Students

On the day they enroll in a KIPP school, all students learn that they will graduate from college.

Many students enter KIPP in the fifth grade at least one grade level—and in many cases two or more—behind their more privileged peers in reading and math. The majority of KIPP Bay Area Schools students live in poverty; over 73% of them are eligible for the federal free and reduced-price meals program.

Rather than use the many challenges they face as excuses, KIPP Bay Area Schools students convert their desire, discipline, and dedication into excellence.

Click on a photo below to meet some of our students:

  • Abraham is speaking at a podium.

    Abraham Gonzalez

    KIPP Summit Academy, Alumnus
    KIPP King Collegiate, Class of 2011

    “(Since I started high school) I have taken every opportunity to become a leader. I am in multiple clubs, yearbook, mock trial, and student government. After I graduate from KIPP King, I plan to attend Pitzer College. I want to become a history teacher and teach my students where we all came from.”

  • Sergio

    Sergio Baez

    KIPP Heartwood Academy, Alumnus
    KIPP San Jose Collegiate, Class of 2012

    “At KIPP San Jose Collegiate, we are pushed to a different level. Normally, freshmen would take a lower level math. My teammates and I took Algebra II. The teachers grasp the knowledge from a higher level and bring it to us. That way we are more prepared for college. Also, in this school— teasing, fights, there is no tolerance for it. If it happens, the teachers step in and stop it. That makes me feel safe.”

  • Roman

    Roman Grace

    KIPP Bridge Charter School, Class of 2015

    “I am in pursuit of showing the world what students in West Oakland are made of. I choose to go to KIPP Bridge because I know I can better prepare myself here for high school and college.”

  • Courtney

    Courtney Smith

    KIPP Bayview Academy, Class of 2014

    “At KIPP Bayview Academy, I’ve gotten a lot smarter! I feel prepared to go on to a college-prep high school. An important lesson I’ve learned here is not to give up. When my grades have slipped, the teachers have made me continue to strive. I never give up.”

  • De’Andre

    De’Andre Wright

    KIPP Bayview Academy, Class of 2014 | Listen.

    “At KIPP Bayview, all of us are on the same track—the track to college. This is the right school for me. I have developed a connection with the teachers here and I wouldn’t do anything to interrupt that bond.”

    Listen to De’Andre talk about KIPP at the February 9, 2010 School Board meeting.

  • Claire

    Claire Phoumyvong

    KIPP Summit Academy, Class of 2014

    “I feel my intelligence is above average now because I can help older friends who are in high school with their homework. I’ve been at KIPP Summit Academy since fifth grade. I’ve learned here that everything is possible, that I can go to college and be happy in life.”