Mission:
Let knowledge be your compass.
KIPP Summit Academy (KSA) develops the academic skills, intellectual habits, and character qualities necessary for our students to succeed in high school, college, and the competitive world beyond. Based upon the founding principles of the Knowledge is Power Program (KIPP) Summit Academy fosters within our faculty, students and their families the desire, discipline and dedication to achieve a college education. There are no excuses and no shortcuts.

History:
KIPP Summit Academy opened in 2003 when founding principal Jason Singer and four other co-founders (Cathy Cowan, Micah Westerman, Antonio Tapia, and Jane Han) recognized San Lorenzo’s need for an empowering, successful college-preparatory school of choice. San Lorenzo is the most under-resourced and often overlooked communities in the Bay Area, and, in addition, at-risk students in San Lorenzo attend schools challenged by low test scores and live in neighborhoods in need of more after school programs and services.

Values:
Excellence | Teamwork | Optimism | Integrity

Enrollment:
360, grades 5–8

Student Body:
• 20% English Language Learners
• 42% Latino or Hispanic
• 30% Asian
• 15% African American
• 8% Caucasian
• 5% Native American or other
• 62% qualify for the federal free and reduced-priced meals program

Achievement:
KIPP Summit Academy’s students outscored the San Lorenzo Unified School District, as well as the state average, on all parts of the California Standards Test in all grades in the 2006-07 school year. KIPP Summit Academy continues to be the highest performing middle school in their district and the only school in the District to achieve an API score over 800, a distinction they have held since inception.

Principal:
Cathy Cowan is the principal and a co-founder of KIPP Summit Academy. Prior to joining KIPP, she spent two years instructing fifth grade students in Brooklyn, NY in a self-contained inclusion classroom as part of the NYC Teaching Fellows. During her fellowship she was recognized by the district as a model classroom and served as the lead teacher. Prior to her career in education, Cathy had reached the level of Director of Business Development in her business career. She was responsible for buying, developing and selling companies and technology. Cathy holds eight patents in various materials and methods. Cathy received her Bachelor of General Studies in Business and Economics at the University of Connecticut and her Masters of Science in Education at Brooklyn College. She completed the KIPP Leaders in Training program at Stanford University and is currently enrolled in the KIPP School Leadership program at National Louis University for her Certificate of Advanced Studies and credential in school leadership.

Contact:
KIPP Summit Academy
2005 Via Barrett
San Lorenzo, CA 94580
Phone: (510) 258-0106
Fax: (510) 258-0097
ccowan@kippsummit.org