KIPP Academy of Opportunity

My experience w/KIPP is at an OKAY point, yes my child has done well since attending this school back in 5th grade. Now a 7th grader, I know my child loves the school but I have notice the school and it's goal has leaned more towards the star students and that bothers me. Me being a parent of a child that hold between a 3.0 and a 3.4 GPA, I just feel they should not allow the kids to feel a discomfort. I am in it to praise my child and others for their hard work but let not leave behind the other children that has tried to do their best. especially if their is no behavioral problems.
—Submitted by a parent

Im 9th grader and im the first class to graduate from KIPP KAO and the school has prepare me to do every well in high school plus in life. KAO is one the best school out there and if you spend your child there you will not regret it.
—Submitted by a student

My child is a fifth grader at KAO and I have worked for LAUSD for 8 years and out of the 90 middle schools in LAUSD KAO outperforms no less than 80.Keep in mind it has only been around since '03.My child is as happy as I have ever seen him.The behavior issues at other schools are dealt with in a better way than I have ever seen.I hear alot of comments about the number of hours they spend in school and we as Americans have to stop making excuses and get back to being one of the top educations systems in the world. We cannot successfully compete with countries like Japan if we don't set our sights as high as possilbe.Not only does my son love the experience he is learning more about responsibility and community.He misses school when he is away.As for me and mine I support KAO fully.
—Submitted by a parent

My child has been at Kipp since the 5th grade and he is now in the 8th grade. I am sure my son will be ready for 9th grade, if he can graduate from Kipp. The curiculum is hard, but they give the kids the resources that they need to accomplish their goals. It is totally up to the individual child how far they will go. My son would love for me to take him out of Kipp, but as a single parent raising boys, my motto is there is no shortcuts in life, deal with it! To all parents thinking about putting your child in a school like Kipp, I advise you to read not only parent reviews, but also reviews of former Kipp students. Also, visit the school, you will see that they have a tremenous amount of students that went on to great boarding, private and charter high schools.
—Submitted by a parent

My child attends KIPPAO, overall I believe the structure of the school is good. I believe if other schools would start to model themselves after this style of teaching we would see a great deal of improvement in our children and their approach to education. But there are a couple of setbacks that I've noticed in the current school year. There seems to be a great deal of behavioral and disciplinary problems here. My child has come home with complaints of substitute teachers leaving in tears, student's claiming gang affiliations and other disturbing behaviors. As for the teachers at this school there are some very dedicated teachers, but I have had the experience of dealing with a couple who left a lot to be desired. I believe this school has the right idea, and needs to focus on the quality of students being admitted. My rating is 5.5.
—Submitted by a parent

KIPP is an outstanding goal orientated school. I love the teachers commitment and grassroots approach to not only teaching but also incorporating the parents. KIPP is an ideal school environment giving the students the challenges needed to be competitive not only in high school but in life. I only hope that LAUSD begin to model their schools after this outstanding example. You will not find a deeper commitment from the school director, teachers and the students themselves. I love this school!
—Submitted by Ginger Anderson, a parent

This school is the best school ever! I will say it is a rigorous program but the children will definitely benefit in the end. I am glad I made the decision to place my child here!
—Submitted by a parent

I'd give KIPP Academy of Opportunity a 9. I'd give this rate because as a student, the teachers give us a hands-on experience that keeps us interested while they teach! The teachers are close and they get to know the students! And most importantly, the teachers are not just teachers! But they are our consolers, our therapists, and our friends!
—Submitted by KAO Student, a student

Very challenging program.
—Submitted by a parent

Everyone is united around the same goal. Work hard. Be nice. No shortcuts. No excuses. Do whatever it takes. Look for a solution... so all of our kids can go to college.
—Submitted by an administrator

My son came to this very shy, with no initiative. After attending two years, he has become very goal oriented. He is now clear the sky is the limit, and is very eager to go to school. Some of the teachers make it apparent in thier action, their true dedication. I love the change in my son's attitude toward learning. My has been in public, private, and now this charter school, and I can see he striving for excellence. The academic program is above level, and the best I've seen in this area. The extracurricular activities are choosen by the the child, and are numerous depending on the childs interests. Parental involvement is encouraged
—Submitted by a parent

Unbelievable individual attention, wide range of music, art and sports education and plenty of extracurricular activities, such as, drama, chess and the like. Parents are apparently very active in the daily school life of the children.
—Submitted by a parent

I think Kipp Academy is an extrodinary school. The school is very structured academically. The Kipp program makes each student accountable for the actions by teaching them team work, and responsibility. I love this school. I believe that the public school system should adopt 'KAO's' philosopy, to help more students to be successful in school.
—Submitted by a parent

The best decision I could have made for my child. Excellent school, excellent teachers, excellent environment.
—Submitted by a parent

Kipp has achieved in attaining my daughter's interest. She is excelling in her studies and has maintained enthusiasm. I am very satisfied with the staff and the curriculum.
—Submitted by Dionne Agee, a parent