KIPP Myths

Because KIPP schools have such high performing students, produce exceptional results and are predominantly comprised of students from minority and low-income communities, there a several myths and misconceptions around how KIPP schools are able to achieve such phenomenal results.

FALSE.

KIPP schools are free open-enrollment schools that do not factor a student's prior academic performance or aptitude into their enrollment decisions.

While the performance of students that attend KIPP schools may seem to indicate that it has "skimmed" the smarter students the fact is that the KIPP principles of High Expectations, Choice and Commitment, More Time, Power to Lead, and Focus on Results, actually work.

This myth is often the result of latent or patent prejudice about what minority and low-income students are capable of or a result of those not willing to be held accountable for the poor performance of their minority or low-income students.

FALSE.

KIPP schools are open equally to people of all racial and ethnic backgrounds.

KIPP school founders have consciously chosen to locate their schools in communities with great educational needs and in low-income communities, as these are the communities where families have fewer educational options and communities where oftentimes schools' expectations of students and parents have practically forced students to perform poorly.

The facts are that the face of poverty in the United States is disproportionately Black and Hispanic. (http://www.statehealthfacts.org/comparebar.jsp?ind=14&cat=1).

So while the perception maybe be that KIPP schools are segregated it is not along racial lines.

FALSE.

KIPP teachers and school leaders truly believe that all kids can and will learn and are willing to put in the time and effort that every student needs.

But at the end of the day KIPP Schools are schools of choice and students and parents that ultimately decide that a college preparatory education is not for them always have the choice to stay or leave.

FALSE.

KIPP schools teach students respect, not respect for authority but respect for themselves, their own education and respect for the education of their fellow KIPPsters.

Behavior that is disrespectful or threatens the learning environment of the school is not tolerated.