About KIPP SoCal

Together, A Future Without Limits.

KIPP SoCal Public Schools is a nonprofit organization that operates 24 tuition-free, open-enrollment charter public schools, within 20 Local Education Agencies (LEA), educating more than 10,000 students and supporting 8,900 alumni to and through college and beyond.

Our whole-child approach to learning not only focuses on rigorous academics, but also character development, enrichment, social-emotional learning, physical and mental health, and affirmation of identity.

Our award winning schools are part of the national KIPP (Knowledge Is Power Program) network, dedicated to meeting the needs of all learners and providing the social, emotional and academic support for success in high school, college, and life.

We Educate Over

10,000 students

We Support Over

6,800 alumni

We Operate

24 schools

KIPP SoCal: Joyful Excellence

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 create a more just world.

We believe the purpose of education is liberation, in cultivating a place and space where diverse identities are affirmed, voices are heard, and our students can envision what a just world is and feels like.

Our Vision

We believe in a world where every child can grow up free to create the future they want for themselves and their community.

The KIPP Approach

Our transformational public schools are built on five pillars.

At KIPP (Knowledge is Power Program), teachers, students, and families are all united around the same goal—to ensure that every child grows up free to create the future they want for themselves and for their communities. Our success is driven by:

Highly Effective Teachers & Leaders: We believe in the power of great teachers and school leaders. We learn from each other and with each other. We empower our school teams and invest in leadership development and training.

Safe, Structured & Nurturing Environments: We provide a safe, structured, joyful and nurturing learning environment. We build meaningful relationships built on love, empathy, compassion and respect, fostering a love of learning, a willingness to take risks and reap rewards.

Focus on Character: Success in life depends on both academics and learning. We help students foster character strengths that are essential for their own success, empowering students to express their voice with confidence and to improve the world around them.

High Expectations: Clearly defined and measurable high expectations for academic achievement and conduct creates and reinforces a culture of achievement and support. We know that every student is different and we personalize learning based on a student’s needs, skills, and interests.

KIPP Forward: Formerly KIPP Through College, our counselors and advisors support students as they prepare for and select the right college for their needs and interests. After high school, we help KIPP alumni navigate the social, academic, and financial challenges they might encounter while in college.

School Awards

National Blue Ribbon Schools Award

3 National Blue Ribbon Schools Awards

In the exemplary high performing category. KIPP Raíces Academy (2015), KIPP LA Prep (2016), & KIPP Comienza Community Prep (2017).

California Distinguished Schools Award

9 California Distinguished Schools Awards

KIPP Adelante Preparatory Academy (2006), KIPP LA Prep (2011, 2019 & 2021), KIPP Endeavor College Prep (2012), KIPP Academy of Opportunity (2013), KIPP Raíces Academy (2013), KIPP Comienza Community Prep (2018), KIPP Sol Academy (2021).

Innovate Public Schools Logo

11 Innovate Top Los Angeles County Public Schools

KIPP Academy of Innovation (2019 & 2020), KIPP Corazón Academy (2020), KIPP Comienza Community Prep (2019 & 2020),  KIPP Iluminar Academy (2019 & 2020), KIPP Promesa Prep (2020), KIPP Raíces Academy (2019 & 2020), KIPP Scholar Academy (2019 & 2020), KIPP Sol Academy (2019 & 2020), KIPP LA Prep (2019 & 2020), and KIPP Vida Preparatory Academy (2019 & 2020).

US News & World Report Best Elementary School

U.S. News & World Report Best Elementary Schools

KIPP Comienza Community Prep (2022), KIPP Iluminar Academy (2022), KIPP Promesa Prep (2022), KIPP Raíces Academy (2022)

US News & World Report Best Middle School

U.S. News & World Report Best Middle Schools

KIPP Academy of Innovation (2022), KIPP Comienza Community Prep (2022), KIPP Los Angeles Preparatory Academy (2022), KIPP Scholar Academy (2022), KIPP Sol Academy (2022)