Five Pillars

KIPP Tulsa centers its approach towards high student achievement through the building and fostering of a strong school culture. This is accomplished through a core set of operating principles known as the Five Pillars that all KIPP schools are expected to uphold.

High Expectations . KIPP Tulsa has high expectations for academic achievement and conduct which makes no excuses based on the students' background. Students, parents, faculty and staff create and reinforce a culture of achievement and support through a range of formal and informal rewards and consequences for academic performance and behavior.

Choice & Commitment. Students, parents, faculty and staff of KIPP Tulsa choose to participate in this program. No one is assigned or forced to attend. Everyone must make and uphold a commitment to the school and to each other to put in the time and effort required to achieve success.

More Time .   KIPP Tulsa knows that there are no shortcuts when it comes to helping educationally underserved students succeed academically. An extended school day, week and year coupled with mandatory summer school means more time for students in the classroom. In addition to broad extracurricular experiences, the students of KIPP Tulsa acquire the academic knowledge and skills that will prepare them for competitive high schools and colleges.

Power to Lead .   The Founder and Principal of KIPP Tulsa is an effective academic and organizational leader who has complete autonomy over the school budget, school operations, faculty and staff. This freedom to swiftly move dollars or make essential staffing changes allows maximum effectiveness in helping students learn.

Focus on Results . KIPP Tulsa focuses heavily on results which includes student achievement on standardized tests and other objective measures.