KIPP Bridge Charter School

KIPP is not for all students. The rigerous academics prepares students to succeed but I realized that my child was starting to become a perfectionist and obsessed with "making the grade". It's great to make good grades but I also think that it is equally important to develop social skills and KIPP acknowleges this by having interesting after school programs (such as basketball, chess, dance, robotics, and toastmasters, etc). At times I did feel that the school focused too much on standarized tests but I guess that's the only way schools stay afloat - KIPP is just blunt with it. The administration - the principal is excellent and she rules with an iron fist. Her adminstrative staff is very informative and great communicators. My child respects the teachers and they seem to give quality assignments that are age appropiate and provide social awareness. Teachers make themselves available by phone every evening and teach Saturday school (something I don't agree with because their school day is long enough).
—Submitted by a parent

It was important to me to have a competitive school for my son. He excels easily, so he wasn't being challenged elsewhere. Anyone who has high achieving students knows that not being challenged can derail these kids too. The commitment of parents is paramount in maintaining a standard of excellence and I have found in his 2nd year here - that I've had to be substantially more connected to his homework and assisting where appropriate. The faculty and staff are available and responsive - which is a must when it comes to real time kids. My only critique is with the VP - she could use some work on her people skills with students and parents alike. Can't win them all I suppose, that's why this school got a 4 out of 5 from me, instead of full rank.
—Submitted by a parent

Love, Love, Love KIPP Bridge...... They are hard working and have great love for the kids. The teachers there are passionate about the kids learning, they work long hours and accept phone calls till 8:30 at night if your child needs help with a problem. The administration states "no excuses." They focus on putting your child on the path to college. I am so happy that we came to KIPP as our daughter came out of her shell and is more involved in activities while holding a 3.80 GPA with a rigorous academic schedule.
—Submitted by a parent

Love the school and what they stand for. Sure it is challenging but the teachers are excellent and have a genuine interest in seeing the kids learn. They share the campus with West Oakland Middle and you can tell the difference.
—Submitted by a parent

A great school with challenging academic programs, and a very helpful staff. I do feel that the school staff has their own agenda for each individual students education and don't involve the parents into their plan, especially if the parent is not a college graduate. If your a parent that would prefer to NOT be involved in your childs educational plan then this is the perfect school for you. Overall I think its a great school. This is my sons 3rd year attending with plans to finish there too.
—Submitted by a parent

I absolutely LOVE this school!! They share a campus with West Oakland Middle School and you can clearly see the different in the expectations and behaviors of the children. I am also impressed with the teaching staff and the leadership from the Vice and Head principal. I think that my daughter is working very hard, but they have instilled a sense of accountability with their students which I think all children need.
—Submitted by a parent

This is school is strict. It is great for any child that wants to learn. It is not easy but the staff seems really committed to helping the students excel. The new principal is awesome. The kids really seem to respond well to her.
—Submitted by a parent

This school has a great balance. On one hand, it is strict and has rules and guidelines. However, there is an encouraging environment. The children know the expectations are high and they know they can meet those expectations with hard work and as my son tells me "no shortcuts".
—Submitted by a parent

I am a new parent of KIPP Bridge. I love the staff and all the administration. Everyone greets the parents with a smile. They are committed to getting my child to college.
—Submitted by a parent

The school and its staff were mostly excellent (except the vice p) until last year. Thinking about changing the school for my daughter for next year. Have heard that the teachers (who happen to be excellent) are not returning for the year of 2010-11 as well.
—Submitted by a parent

This school prepared my daughter to become extremely succesful in high school. KIPP schools are not for every child, only those that are hardworkers, good attitudes, and long attention spans.
—Submitted by a parent

They have excellent teachers and the kids really deserve a chance to excel! I volunteered tutoring and found it really rewarding.

My child is an excellent student & has always attended private school & has very good grades & no learning challenges. Our finances could not handle the downturn in the economy & a parent from KIPP San Francisco and San Lorenzo referred us to KIPP Oakland. At first I was a little concerned about the school date being from 7:30a-5p, we visited the school, my child loved it. School started in August with team building. My child came home everyday loving the school & earning everything & being responsible. By October my child was noticeably different & is depressed & having crying spells. The academics are great, but discipline is militaristic & too rigid. Only for urban kids that need structure/have life/acamedic obstacles.
—Submitted by a parent