Kipp School (The)

The Knowledge is Power Program : a network of public schools for children from disadvantaged neighbourhoods / School visited by Carla Bruni-Sarkozy during the official visit to the United States (29 and 30 March 2010)

Two young educators – Michael Feinberg and David Levin – started what became the Kipp public-school network in Houston in 1994. Knowledge is Power is their credo and the 3D on the polo shirts that Kipp Academy students wear stands for their “Desire”, “Discipline” and “Dedication”, their golden rules. The 82 Kipp schools in 19 States provide elementary to high-school education and count more than 21,000 students. The network has also partnered the University of Columbia. Most of the students are African-American or Latino/Hispanic, and all come from underprivileged areas. Schooling is free, but students and their parents are required to sign a written commitment with the school. The principle is that “there are no shortcuts”: school runs from 7:30am to 5.00pm, and it’s hard work. But, as gospel music lures people off streets and into churches, classes in Kipp schools provide a lively and uplifting alternative to loitering. Classes, for instance, start with an upbeat, musical We-Will-Rock-You-style countdown. The message is that, as the teachers also come from under-resourced districts, they can also serve as role models – or indeed as academic-realm rock stars.