Educational Design
The KIPP DC approach:
KIPP DC schools are free, open-enrollment, college-preparatory public schools where students develop the knowledge, skills, and character traits needed to succeed in top quality high schools, colleges, and the competitive world beyond. By providing a safe and structured learning environment, more time in school, and passionate, committed teachers, KIPP DC schools have helped students make significant academic gains.
Early Childhood
KIPP DC’s early childhood schools balance developmentally appropriate instruction in math, literacy, and general knowledge with Spanish, art, music, play time, and explicit instruction in social skills. Our youngest KIPPsters leave our early childhood schools knowing the year they will begin college and with skills well above their peers, ready to tackle elementary school.
Elementary School
KIPP DC’s elementary schools expand on the foundations of our early childhood schools and provide expanded math, literacy, science, social studies, and Spanish instruction. Emphasis is placed on teaching elementary students about the purpose and challenges of college and the hard work that it will take to get there.
Middle School
Our middle schools use a balanced literacy approach with phonics, readers and writers workshop, and novel study. Our math teachers use research-based methods to ensure our students are performing at the highest levels in the city. Students are exposed to a well-rounded curriculum including social studies, science, arts, music, languages, sports, and social skills development.
High School
At our high school, we offer rigorous college-preparatory classes, designed to prepare our students for success at the nation’s best colleges and universities. Honors and AP classes push our most ambitious students, while our top-notch arts, music, sports, community service, and extra-curricular programs provide ample time for students to pursue their interests outside the classroom. Our college counseling program starts their freshmen year, ensuring that 100% of our students will be college bound.
