KIPP San Jose Collegiate School

I am a founding 2012 kippster and am currently in college. Honestly, this school has helped me better understand myself as a person and gave me the skills needed to succeed in college. Even though the rules for keeping our shirts tucked in and making sure we were never tardy for class, even by a minute, or else our most common consequence was detention, the teachers and staff are the greatest people ever. I just loved my teachers and they are the reason why I was able to succeed in class and believe that I belong in college. To the parents: remember, your child is ultimately the one who chooses the type of person they are. If your child isn't getting straight A's, don't immediately say, "The teacher hates my child" or if your child is always getting detention don't say, "These rules are ridiculous!" Your child chooses when to do their homework and how they want to act. I did, on more than one occasion, get irritated at how some teachers acted but it was up to me if I allowed that to get under my skin. To the students: You can do it! If you need help, don't be afraid to ask any of the faculty. They are honestly the sweetest people, if you take the time to know them. Good luck!

Our daughter is thriving at KIPP! This school is strict and has very specific rules and regulations.Expect your child to have at least 2-3 hours of homework each night including weekend homework.The staff clearly sets students expectations on what is needed to successful and provide the infrastructure for ALL students to be sucessful. The teachers are wonderful and very committed! Some of the staff is on campus until 8pm to help students with their homework and can be reached via email or phone until 9pm.Two college counselors are on staff, one for Freshman and Sophomore, another for Juniors and Seniors. They have wonderful sports programs, music/art programs, in addition to a variety of school clubs. In the main office there is a wall with the 2012 graduating class and the names of Universities that KIPP students have been accepted into; Yale, Princeton, USF, UCDavis are listed on this wall; it s an impressive sight! This school it is not for everyone, but students who are committed and focused will succeed! If you are looking for an academically challenging college-prep school than KIPP San Jose Collegiate should be your choice!
—Submitted by a parent

My child just finished the 3 days new student orientation and is horrified of the numerous ridiculous rules and rituals at KIPP. My child is afraid to go to this school now. My child is an honor roll student coming from a public school. Upon hearing the feedback from the orientation, I went online to do some extra research and did encounter quite a few report and criticism about the ridiculous rules at KIPP. I'm now having 2nd thought about this school. I feel that good education is important, but not at the expense of a child fearing to go to school. Any one with experiences (good/bad) about KIPP SJ, please share. Your input will be greatly appreciated.
—Submitted by a parent

I currently have 2 children in Kipp San Jose Collegiate (1 senior and 1 Junior) which have attended the school since 5th grade and I have another child who is an 8th grader at Kipp Heartwood Academy and has attended here since 5th grade. I am very satisfied with both schools and I always recommend this school to family and friends. People say the school rules and policies are ridiculous BUT we are well aware of what we sign up for as all parents are required to attend several different orientations and sign contracts etc. Parents are very informed on what is expected from your child. I just think that some parents just can't handle the rigorous expectations of this wonderful school so they blame staff and the school policies. It is very tiring but it almost guarantees our children will attend a great college. Kipp isn't for everyone and not everyone can handle the pressure....including parents. THANK YOU KIPP TEACHERS AND STAFF FOR ALL YOUR DEDICATION AND HARD WORK! KEEP IT UP!!
—Submitted by a parent

I am entering into sophomore year, and this school is great. Although, the teachers may treat you like babies. The teachers, and principle let you have NO freedom what so ever. They basically walk you to class, and not let us have our own freedom and responsibility. We have a great education, but sometimes the teachers/principle takes problems a LITTLE too far. As if they are like "I'm right, you're wrong, end of story". I feel they need to work on letting the students have a bit more freedom than what they give. And no need to yell at us to "GO TO CLASS", even if we have 5 minutes of transition.
—Submitted by a student

My son is entering 9th grade this year and we couldn't be more happier and please with the school. He has been enrolled at KIPP Heartwood Academy since 5th grade. My son understand that he need to be at his best all the time. There are many excellent students enrolled here and they are setting academic goals higher and higher each year. We are fully understand that this high school is still new and very limit in activities that they are offering, but we have complete faith in KIPP to guide our son to college and beyond. We love the school and we know that our child is safe and in good hands. Our son future will be brighter than any one of us could dream of. Thank you KIPP teachers & principal for their caring.
—Submitted by a parent

My Child has been with KIPP since 8th grade and is now a freshman at KIPP Collegiate. I am very unhappy with this school. Students get in trouble for the most petty things, and if teachers feel the need to put them on in school suspencion part of their punishment includes the student having to wear their shirt and coats inside out for how many days they are in trouble. I find this absolutely humiliating,degrating, and in my eyes this is Hazing! Funny they are so adament about using proper language when twice this year we have had incidents where several teachers cursed at the students. When confrunted in a parent teacher meeting they took no responsability for their actions and if fact tried to deny it happening. This is not a school, it's a boot camp where teachers bully students and demand respect not even they practice. The school hires inexperienced teachers who have no concept of how to work with teenagers, they don't have the patience to understand the challenges youth face now days. In result we are looking for a new school for our child. Good Luck if you decide to place your child here, my advise, ask lots of questions and involve yourself as much as possible.
—Submitted by a parent

My son currently attends Kipp SJC. I have seen a positive outcome of his attending this excellent school. The teachers are very involved and they know every student and parents name. I feel so welcome and love that my son is doing great in school!!!
—Submitted by a parent

I'm only a Freshman at KIPP San Jose Collegiate, and I am sure that i'm going to college. My school motivates me to do better.
—Submitted by a student