It all started with a simple, but powerful idea... If we help children develop the academic and character skills they need for college and choice-filled lives, they will be able to build a better tomorrow for themselves, for their communities, for everyone.
Our Story
KIPP Philadelphia Public Schools opened its doors with a single flagship middle school on July 14, 2003 under the direction of Marc Mannella, with support from a community coalition of parents and business leaders and a dedicated group of founding teachers. Hartranft Community Center provided a temporary location for the founding class of 90 fifth grade students at the corner of 8th and Cumberland in North Philadelphia. The following year the school kept their founding students as 6th graders and brought in a new fifth grade class. Outgrowing the community center, the school moved to a more permanent location in North Philadelphia.
Since then, KIPP Philadelphia Public Schools has opened five additional schools in North and West Philadelphia and plans to expand to ten schools. Learn more about our schools.
