KIPP NYC

KIPP NYC is a network of free, open-enrollment, college-preparatory public charter schools in New York City, founded by David Levin and Mike Feinberg, who were inspired by the teachings of Harriet Ball and the Knowledge is Power Program philosophy. The organization is part of the larger KIPP (Knowledge is Power Program) network, which was established in Houston, Texas, and has since expanded to include schools in Los Angeles, California, Chicago, Illinois, and other cities across the United States. KIPP NYC has partnerships with organizations such as the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Robin Hood Foundation, and the New York City Department of Education. The network has also collaborated with institutions like Columbia University, New York University, and the City University of New York.

● History

KIPP NYC was founded in 1995 by David Levin and Mike Feinberg, who were both Teach For America corps members at the time. The first KIPP NYC school, KIPP Academy Charter School, was established in the South Bronx and was modeled after the KIPP Academy in Houston, Texas. The school's early success was recognized by educators and policymakers, including Arne Duncan, the former United States Secretary of Education, and Joel Klein, the former Chancellor of the New York City Department of Education. KIPP NYC has since expanded to include multiple schools across the city, with support from organizations like the Caroline and James Kennedy Foundation, the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation, and the Walton Family Foundation. The network has also been recognized for its innovative approaches to education, including its use of Blended learning and Project-based learning, which have been studied by researchers at Harvard University, Stanford University, and the University of Pennsylvania.

● Schools

KIPP NYC operates a network of schools in New York City, including KIPP Academy Charter School, KIPP Infinity Charter School, KIPP STAR Charter School, and KIPP Washington Heights Charter School. These schools serve students in grades K-12 and are located in neighborhoods such as the South Bronx, Harlem, and Washington Heights. KIPP NYC schools have been recognized for their high academic achievement, including being ranked among the top-performing schools in New York State by the New York State Education Department. The schools have also been praised for their commitment to diversity and inclusion, with partnerships with organizations like the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and the Hispanic Federation. KIPP NYC has also collaborated with other charter school networks, including Success Academy Charter Schools and Uncommon Schools, to share best practices and improve student outcomes.

● Curriculum

The KIPP NYC curriculum is designed to prepare students for success in college and beyond, with a focus on STEM education and the Arts. The network has developed partnerships with organizations such as the New York Hall of Science, the American Museum of Natural History, and the Guggenheim Museum to provide students with hands-on learning experiences. KIPP NYC schools also offer a range of extracurricular activities, including sports teams, music programs, and clubs, which are supported by organizations like the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation and the YMCA of Greater New York. The curriculum is aligned with the Common Core State Standards Initiative and the Next Generation Science Standards, and is designed to promote critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration. KIPP NYC has also incorporated Social-emotional learning and Character education into its curriculum, with support from organizations like the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning and the Character Education Partnership.

● Admission

Admission to KIPP NYC schools is open to all students in New York City, with a focus on serving students from underserved communities. The network uses a random lottery system to select students for admission, with priority given to students from the surrounding neighborhoods. KIPP NYC has partnerships with organizations such as the New York City Housing Authority and the Department of Homeless Services to provide support services to students and families in need. The network also offers a range of programs and services to support students with special needs, including Special education and English language learner programs, which are supported by organizations like the National Center for Learning Disabilities and the Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages.

● Outcomes

KIPP NYC has a strong track record of academic achievement, with students outperforming their peers in New York City and across the state. The network has been recognized for its success in closing the Achievement gap and preparing students for college and careers. KIPP NYC alumni have gone on to attend top colleges and universities, including Harvard University, Yale University, and Stanford University, with support from organizations like the Posse Foundation and the QuestBridge program. The network has also been praised for its commitment to supporting students beyond graduation, with programs and services designed to help alumni succeed in college and beyond, including partnerships with organizations like the National College Access Network and the College Board.