Levin, it began with a single class of 47 fifth graders and has since grown to 279 schools serving nearly 125,000 students across 28 regions. The organisation employs over 16,000 educators.

Two programmes define its work. The KIPP Public Charter School Network operates schools built on high expectations, extended learning time and deep partnership between families and teachers. KIPP Forward provides alumni support that continues through college and beyond. Its stated aim is to help students develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to create the future they desire and deserve.

KIPP describes its internal culture as a “Team and Family” philosophy, pairing academic rigour with an emphasis on character development. It holds that all students, regardless of background or zip code, deserve and can achieve an excellent education. The organisation works across the education and public charter school sectors in the United States.