KIPP Summit Academy

I have worked at KSA for few years now, and love the school. I can't imagine working for another school. KSA truly puts kids first. It can be a demanding school to work at because we all work so diligently to support our students, but that is part of why I love it. The staff works hard to meet students' needs and to ensure that lessons are both engaging and rigorous. I have looked at other schools in the area, and there are not many other schools that I would send my child to. I would not hesitate to send my child to KSA. The school staff is dedicated, organized, highly competent, caring, and charismatic. KSA is a school that believes in the potential of all students.
--Submitted by a teacher

As a teacher on the inside, I agree this school is not as good as it seems. The admin puts on a good front but it is a disorganized mess. Certain teachers are given preferential treatment and the discipline policy changes almost daily. Sure, there are no office referrals of suspensions this year, but we aren't allowed to. Just keep the kid in the room and let the other 32 students suffer. When students misbehave, the admin and said teachers always have an excuse therefore no consequence is given to guide this child to learn acceptable behavior. When teachers are stressed, there is no support. We have had two wonderful teachers sadly leave us this year because of the stress. Both were dedicated and enthusiastic and burned out far too fast. It's not because of the kids-its the dysfunction of certain staff members and the administration. I commend the two teachers who have left or are leaving before Christmas-good for them for standing up for wanting an hour or two with their own children or friends at night. I guarantee, I am out of this building as soon as I find something else. I would NEVER send my children here. EVER!!!
--Submitted by a teacher

years, so I can give a complete review of this school. I have read the prior reviews and I have to say this: 1) You can always send lunch to school with your child. School is for learning not for a great meal. 2) Teachers in all schools are stressed and are human, it is our jobs as parents to stand up for our kids and also teach them to respect adults. With that said, my son has not had problems with teachers, but has admitted that childish behavior happens where the class is too loud repeatedly and the teachers do have "raising voice moments.", as do I sometimes when I need to correct some over the top behavior from my child. Again, it has not happen to my son. (Continued.)
--Submitted by a parent

I like this school very much because both academic & discipline are pretty simiilar to the private school nearby in which my son used to go. Teachers are very kind, helpful & responsible since they always answer & pick up phone call from student after school hour. (Although they work from 7am-5pm daily). However, i have to commit that the school campus and building might need some improvement coz they look kinda old but we cannot blame them since the economy is sooo bad and CA keep cutting budget from school and hope that the situation will getting better!
--Submitted by a parent

this school is not as good as it seems.it has a bad leadership.My child complains about the food.I asked my son to bring some home. It was messy meatloaf and wet nasty mashed potatoes. My son gets As and Bs. He says that the teachers are disrespectful. I had to cut hours out of my night shift job to pick him up. The building its self is worse than the shoddy huts we had in my native china. I am very disappointed with this school
--Submitted by a parent

The academics at Kipp are challenging which is good. The hours are too long and can quckly wear your child out. There is very little downtime. As a family we find it very difficult to do anything during the week because of the long hours and the homework. The leadership/principals are good. They stay on top of things. But i have heard some teachers responded to the students in disrespectful manners. My child in the 5th grade and works hard to get his work done. There is a lot of parent participation at Kipp in part because of the mandatory 20 hours. There is no shortage for money either...because of the generous private donations. I believe in kipp and what it stands for but, it is not for everyone. Be informed as much as possible before making your decision to put in an application.

I am so glad my daughter was able to get into this school. this is her first year and its a lillte tough for all of us, but the rewards I'm sure will be great. I have never seen my child come home a start her homework that in itself is amazing that she loves to do her work. All of the staff and the principal that I've met so far are great and appear to truly have the interest of the kids and their education at heart. I pray that more of these schools can become a bigger part of the educational system
--Submitted by a parent

I think this is a good school. My daughter been there since 5th grade. At first, she did not like because first of all is the long hours and second is that she did not have any friends. Starting 6th grade she start liking it and she start making friends and have her old friends from her other school come to this school and some church friends. She is always an honor student, involving herself in cross country and orchestra and band. I gave this school a 4 star because, this school is not yet well organized especially for lunch money. It will take time and will be there soon. Overall parents should think about sending their kids to this school compared to other public schools. Also, there's high school for at least 3 yrs now. Kida love the new principal (Zappa) now. Parents think about it.
--Submitted by a parent

KIPP is overall a structured school. However, demographically, its not that great. This is my daughters second year at KIPP and she wants me to find her a new school. I don't want to. The options are scarce, but its a thought. Good things: no fights, no drama amongst students, diverse and principal is getting better with her student relationships. Bad things:need personable teachers and extracurricular activities. They do emphasize on going to college. Great!
--Submitted by a parent

i am a student who goes to KSA. i have been here since 5th grade. although kipp is a long and tiring school, it is somewhat okay. i may be saying i hate it and all from my mouth, but it's really not as bad. i still hate the crappy looking uniforms and the black shoes/belt, but it still a school. hey, i'm stuck there so might as well like it. i feel like i get a better bond with my teammates than with others before. i see them for like 10 hours a day. that's practically more than i see my parents. i still think kipp should have more activities that deal with the whole school. the only thing with the whole school all interacting with one another is i think may no june day play day. KIPP's a school that students can learn in but not like or hate.
--Submitted by seventh grader, a student