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KIPP Philadelphia
Octavius Catto Middle School

Phone: (267) 567-5160

School Leader: Courtnee’ Walter, Founding Principal

5th Grades Served

2026 Year Founded

90 Students Enrolled

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Mission

At KIPP Philadelphia Octavius Catto Middle School, our mission is to provide a positive and rigorous learning environment where scholars develop Ownership, Wisdomship, Leadership, and Scholarship through rigorous academics, strong relationships, meaningful family partnerships, and high expectations paired with high support.

VISION

KIPP Philadelphia Octavius Catto Middle School will be a transformative community where scholars, staff, and families work together to cultivate a positive, rigorous, and affirming middle school experience. Staff will create learning environments rooted in meaningful relationships, high expectations, and strong support. Scholars will develop the confidence, knowledge, and character to achieve their fullest potential through Ownership, Wisdomship, Leadership, and Scholarship. Families will be valued as essential partners in their child’s success through consistent communication, active engagement, and meaningful feedback. Together, we will learn, lead, and soar to strengthen our communities and positively impact the world.

Values

OWNERSHIP

We take responsibility for our actions and learning.

WISDOMSHIP

We make thoughtful choices and seek understanding.

leadership

We positively influence our community and lead with integrity.

SCHOLARSHIP

We pursue excellence through effort, perseverance, and continuous growth.

Academics

Instruction at KIPP Philadelphia Octavius Catto Middle School is grounded in the belief that every scholar can achieve at high levels when provided with the right opportunities. We are committed to delivering high-quality Tier 1 instruction every day while using data to personalize learning, monitor progress, and ensure every scholar is equipped to learn, lead, and soar. Through a combination of rigorous curriculum, engaging instruction, personalized intervention, and strong educator collaboration, we will cultivate scholars who demonstrate Ownership, Wisdom, Leadership, and Scholarship both inside and outside of the classroom.

Year 1 School Theme

First Flight: Learning, Leading, and Soaring Together

The 2026–2027 school year marks the First Flight of KIPP Philadelphia Octavius Catto Middle School. As the founding class of Owls, our scholars will be the first to establish the traditions, expectations, and culture that will shape our school for years to come. Like young owls preparing to leave the nest and take flight, they are beginning a new journey into middle school — one filled with opportunities to learn, lead, grow, and discover their potential. Guided by the values of Ownership, Wisdomship, Leadership, and Scholarship, our founding Owls will help build a strong foundation for future generations while learning, leading, and soaring together.

Founding School Priorities

Positive and Rigorous Learning Environment

Scholars thrive when high expectations are paired with strong relationships, encouragement, and meaningful support.

Strong Tier 1 Instruction

Every scholar deserves high-quality instruction every day in every classroom.

Family Partnership

Families are essential partners in their child’s education and in the school community as a whole.