Our Mission

KIPP's mission is to equip our students with the academic skills and character traits necessary to succeed in college and the competitive world beyond.

The Knowledge is Power Program (KIPP) is a network of free open-enrollment college preparatory public schools in under-resourced communities throughout the United States. At KIPP, there are no shortcuts: outstanding educators, more time in school, a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum, and a strong culture of achievement, and support help our students make significant academic gains and continue to excel in high school and college.

KIPP began when two Teach for America corps alumni, Mike Feinberg and Dave Levin launched an intensive 5th grade program at Houston's Garcia Elementary School. Their students' academic success and interest in learning inspired Feinberg and Levin to expand the program throughout the country. The following year Feinberg founded KIPP Academy Houston and Levin founded KIPP Academy in the South Bronx.  KIPP came to Denver in 2002.

In 2000, Don and Doris Fisher, founders of GAP, Inc., formed a unique partnership with Feinberg and Levin to replicate the success of the two schools. Stemming from the belief that great schools need great leaders, they established the KIPP Foundation with the goal of replicating the KIPP model in other parts of the country. Today, there are 82 KIPP schools in 19 states and the District of Columbia serving over 20,000 students.