SF: Spotlight on KIPP Elementary

To continue in our coverage of local schools, I am turning the spotlight on KIPP Elementary. Though San Francisco parents can only place their children in public schools through lottery, KIPP (Knowledge Is Power Program) is definitely one to consider.

The school’s mission shows that its foundation is an excellent one:

OUR MISSION“KIPP San Francisco Bay Academy is dedicated to providing our students with the knowledge, skills and character traits they will need to succeed in top-quality college preparatory high schools, colleges, and the competitive world beyond. We take our mission very seriously, and our students are among the hardest working around, with national and state test results that prove their commitment and dedication. In 2005-2006, our KIPPsters grew 140 points on the Academic Performance Index, making us the fourth-ranked middle school in San Francisco. Of all top-ranked schools, we have by far the largest African-American and Latino populations. Next year, for 2007-2008, we plan to be the number-one ranked middle school in the city.”

KIPP seems to be meeting that goal already, since, according to its webpage, KIPP has been designated a California Distinguished School. 181 students attend fromn 7:30am to 5:00pm. They spend the day focused on learning, with a range of 18-21 students per class compared to the national average of 30. Not surprisingly, KIPP rates very high with parents and students, and has excellent test results.

 Along with high test scores and high parent/student approval, KIPP involves students in civic works such as the Elders Program which pairs seniors in assisted living homes with 5th grade visitors.  And this is just one example of the kind of community outreach KIPP fosters. 

Thus, dedicated to diversity, academics, and community responsibilty, KIPP might be an excellent choice for young students in San Francisco.

•  Watch a video about KIPP here: http://www.sfbayacademy.org/video.htm
• Read parent reviews and peruse test scores here:

           http://www.greatschools.net/school/parentReviews.page?id=12639&state=CA