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KIPP Texas is a network of joyful, academically excellent public schools. Free and open to all children Pre-K – 12. Get your child ready for college. Enroll now!
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Ride the Bus to School
KIPP Texas offers bus transportation for our students at no cost, taking KIPPsters to and from school safely
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Academic Excellence
Our schools create rigorous, joyful, and engaging settings for students to master the fundamental skills of reading, writing, listening, speaking, spelling, and mathematics to prepare them for college and career readiness
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Individualized Support
We create a culture of support, achievement, and personalized learning based on each student’s needs, skills, and interests
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KIPP Forward
Our KIPP Forward counselors are committed to ensuring all KIPP Texas students and their families receive personalized support into high school, college, and through their careers
Fulfilling Lives
KIPP Texas students graduate college at a rate three times higher than their peers who did not attend KIPP schools. Our free public schools create academically excellent and joyful learning environments for our students to learn, grow, and thrive.
KIPP Texas is Team & Family
Our schools create rigorous, joyful, and engaging settings for students to master the fundamental skills of reading, writing, listening, speaking, spelling, and mathematics to prepare them for college and career readiness.
Elementary School
Personalized Instruction
Classes at KIPP Texas are small so that each student gets more attention. Plus, teachers use technology and find creative ways to keep children motivated to learn.
Academics, Arts, and Physical Education
Students in our schools explore and learn all day long. Art, extracurricular, and physical education activities that offer unique opportunities for growth and development are incorporated throughout the school day. Each school decides on the best-fit activities for their KIPPsters.
It Takes A Village
A student’s success is everyone’s success. At KIPP Texas, students, teachers, staff, and parents come together regularly to celebrate accomplishments, reflect on how we can improve, and how everyone can get involved.
Middle School
Whole Child Development
We know that success in life depends on both academics and character. We help students foster character strengths that are essential for their own success and well-being. And we empower them to express their voice to improve the world around them.
Independent Thinking
KIPPsters take advantage of opportunities to foster and develop independence to prepare them for college and beyond. From student-led discussions, to analyzing texts, to researching and visiting local colleges, KIPP students grow by stepping out of their comfort zone and succeeding in new situations.
Communication Between Staff, Students, and Families
Central to our students’ success is great communication. Strong relationships between families, students and teachers are just part of our DNA at KIPP. That’s why teachers are in touch so frequently, and in so many ways, like sending positive text messages to parents about their child’s character growth, or helping students with homework when requested.
High School
Co-Curricular and Extracurricular Activities
KIPP high schoolers explore interests and develop passions in classes like Film Production, Dance, or Theatre Arts. In addition to core classes, our wide-range of electives and extracurricular activities give KIPPsters a well-rounded and engaging high school experience.
College Level Preparation
What’s the best way to prepare for college? Take a college course! KIPP schools offer Advanced Placement (AP) courses and International Baccalaureate (IB) Programming to prepare our graduates for the rigor of college.
Individualized College Counseling
Students work alongside their KIPP Forward College advisor to choose and prepare for the educational and career path that fits their goals and sense of purpose. Once on their way, KIPP Forward teams help alumni keep moving forward while pursuing their dreams.
College & Career
Support After Graduation
Once on their way, KIPP advisors help alumni keep moving forward, tackling academic, social, and financial challenges they might encounter while pursuing their dreams. Learn more.
Real-world Experience
Networking events. Career nights. Mock interviews. Leadership training. Job shadowing. Internship opportunities. At KIPP Forward events, students gain exposure to “real world” opportunities. Together, they’re creating a future without limits, and KIPP is there to support them along the way.
Connections
With more than 97 college partners and a network of 12,000 KIPP Texas alumni currently in colleges and universities across the country, KIPPsters have connections on campus. Alumni stay in touch through in-person events and online social networking. They support each other as big milestones approach.
Special Education
Equitable Learning Environments
Our special populations dive deep into the needs of our students to craft learning experiences that honor their strengths and backgrounds, and provide them opportunities to reach their highest potential. Special education teachers and paraprofessionals collaboratively plan with general education teachers to ensure that students in special education can thrive in equitable learning environments. Both special education and general education teachers internalize lessons with the lens of increasing strategies and opportunities for students in special education.
Advancing Access
KIPPsters in special education have access to core curriculum with accommodations because we believe that advancing access for students in special education leads to a choice-filled life by setting them on a path of independence and success during and after their post-secondary years. We are committed to strong transition service planning, starting at the middle school level to ensure every student has the skills and confidence to lead fulfilling lives.
Programming
KIPP Texas is committed to providing a continuum of services so students with all varying levels of disability can attend our schools. We analyze, reflect, and take action with services which provide the most access in the least restrictive environment. Collaboration with our families strengthens our programming while building and maintaining strong relationships and communication.
Personalized Instruction
Classes at KIPP Texas are small so that each student gets more attention. Plus, teachers use technology and find creative ways to keep children motivated to learn.
Academics, Arts, and Physical Education
Students in our schools explore and learn all day long. Art, extracurricular, and physical education activities that offer unique opportunities for growth and development are incorporated throughout the school day. Each school decides on the best-fit activities for their KIPPsters.
It Takes A Village
A student’s success is everyone’s success. At KIPP Texas, students, teachers, staff, and parents come together regularly to celebrate accomplishments, reflect on how we can improve, and how everyone can get involved.
Whole Child Development
We know that success in life depends on both academics and character. We help students foster character strengths that are essential for their own success and well-being. And we empower them to express their voice to improve the world around them.
