About
KIPP Philadelphia Preparatory Academy opens in North Philadelphia as the flagship middle school, serving a cohort of 90 students.
A simple, but powerful idea
Building a Better Tomorrow
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.
KIPP Philadelphia Public Schools is a network of eight public charter schools that opened its doors in 2003. In partnership with families and community members, KIPP Philadelphia provides a free academically excellent K-12 education in joyful learning environments. From elementary to high school, our program prepares students with the skills and confidence needed to pursue the college and career of their choice. Today, KIPP Philadelphia Public Schools, located in North and West Philly, serves 3,200 students and more than 1,300 alumni. A part of KIPP Public Schools national network made up of 275 schools, KIPP schools are united by a common mission and committed to providing students with the tools needed to lead fulfilling lives and build a more just world.
Building a more Just World
Our Mission
Together with families and communities, we create joyful, academically excellent schools that prepare students with the skills and confidence they need to pursue the paths they choose—college, career, and beyond—so they can lead fulfilling lives and build a more just world.
Reinvigorating Public Education
Our Vision
Our vision is to achieve our mission at a critical mass—thereby reinvigorating public education in this city through the performance of our students and schools and the leadership of our educators.
Our history
Timeline
2003
2009
KIPP West Philadelphia Preparatory Charter School, located in West Philadelphia welcomes its first class of fifth graders.
2010
KIPP Philadelphia Elementary Academy opens in North Philadelphia as the network’s very first elementary school.
KIPP DuBois Collegiate Academy, the first and only high school, opens its doors in the West Parkside section of Philadelphia.
2016
KIPP West Philadelphia Elementary Academy joins KIPP DuBois as the West Philadelphia campus expands to serve elementary school students.
2018
KIPP North Philadelphia Academy provides an elementary school option for students in North Philadelphia.
2022
KIPP Philadelphia Octavius Catto Elementary offers students in West Philadelphia a K-1 education and expand to serve K-4.
By the Numbers
Our Impact
275 Schools • 175,000 Students & Alumni • 27 Regions
KIPP Across the Nation
