On August 16, the KIPP SoCal community gathered in Florence-Firestone to cut the ribbon on the brand-new home of KIPP Ignite Academy.
The celebration marked both the opening of a long-awaited campus and the school’s 10-year anniversary — a full decade of learning, growth, and community.
Founded in 2015, KIPP Ignite has spent its first decade serving TK–4 students across multiple split campuses in the Florence-Firestone and Watts neighborhoods. Despite those challenges, Ignite built a strong reputation for joyful, academically excellent learning and for creating a sense of belonging that alumni carry with them for years to come.
The ribbon-cutting program reflected that journey. Two alums, Elektra S. and Zakari G., now 8th graders at KIPP Philosophers Academy, served as powerhouse hosts for the ceremony. The KIPP Ignite Choir, directed by Ms. Elizabeth and produced by Ms. Clingmon, brought the celebration to life with a moving performance that filled the new campus with song. A special shoutout to the Office of Assemblymember Sade Elhawary for their support and partnership in celebrating this milestone with our community.
Current School Leader Christopher Carlair reflected on the decade-long journey that brought Ignite to this moment. “This building is a blessing. But it’s not the finish line — it’s a launchpad. Because while we’re celebrating 10 years of history, I’m already thinking about what we’re building for the next 10. Ten more years of pushing kids toward college and choice-filled lives,” he said.
Former School Leader Danielle Johnson, who helped guide Ignite through years of transition, also addressed the crowd, recalling the challenges and triumphs of building the school community. “I have watched this school grow from 8 classrooms to 18. I have traveled to 6 different campuses to ensure that all of Ignite’s students and staff had what they needed, no matter the need,” she shared. "I set out the goal to get us to the new building, and here we are. Give us a round of applause.”
As the ribbon was cut and families explored the bright new classrooms, play spaces, and learning environments, the day served as a reminder of how far KIPP Ignite has come in 10 years. It also looked ahead to the future: one filled with even more joy, achievement, accountability, and, above all, Ignite Pride.