Frequently Asked Questions

How did KIPP begin?  KIPP, the Knowledge Is Power Program, began in 1994 when teachers Dave Levin and Mike Feinberg completed their Teach For America commitment and launched a program for fifth graders in a public school in inner-city Houston, Texas. While only half of the students passed their fourth grade tests before enrolling in KIPP, more than 90% passed the Texas fifth grade exams in English and Mathematics after one year at KIPP. In 1995, Feinberg's KIPP Academy Houston became a charter school, and Levin established KIPP Academy New York in the South Bronx. KIPP alumni have earned over $21 million in scholarships for college-preparatory high schools and are continuing to excel in four-year colleges and universities . 

Doris and Donald Fisher, co-founder of The Gap, Inc., formed a unique partnership with Feinberg and Levin to replicate KIPP’s success nationwide.  Established in 2000 with a $15 million grant from the Fishers, the not-for-profit KIPP Foundation recruits, trains and supports outstanding teachers in opening and leading high performing, college preparatory, public schools in educationally underserved communities. 

To learn more about KIPP schools nationally, please visit www.kipp.org

When did KIPP Tulsa open its doors?  In July 2005, KIPP Tulsa College Preparatory contracted with the Tulsa Public School District to operate a public school with a great deal of autonomy.  Summer School began within that same month followed by the official first day of classes on August 15, 2005.  

How are students selected?   Is there an entrance exam?  There are no entrance exams.  KIPP Tulsa has open enrollment and students are admitted on a first-come, first-served basis regardless of prior academic performance or behavior.   

Do I have to pay for my child to attend KIPP Tulsa?  No.  KIPP Tulsa is a public, college preparatory school and does not charge tuition. 

What are the school hours?  Classes during the school year operate Monday – Thursday, 7:30a.m. – 5:00p.m.; Friday, 7:30a.m. – 4:00p.m.; and alternate Saturdays, 8:00a.m. – 1:00p.m.

What grades does KIPP Tulsa serve?  The grade configuration is 5th through 8th.

Year 1	2005-2006	5th	90 Students
Year 2	2006-2007	5th , 6th	180 Students
Year 3	2007-2008	5th, 6th, 7th	270 Students
Year 4	2008 and beyond	5th, 6th, 7th, 8th	360 Students

Are students required to wear uniforms?  All students are required to wear the KIPP Tulsa school uniform.  This consists of khaki slacks (and/or skirts for girls) or khaki shorts (that are below the knee) and the KIPP Tulsa polo shirt or chalkboard shirt.  No jeans are allowed.

Why is there an extended school day? With an extended school day, week, and year, students have more time in the classroom which allows teachers the time to develop and deliver challenging and stimulating lessons and focus on the needs of each student.  Students also have more time to devote to their class work and are able to attain additional help when needed. More time in school means a greater capacity to acquire the academic knowledge and skills that will prepare each student for competitive high schools and colleges as well as more opportunities to engage in diverse, extracurricular experiences.

What takes place at Saturday School? The first 2 hours of Saturday school is dedicated to study hall and tutoring in the areas of Math, Reading, and English.  The last 3 hours of the day, students participate in structured, extracurricular activities such as (but not limited to) Modern & Hip Hop dance, Spanish, Martial Arts, Art, and African Dance & Drumming.

What takes place at Summer School?  Summer School is held during the whole month of July where enculturation is the key focus.  Students will learn the expectations and responsibilities while at KIPP as well as interact with their grade level teachers. 

Is my child required to attend Summer School?  Yes, Summer School is mandatory.   If your child does not attend Summer School, he/she will not be allowed to enroll in KIPP.  

What are experiential field lessons? Why do the students take them ? Experiential field lessons are taken to venues such as local and national college campuses, museums, theatrical performances, and/or national sites in effort to build cultural and educational awareness.  Each field lesson is designed to broaden a students' view of the lessons they are taught in the classroom, to enhance their personal life experience, and to expand their understanding of a world that extends far beyond their individual communities.  Field lessons help our students take hold and recognize the possibilities in life and the heights in which each one of them can reach with an education.

What is a Commitment to Excellence contract? What is its purpose? KIPP Tulsa shares a commitment with its teachers, students, and parents.  This commitment is documented in the signed “Commitment to Excellence” contract. This contract highlights each group's shared responsibility and accountability for achievement.  All parties agree to actions that will lead to the student's personal and academic growth, be it on time attendance over an extended school session or learning to work effectively in teams or taking charge of a class project. This commitment means that neither party will allow obstacles that may have stopped students from achieving in the past, stand in the way.

Where is KIPP Tulsa located? KIPP Tulsa is located in the Ellis Walker Woods building at 1661 East Virgin Street.