Creating joyful, academically excellent schools

KIPP is a non-profit network of 255 college-preparatory, public charter schools educating early childhood, elementary, middle, and high school students.

Our Mission

Together with families and communities, we create joyful, academically excellent schools that prepare students with the skills and confidence to pursue the paths they choose—college, career, and beyond—so they can lead fulfilling lives and build a more just world.

Our Vision

Every child grows up free to create the future they want for themselves and their communities.

The KIPP Foundation

The nonprofit KIPP Foundation trains and develops outstanding educators to lead KIPP public schools; provides tools, resources and training for excellent teaching and learning; promotes innovation; and facilitates the exchange of insights and ideas across KIPP and other public schools and organizations.

Our Structure
KIPP Foundation Chief People Officer Valerie Hamilton

Meet Our Leadership Team

This exceptional team of passionate and talented individuals is committed to leading an organization that values sense of purpose, results, respect, constant learning and humility, and diversity and inclusivity.

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Dr. Michael Lomax

Meet Our Board of Directors

Experts in their fields and passionate about educational equity, the KIPP Foundation’s Board of Directors provide trusted guidance and leadership for the growth, quality, and sustainability of the entire KIPP network.

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National Partners & Donors

The KIPP Foundation has been fortunate to receive the support of philanthropic and collaborative partners who have made, and continue to make, a significant contribution to the success, sustainability, and impact of the KIPP network.

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  • KIPP National Partners Accenture
    Accenture
  • KIPP National Partner Arthur Rock and Toni Rembe
    Arthur Rock and Toni Rembe
  • Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
  • KIPP National Partner Thomas and Susan Dunn
    Thomas and Susan Dunn
  • KIPP National Partners Doris & Donald Fisher
    Doris & Donald Fisher Fund
  • KIPP National Partner Walton Family Foundation
    The Walton Family Foundation
  • KIPP National Partners The Atlantic Philanthropies
    The Atlantic Philanthropies
  • KIPP National Partners Broad Foundation
    The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation
  • KIPP National Partners Michael & Susan Dell
    Michael & Susan Dell Foundation
  • KIPP National Partners Robertson Foundation
    Robertson Foundation
  • KIPP National Partners Citi Foundation
    Citi Foundation
  • KIPP National Partners Jack Kent Cooke Foundation
    Jack Kent Cooke Foundation
  • Karsh Family Foundation
    Karsh Family Foundation
  • KIPP National Partners New Profit, Inc.
    New Profit Inc.
  • KIPP National Partners Rainwater Charitable Foundation
    Rainwater Charitable Foundation
  • KIPP National Partner US Department of Education
    U.S. Department of Education

Get Started With KIPP

Enroll at KIPP

Get the education your family deserves.

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Work With KIPP

Love what you do. Work at KIPP.

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Donate to KIPP

Give the gift of opportunity.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Yes. KIPP schools are tuition-free, public charter schools open to all students. There are 255 KIPP schools across the country educating early childhood, elementary, middle, and high school students.

    Every KIPP school is approved to operate by a charter school authorizer—typically a district school board, university, or state department of education—that makes sure the school is living up to the commitments in its charter and is in compliance with relevant federal, state, and local requirements. KIPP schools are primarily funded through public federal, state, and local dollars, along with supplemental funding through charitable donations from foundations and individuals.

  • Charter schools are tuition-free public schools and enrollment is open to all students. They are independently operated schools that run with more flexibility than traditional public schools in exchange for increased accountability.

    The “charter” that establishes each school is a contract detailing the school’s mission, program, performance goals, and methods of assessment. Every public charter school has an authorizer which, subject to state law, may be a district school board, university, Mayor’s office, or non-profit organization.  Authorizers are responsible for holding charter schools accountable for compliance with their operating agreements or “charters.”

    Like all public schools, charter schools are:

    • Tuition-free and part of the free public school system
    • Held to state and federal academic standards
    • Open to all students, including those with disabilities
    • Funded primarily through a combination of federal, state, and local tax dollars
    • Not affiliated with or restricted to a particular religious group
  • KIPP schools are part of a national network of schools that operate with support from the KIPP Foundation. The non-profit KIPP Foundation trains and develops outstanding educators to lead KIPP schools, provides tools, resources and training for excellent teaching and learning, promotes innovation, and facilitates the exchange of insights and ideas within the KIPP network and with district schools, colleges and universities, and non-profit organizations across the country.

    Learn More

  • Each KIPP regional organization is a separate non-profit that oversees their local KIPP schools and provides those schools with shared services in areas such as alumni support, teacher training, leadership development, advocacy, operations, and data analysis. KIPP regions are embedded within their communities and they partner with neighboring schools and community-based organizations to best support their students. All KIPP regional organizations are governed by a local board of directors and led by an executive director or superintendent.

  • KIPP schools are public charter schools that are primarily funded by local and state dollars, along with some funding from the federal government.

    Local and state per-pupil funding covers the vast majority of KIPP’s operational costs. To fund KIPP’s expansion and ensure the sustainability of KIPP schools, KIPP regions raise additional funding from local donors and foundations.

    To learn more about KIPP’s funders or to make a contribution to KIPP, visit Support KIPP.

Every Child Deserves A Transformative Education.

Support for the KIPP Foundation guarantees that current and future KIPP schools have the resources they need to make college a reality for more children in educationally underserved communities. Your contribution helps students across the country access a life of choice and opportunity. Your donation invests in the dreams of more than 100,000 KIPPsters to choose their own life path.