KIPP: The Growth and Impact of the Knowledge is Power Program
The Knowledge is Power Program (KIPP) is a prominent network of tuition-free, open-enrollment public charter schools designed to prepare students for college. Specifically targeting historically underserved communities across the United States, KIPP operates as a Charter Management Organization (CMO)—an entity that manages multiple charter schools to ensure consistency in quality and instructional approach.
Founded in 1994 by Mike Feinberg and Dave Levin, both former Teach For America corps members, the program was heavily influenced by the instructional methods of educator Harriett Ball. What began as a small initiative for fifth graders in Houston, Texas, has expanded into one of the largest public charter networks in North America.
Key Facts
- Founded: 1994 by Mike Feinberg and Dave Levin.
- Scale: Approximately 278 schools serving nearly 125,000 students as of 2024.
- Model: Tuition-free, college-preparatory public charter schools.
- Financials: Reported revenue of $168.4 million and expenses of $166.9 million in 2018.
- Reach: Regional offices in San Francisco, Chicago, New York City, and Washington, D.C.
History and Expansion
Following the initial success in Houston, the founders expanded the model quickly. While Feinberg developed KIPP Academy Houston, Levin established KIPP Academy New York in the South Bronx. To facilitate nationwide replication, the KIPP Foundation was formed through a partnership with Gap Inc. co-founders Doris and Donald Fisher.
The network's philosophy and growth have been documented in several publications, including Work Hard. Be Nice. by Jay Mathews (2009) and How Children Succeed by Paul Tough (2012). Beyond direct schooling, KIPP has contributed to teacher training and helped establish the Relay Graduate School of Education.
Operational Model and School Structure
The Application and Commitment Process
Because demand often exceeds capacity, KIPP utilizes a lottery system for admissions. Once selected, families participate in a home visit with a principal or teacher to discuss expectations. To finalize enrollment, students, parents, and teachers must sign a commitment of excellence, a formal agreement to fulfill specific responsibilities to ensure the student's path to college.
Extended Learning Hours
KIPP is known for its rigorous schedule, with most schools operating from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This extended day provides up to 50% more classroom time than traditional public schools in some regions. This additional time is used for core academics as well as sports, performing arts, and visual arts—activities that might otherwise be financially or logistically inaccessible to students.
Performance and Academic Analysis
The effectiveness of the KIPP model has been a subject of significant study. A 2010 evaluation by Mathematica Inc. found that the majority of KIPP schools had positive and statistically significant impacts on state assessment scores in reading and math.
However, some critics and researchers have raised concerns regarding student selection and attrition. A 2005 report by the Economic Policy Institute suggested that KIPP's process may self-screen for students with more supportive families or higher initial motivation. Additionally, a 2008 SRI International study noted high attrition rates in some Bay Area schools, where 60% of certain fifth-grade cohorts left before completing eighth grade.
College Graduation Outcomes
KIPP aims for a 75% college graduation rate. While this is ambitious, data from a 2011 report on the first middle school program (1999-2000) showed a 33% college graduation rate. While lower than the 75% goal, this significantly outperformed the 8% graduation rate typically seen for students from similar economic backgrounds.
| Metric | KIPP (Early Cohort) | Similar Economic Background | U.S. National Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| High School Completion | 95% | 70% | 83% |
| College Enrollment | 89% | 41% | 62% |
| College Degree Earned | 33% | 8% | 31% |
Challenges and Controversies
KIPP has faced several organizational and legal challenges over the years:
- Leadership: Co-founder Mike Feinberg was removed in 2018 following allegations of sexual misconduct.
- Financial Misconduct: In 2022, it was revealed that a director of technology embezzled $2.2 million intended for equipment.
- Legal Issues: KIPP Houston schools were found to have charged parents impermissible fees, and a New York teacher was arrested for the abuse of a student.
- Labor Relations: The network has seen a rise in unionization, with teachers in Baltimore, the South Bronx, St. Louis, and Columbus forming or joining unions between 2011 and 2023.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a CMO and an EMO?
A Charter Management Organization (CMO), like KIPP, manages a network of brick-and-mortar public charter schools. An Education Management Organization (EMO) is often a for-profit entity that may provide online curricula and services without necessarily managing physical schools.
How are students admitted to KIPP schools?
KIPP uses an open-enrollment policy. If there are more applicants than available seats, students are admitted through a lottery system.
What is the "commitment of excellence"?
It is a formal agreement signed by students, parents, and teachers. It outlines the responsibilities each party must uphold to ensure the student succeeds and eventually attends college.
Does KIPP charge tuition?
No, KIPP schools are tuition-free public charter schools.
How does the KIPP school day differ from traditional schools?
KIPP schools typically have extended days (often 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.), providing significantly more instructional time and access to extracurricular activities than many traditional public schools.