Learn More about KIPP

Sense of Belonging  |  Academic Excellence  |  Family & Community Partnerships  |  Teacher Support & Growth |  College & Career Guidance 

Sense of Belonging

KIPP provides a positive and supportive learning environment where students of all races, incomes, and abilities are known, respected, and empowered. KIPP Northern California uses trauma-informed practices to ensure an inclusive classroom environment that promotes social-emotional development and affirms the identity, background, and experience of every KIPP student. 

How do we do this?
  • KIPP schools are public schools that are open to all students, regardless of background.  
  • KIPP schools foster a positive school community where caring adults look out for the needs of children and ensure that all students feel emotionally and physically safe to learn.  
  • KIPP schools use restorative practices to help students learn about the impact of their actions on others and work to reach a resolution that benefits the school community. 
  • KIPP schools offer sports, music, and drama programs where students can discover their passion and develop the interests that help sustain their engagement in school as they grow. 
  • KIPP schools educate students from many backgrounds, including those with learning differences and those who do not speak English as their first language.
  • All KIPP schools have on-site mental health counselors to provide social-emotional support for students.

KIPP students are building confidence and social & emotional learning. I love that our students have authentic connections with each other, the staff, and they take that out to their families and communities.

Michelle Verrochi, School Leader at KIPP Navigate 

Academic Excellence

KIPP fosters a culture of academic excellence and intellectual curiosity through individualized instruction that meets the learning needs of every student. A KIPP education helps students develop the academic skills and character strengths needed to succeed in college and life.

How do we do this?
  • KIPP schools foster a culture of achievement and encouragement starting in Kindergarten.  
  • KIPP schools teach a rigorous curriculum that will prepare students for success in college across all academic subjects. 
  • KIPP schools use data to track progress and tailor lessons to meet the unique learning styles and needs of all students.  
  • KIPP schools have a sustained track-record of academic excellence on state achievement tests in math, English, reading, and social studies.  
  • KIPP schools create a culture of intellectual curiosity where students are encouraged to reach their full potential and explore ideas that will make the world a better place.  

KIPP was really dedicated to my success, they want me to be my best self at all times and that really helped build my character.

Isiah Davis, KIPP SF College Prep alum

Family & Community Partnerships

KIPP partners with families and local organizations in their communities to support healthy development for children. KIPP joins other educational and community-based groups in advocating for issues that matter to their families, such as immigration rights. 

How do we do this?
  • KIPP partners with local community-based organizations, such as the Boys and Girls Club, to enrich after school offerings and deepen our capacity to meet the social-emotional needs of our students.
  • KIPP advocates for issues that matter to families and the broader community.  
  • KIPP schools know the challenges their families are facing economically — particularly with housing — and work proactively to meet children’s physical needs so they can focus in school.
  • KIPP is committed to sharing lessons learned with the broader public school system and learning from best practices at other schools.  

Our kids are teaching us! The parents greet one another and support each other, too. I ask for help and also provide help in return. We are a community of love and that includes parents, teachers, and students.

Alina Arroyo, Parent, KIPP Valiant

Teacher Support & Growth

KIPP recruits and retains a diverse group of teachers with high expectations who believe in KIPP’s mission and are committed to helping all students reach their full potential. KIPP equips teachers with opportunities for professional growth through individual coaching and specialized professional development.

How do we do this?
  • KIPP teachers are racially diverse and use teaching approaches that affirm the identities and backgrounds of all of our students. 
  • KIPP teachers are part of a team and united by a common belief in the ability of all students to achieve academic excellence and develop character strengths.   
  • KIPP teachers receive individualized coaching and support to improve their teaching and subject knowledge.
  • KIPP teachers have multiple avenues to grow professionally, improve their classroom practice, and make their teaching more individualized and culturally responsive to the students they educate.
  • KIPP teachers use restorative practices to mediate conflict and resolve disputes.   

What I appreciate about KIPP’s professional development opportunities is that they are really intentional and always aimed at making us better teachers and leaders so we can help our students grow.

Ernestina Thompson, AP English teacher at KIPP King Collegiate

College & Career Guidance

KIPP prepares students to identify their passion, purpose, and plan for how to thrive in college, shape the future, and positively impact the world. After high school, KIPP advisors help alumni navigate the academic, social, and financial challenges they might encounter while in college or pursuing a career.

How do we do this?
  • KIPP teachers and staff mentor students over the entire course of their education–from elementary, middle school, high school and into college and careers. 
  • The KIPP Forward team provides structured support focused on college readiness, persistence, and completion. 
  • KIPP students receive financial literacy, college and career programming, and access to internship and mentorship programs.
  • KIPP alumni in college continue to receive mentoring and support from counselors through graduation.
  • KIPP students who elect not to attend college receive career guidance and support as well.  

My teachers at KIPP SFCP helped me with a lot of support and taught me skills I need to succeed in college and life. 

Alexia Umanzor, KIPP SF College Prep alum