The Knowledge Is Power Program (KIPP)
is a network of free open-enrollment college-preparatory public schools
in under-resourced communities throughout the United States. The KIPP
model emphasizes outstanding educators, more time in school, a rigorous
college-preparatory curriculum, and a strong culture of achievement and
support to help students make significant academic gains and continue
to excel in high school and college.
One of the most visible differences in the KIPP schools, when compared with
public schools, is the actual time students spend in school. KIPP students are in
school learning 60 percent more than average public school students,
typically from 7:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. on weekdays, every other
Saturday, and for three weeks during the summer. The school year
also includes enrichment offerings such as
tennis, martial arts, and pottery. In
spite of the long hours, average daily attendance at KIPP schools is 96
percent.
With Kauffman Foundation support, Kansas City’s first KIPP free charter school opened its doors to
students on July 9, 2007. KIPP Endeavor Academy (KEA) is a college
preparatory school whose mission is to serve students in
under-resourced communities and get them on the path to college. The school will ultimately serve up to 360 students in grades five through eight.
KIPP (Knowledge
is Power Program) has proven students can be successful if they are
provided with outstanding educators, longer learning periods, rigorous
curriculums, high expectations for achievement, and strong support. Nationally, after four years at KIPP, 100 percent of KIPP eighth grade classes outperformed their district averages in both mathematics and reading/English language arts, based on state tests. More than 85 percent of KIPP students from the original two KIPP Academies are matriculating to college, compared to the 20 percent of low income students who go to college nationwide.
There are currently 66 KIPP schools in 19 states and the District of Columbia serving over 16,000 students. For more information on KIPP, visit www.kipp.org 
