Elementary Schools (1st -4th grade)
KIPP DC elementary schools are dedicated to creating joyful, rigorous classrooms that prepare students for middle school and beyond. The focus is on fostering a love of learning, building confidence, and encouraging self-advocacy by recognizing students’ talents and passions. Teachers ensure that all students receive meaningful support and interventions..
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 22-26 students, and some have 2 teachers in each class.
Our Curriculum
English Language Arts: KIPP DC elementary schools take a balanced approach to literacy. Our elementary schools use Fishtank Learning and Really Great Reading Curricula to develop strong early phonemic awareness and phonics foundational skills and to foster a love of reading and writing in students at every level. Classrooms have libraries aligned to students’ reading levels, giving students choices in the books they read. Literacy instruction is strengthened over time by building early literacy skills, close reading, intervention, and use Playgrounds Blended Learning programs throughout the day.
Mathematics: Our elementary schools develop a love of math in students using a combination of Eureka Squared Mathematics for the core math curriculum to advance equity in the math classroom by helping students build enduring math knowledge. Students also use STMath and Zearn Blended Learning programs to support continued growth in math.
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, guitar club, Girls on the Run, Pretty Brown Girls, DC Scores Poetry and Soccer, literacy circles, dance teams, theater, music, Books & Basketball, and many more.