Early Childhood Education (PreK3-K)
Early childhood teachers at KIPP DC are often the first touchpoint to a student’s school career and work hard to develop a desire for joyful learning in our youngest learners. KIPP DC gives its early childhood students a strong foundation in the core academic subjects through play-based learning instruction and an emphasis on developing the social and emotional skills necessary to succeed in school and life.
Our Classrooms
In each classroom, we strive to create a fun, safe, nurturing, and inviting environment for all students. Our state-of-the-art classrooms allow students to engage in learning and play. Class sizes range from 19-22 students and each has 3 teachers (1 lead teacher, 1 assistant teacher, and 1 teaching resident).
Our Preschool Curriculum
KIPP DC’s early childhood schools use the Tools of the Mind curriculum for PreK, which focuses on developing self-regulation by allowing children to learn and play alongside one another in a structured and supportive environment. Kindergarten teachers use Reader’s Workshop and My Math curricula to deliver effective, high-quality, and engaging instruction that promotes a love for hands-on learning with an emphasis on student growth. Literacy, math, and science lessons are integrated into this approach through ‘intentional make-believe play’ to keep students engaged and teach them valuable academic and social skills.
Student Support Services
We foster the whole child’s development with holistic student support services. We create safe and structured learning environments with social-emotional learning and mental health support for all learners.
Extracurriculars
Strong academics are complemented by robust activities to give our students a well-rounded education. Past extracurriculars and partnerships have included: donuts with dad, literacy nights, sports, ballet performances, chat & chew academic presentations, and many more!
Our Schools
- KIPP DC Arts & Technology Academy
- KIPP DC Connect Academy
- KIPP DC Discover Academy
- KIPP DC Grow Academy
- KIPP DC LEAP Academy (PreK3, PreK4 only)
- KIPP DC Pride Academy
Elementary Schools (1st -4th grade)
KIPP DC elementary schools are committed to building joyful classrooms with rigorous instruction that prepares students for success in middle school and beyond. Teachers cultivate a love of learning, build confidence and self-advocacy by highlighting students’ talents and passions, and ensure that all students receive meaningful intervention and support.
Our Classrooms
KIPP DC elementary classrooms provide a space for all students to feel loved and a sense of belonging. Teachers work alongside families to support students as they learn the social-emotional skills and strategies to navigate the classroom, school, and the world around us. Class sizes range from 19-22 students and each has 2 teachers in each class.
Our Curriculum
English Language Arts: KIPP DC elementary schools take a balanced approach to literacy. Our elementary schools use Reader’s and Writer’s Workshop curricula to build a love of reading and writing for students at every level. Classrooms have libraries aligned to students’ reading levels, giving students choices in the books they read. Literacy instruction is strengthened through time by building early literacy skills, close reading, intervention, and the use of instructional technology throughout the day.
Mathematics: Our elementary schools develop a love of math in students using a combination of MyMath and EngageNY for the core math curriculum and build a conceptual understanding of math through cognitively guided instruction. To support continued growth in math, students also use STIMath and Khan Academy technologies
Social-Emotional Learning
KIPP DC elementary schools use several research-based social and emotional curricula. PATHs facilitate emotional literacy, self-control, social competence, positive peer relations, and interpersonal problem-solving skills. Toolbox teaches students strategies that promote resilience, self-management, and decision-making skills. Each KIPP DC elementary school has at least two full-time mental health practitioners on-site, and teachers receive extensive training in restorative practices and trauma-informed teaching.
KIPP DC’s elementary schools also partner with organizations like Turnaround for Children to implement and train teachers on best practices, ensuring all children feel a sense of belonging in our schools.
Extracurriculars
At each KIPP DC school, we foster a sense of community through robust learning, partnerships, and activities. Past extracurriculars and partnerships have included: art, videography, cooking club, Girls on the Run, literacy circles, dance teams, theater, music, Books & Basketball, and many more
Our Schools
- KIPP DC Heights Academy
- KIPP DC Inspire Academy
- KIPP DC Lead Academy
- KIPP DC Promise Academy (Kindergarten – 4th grade)
- KIPP DC Quest Academy
- KIPP DC Spring Academy
Middle Schools (5th – 8th Grade)
At KIPP DC middle schools we thrive to have inclusive, identity-affirming, and learning-rich spaces where student’s voice is elevated and student growth is emphasized. In addition to core academic courses, middle school students participate in a variety of elective classes including physical education, dance, orchestra, media, and art. Middle schools use a positive behavior intervention system to support students in becoming independent in a positive learning environment.
Our Curriculum
English Language Arts & Social Studies: KIPP DC middle schools use the Reader’s and Writer’s Workshop curriculum. This balanced literacy model builds authentic literacy skills through mini-lessons and ample independent reading and writing time. Our Discovery Education social studies curriculum builds off literacy skills and introduces students to a global perspective while building their civic and technology skills. Our Culturally Responsive Curriculum Committee, comprised of teachers and leaders, ensures that the texts, resources, and curriculum enrich learning through BIPOC history and stories.
Mathematics & Science: Through inquiry-based lessons, the STEM team creates classrooms that lean into productive struggle. KIPP DC uses the Open Up Resources curriculum for math, with independent practices, exit tickets, and other supplemental materials created by instructional coaches—differentiating and tailoring the curriculum for students. FOSS kits are used alongside our science curriculum to engage students through experiential learning.
Extracurriculars & Family Partnerships
Strong academics are complemented by engaging in extracurricular activities and a commitment to partnering with families, giving our students a well-rounded education. Past extracurriculars and partnerships have included: student council, boys and girls basketball, coding club, cheerleading, choir, investment club, Pretty Brown Girl, KIPP Parent Organizations, and many more!