Mission:
KIPP Heartwood Academy is a public, college-preparatory middle school committed to providing our students with the knowledge, skills, character, and intellectual habits needed to excel in college and to make positive change every single day.

History:
To achieve its mission, KIPP Heartwood Academy opened its doors to 73 fifth grade students in July 2004, becoming the first public charter school in Alum Rock. KIPP Heartwood Academy provides 5th through 8th grade students in Alum Rock and East San Jose with a rigorous, college-preparatory education that prepares them for success in the nation’s most rigorous high schools, colleges, and universities. By partnering with parents, teachers, community members, and the Alum Rock Elementary School District, KIPP Heartwood Academy proves that with the necessary desire, discipline, and dedication, East San Jose children can perform at the same high levels as other students in Santa Clara County and be on a solid track to success in high-school, college, and the competitive world beyond. Today the school serves 355 students in grades 5-8.

Values:
Honor | Excellence | Absolute Determination | Responsibility | Team

Enrollment:
355, grades 5–8

Student Body:
• 72% Latino or Hispanic
• 22% Asian
• 5% African American
• Over 60% designated as English Language Learners when they begin attending KIPP Heartwood Academy
• 86% qualify for the federal free and reduced-price meals program

Achievement:
KIPP Heartwood Academy has been the highest performing school in the Alum Rock school district since inception, earning both a “10” statewide rank and similar schools rank from the California Department of Education since opening. KIPP Heartwood ranks in the top 3.9% of all public schools in California.

Principal:
Sehba Ali is the founder and principal of KIPP Heartwood Academy in San Jose, CA. Prior to starting KIPP Heartwood Academy, Sehba earned a Masters from Stanford University’s School of Education and received training from the KIPP School Leadership Program, including study at the Haas School of Business. She began her career as a middle school English teacher in Houston, Texas. She also served as a Curriculum & Instruction developer at the KIPP Foundation. Sehba earned her B.A. in English and Psychology from UC Berkeley. Under her oversight, KIPP San Jose Collegiate, a new college-preparatory charter high school, will open in the East Side Union School District in the July 2008. Mrs. Ali currently serves on the KIPP Heartwood Academy board of directors and California Charter School Association Member Council.

Contact:
1250 South King Rd.
San Jose, CA 95122
Phone: (408) 928-2400
Fax: (408) 928-2401
sali@kippheartwood.org