Requirements & Curriculum

KIPP University Prep graduation requirements demonstrate a commitment to high expectations for all students. In order to graduate, students must be accepted into a 4-year college, complete 240 hours of community service, write 4 year-long research projects and complete a professional internship.

Parents, students and school staff make a choice to commit to doing whatever it takes to accomplish these requirements by signing a contract of mutual expectation and accountability…the “Commitment to Excellence”.

KIPP University Prep is designed with an intensive college preparatory program that includes the following elements:

• Rigorous curriculum aligned to ACT College Readiness Standards and offering Advanced Placement (AP) courses;
  
• Visiting faculty that include college professors;
  
• Safe, structured learning community where students enjoy school;
  
• High-quality teaching with a focus on getting 100% of our graduates into excellent colleges;
  
• Summer orientation programs and learning opportunities on college campuses, including leadership camps and enrichment experiences;
  
• College preparation and placement services;
  
• Academic and career mentoring from highly qualified teachers and professional volunteers;
  
• Field trip and professional internship opportunities;
  
• Robust technology training for students with daily access to laptops;
  
• Service learning initiatives with well-known Keystone School;
  
• Sports and fine arts programs for all students; and
  
• Transportation for all students in our attendance area.

Academics

U-Prep will have a rigorous, college preparatory curriculum that is aligned to state and ACT standards. Starting in 9th grade U-Prep students will take either English 1 Honors or English 1 Pre-Ap, Composition 1, Speech, either Algebra 1 or Geometry, Biology, Pre-AP World History, PE, either Spanish I or Spanish II, Freshmen Seminar, and two of the following electives: P.E., Dance, Team Sports, Art, Journalism or Creative Writing, Robotics or Service Learning/Leadership. Emphases will be placed on writing, critical thinking, reasoning and problem solving. Students will have opportunities to take college Advanced Placement (AP) courses starting in the 10th grade. We strive for excellence in teaching and learning. We are a community of learners.

Technology

To be competitive in today's job market, hopeful employees must be fluent in a wide range of computer applications. Most college courses rely on technology to deliver lessons and collect assignments. In order to meet these demands, beginning in the 9th grade, U-Prep students will do most of their work on school-issued laptops. U- Prep will offer a strong technology program which will train students in graphic and web design and multimedia production. 

Graduate Profile

U-Prep students will graduate with a Texas "Distinguished Achievement" diploma and acceptance into a 4 year university or college. Students must complete at least 27 credits, 4 year-long research projects, at least 1 professional internship and 4 year-long service learning projects to earn a KIPP University Prep diploma.

College Readiness

All students will participate in daily grade-level seminars in which they will hone their writing skills, debate issues, receive ACT preparation and advance their presentation skills.