History.

KIPP (Knowledge Is Power Program) began in 1994 when two teachers, Dave Levin and Mike Feinberg, launched a fifth-grade public school program in inner-city Houston, Texas, after completing their commitment to Teach For America. While only half of the students passed their fourth-grade tests before enrolling in KIPP, that year more than 90 percent passed the Texas fifth-grade exams in English and mathematics.

In 1995, Feinberg remained in Houston to lead KIPP Academy Middle School, and Levin returned home to New York to establish KIPP Academy in the South Bronx. These two original KIPP Academies became the starting place for a growing network of schools that are transforming the lives of students in underserved communities, and redefining the notion of what is possible in public education.

Today, there are 82 KIPP schools serving over 21,000 students in 19 states and Washington, DC. KIPP schools are open to all students regardless of prior academic record, behavioral conduct, or socioeconomic background. Over 80 percent of KIPP students are from low-income communities, and more than 95 percent of KIPP students are African American or Latino.

KIPP Aspire Academy MS (grades 5th - 8th) opened in the summer of 2003.  KIPP University Prep HS opened in summer of 2009.  KIPP University Prep currently serves 9th and 10th grade only, and will add a 11^th grade in summer 2011 and an additional grade each year until it is a full 9th-12th grade high school.  Together, these schools currently serve about 700 students.  At full growth, which will include two elementary schools that will open in the next several years, KIPP San Antonio will serve over 2,700 students.

Impact.

KIPP San Antonio is a growing network of free, open-enrollment public schools that provide an excellent education to underserved low-income students inside Loop 410.

The KIPP San Antonio educational model works. We start by hiring the very best and brightest teachers and providing them the tools they need to succeed: more time in the classroom, freedom to plan and deliver innovative lessons, and a higher starting salary.

Our students benefit from an academically rigorous program that focuses on college readiness, character development and lifelong wellness. By attending school 50 percent more than their counterparts in traditional school settings, they gain the skills they need for college success. KIPP San Antonio students also have unique cultural and social opportunities such as annual end-of-year field lessons, engagement in community service, leadership training, and participation in fine arts and technology courses.

In addition, every KIPP San Antonio student develops close relationships with teachers and other adults at school. All students have advisors who work closely with them and their families. Through our KIPP Through College Program we continue to maintain ties with our alumni long after they have moved on to higher education. These relationships ensure that students receive the support and resources they need to prepare for higher education and for life.

Growth.

In summer 2009, KIPP San Antonio launched an expansion effort that will take us to five schools – two elementary schools serving grades K – 4^th, two middle schools serving grades 5^th – 8^th and one high school serving grades 9^th -12^th.  By 2015, KIPP San Antonio will be serving approximately 2700 students from within its Loop 410 boundary area.

Our next school, KIPP Camino Academy middle school will open its doors in summer 2010 and will serve 5^th grade students in its first year.  It will add an additional grade each year until it is a full 5^th – 8^th grade middle school.

The two elementary schools will be opened sometime after 2010.