About KIPP Delta Public Schools: Founded in 2002, KIPP Delta Public Schools aspire to create a paradigm shift for underserved populations in the Arkansas Delta by establishing centers of academic excellence that will compete with the top educational programs in the country. As a growing network of free, open-enrollment, public charter schools, KIPP Delta serves more than 1,300 students across five schools in Helena and Blytheville, Arkansas, and is poised to launch two additional schools by 2016.
Our Impact: With a mission of empowering students from underserved communities to develop the knowledge, skills, and character traits necessary to pursue a college education and a life of value, joy, and integrity, KIPP Delta boasts a 99% college acceptance rate for its high school seniors and a college persistence/graduation rate of 79%. To put things in perspective, the national average of low-income students graduating from college within six years is 10%. KIPP Delta’s founding class is on track to quadruple that figure. Additionally, KIPP Delta’s five graduating classes have earned over $5million in college scholarships and KIPP Delta Collegiate High School was ranked number two in the state by U.S. News and World Report.
Our Approach: The KIPP Delta team holds themselves and their students to the highest codes of conduct and academic standards. They work together as a team and family and believe “There Are No Shortcuts.” KIPP Delta strives to develop 7 specific character strengths in all students: grit, zest, optimism, self-control, social intelligence, curiosity, and gratitude. They believe excellent education means students learn, grow, and achieve transformative life outcomes. For more information about the organization please visit www.kippdelta.org.
Our Academic Vision: At KIPP Delta we create a joyous-struggle in all of our students by assuring teachers pitch lessons high, constantly challenge students, and never under-estimate children’s intellect. We believe students should leave classrooms exhausted and craving more. Boredom, ease, and simplicity are cardinal sins. We commit to a rigorous and aligned PreK-12 program built upon college-ready academic standards, effective instructional practices, and meaningful curriculum and assessments.