Independent Thinking
KIPPsters take advantage of opportunities to foster and develop independence to prepare them for college and beyond. From student-led discussions, to analyzing texts, to researching and visiting local colleges, KIPP students grow by stepping out of their comfort zone and succeeding in new situations.
Communication Between Staff, Students, and Families
Central to our students’ success is great communication. Strong relationships between families, students and teachers are just part of our DNA at KIPP. That’s why teachers are in touch so frequently, and in so many ways, like sending positive text messages to parents about their child’s character growth, or helping students with homework when requested.
- Co-Curricular and Extracurricular Activities
- College Level Preparation
- Individualized College Counseling
Co-Curricular and Extracurricular Activities
KIPP high schoolers explore interests and develop passions in classes like Film Production, Dance, or Theatre Arts. In addition to core classes, our wide-range of electives and extracurricular activities give KIPPsters a well-rounded and engaging high school experience.
College Level Preparation
What’s the best way to prepare for college? Take a college course! KIPP schools offer Advanced Placement (AP) courses and International Baccalaureate (IB) Programming to prepare our graduates for the rigor of college.
Individualized College Counseling
Students work alongside their KIPP Forward College advisor to choose and prepare for the educational and career path that fits their goals and sense of purpose. Once on their way, KIPP Forward teams help alumni keep moving forward while pursuing their dreams.
Support After Graduation
Once on their way, KIPP advisors help alumni keep moving forward, tackling academic, social, and financial challenges they might encounter while pursuing their dreams. Learn more.
Real-world Experience
Networking events. Career nights. Mock interviews. Leadership training. Job shadowing. Internship opportunities. At KIPP Forward events, students gain exposure to “real world” opportunities. Together, they’re creating a future without limits, and KIPP is there to support them along the way.
Connections
With more than 97 college partners and a network of 12,000 KIPP Texas alumni currently in colleges and universities across the country, KIPPsters have connections on campus. Alumni stay in touch through in-person events and online social networking. They support each other as big milestones approach.
Equitable Learning Environments
Our special populations dive deep into the needs of our students to craft learning experiences that honor their strengths and backgrounds, and provide them opportunities to reach their highest potential. Special education teachers and paraprofessionals collaboratively plan with general education teachers to ensure that students in special education can thrive in equitable learning environments. Both special education and general education teachers internalize lessons with the lens of increasing strategies and opportunities for students in special education.
Advancing Access
KIPPsters in special education have access to core curriculum with accommodations because we believe that advancing access for students in special education leads to a choice-filled life by setting them on a path of independence and success during and after their post-secondary years. We are committed to strong transition service planning, starting at the middle school level to ensure every student has the skills and confidence to lead fulfilling lives.
Programming
KIPP Texas is committed to providing a continuum of services so students with all varying levels of disability can attend our schools. We analyze, reflect, and take action with services which provide the most access in the least restrictive environment. Collaboration with our families strengthens our programming while building and maintaining strong relationships and communication.
Stages to Enrollment
Enrollment is open to ALL students.
Application
Applications are required for all potential students not currently enrolled in a KIPP Texas school. Our lottery ran on March 6, 2023. However, limited seats remain and we encourage you to still apply. On this day, names are drawn through a random, automated lottery process, and families are notified of their admission status soon afterward. Questions on the lottery application process? Watch this step-by-step guide where we walk you through it.
Families can log into their SchoolMint account to see the status of their child’s enrollment at any time. We ask that families keep their username and password handy. SchoolMint is also where families will complete the registration process.
Registration
CONGRATULATIONS!
Your child has been offered a seat at a KIPP Texas school. Upon acceptance, families may start their registration process for the next school year. We ask all families to accept and register within one week of receiving their offer. Families will see a countdown on their SchoolMint account when their offer expires.
Required Registration Documents Include:
- Student Birth Certificate
- Student Social Security Card, if applicable
- Updated Student Immunization Records
- Parent / Guardian Government Issued ID
- Proof of Residency
- Proof of Guardianship, if applicable
Re-Enrollment
Each year, our current families must confirm their plan to attend KIPP the following school year.
For rising students, those transitioning from elementary to middle school, and middle to high school, you do not have to reapply to KIPP through the lottery. However, you must complete the re-enrollment process, which will confirm the new school you are zoned to attend based on your current address.
The re-enrollment window is January 09 – January 31, 2023.
Visit the FAQs below for more information about the re-enrollment process.
Transfer
We believe that students, families and schools are served by consistency. As such, we always intend for returning KIPPsters to attend the same school until the student completes the highest grade level offered by that school. It is our intent to continue to serve and provide transportation to as many students as possible at their current schools. We will never require anyone to change schools. However, we recognize that family circumstances may mean that transferring schools is preferable for the student. The transfer window for SY23-24 is open as of January 09, 2023.
Orientation
Each summer, our schools host multi-day events to ensure our families and students are set-up for success to start the school year strong. Please hold the date provided by your school to learn about the child nutrition program, confirm your bus stop and bus schedule, turn in all immunization paperwork, update contact information, and much more.
Application
Applications are required for all potential students not currently enrolled in a KIPP Texas school. Our lottery ran on March 6, 2023. However, limited seats remain and we encourage you to still apply. On this day, names are drawn through a random, automated lottery process, and families are notified of their admission status soon afterward. Questions on the lottery application process? Watch this step-by-step guide where we walk you through it.
Families can log into their SchoolMint account to see the status of their child’s enrollment at any time. We ask that families keep their username and password handy. SchoolMint is also where families will complete the registration process.
Registration
CONGRATULATIONS!
Your child has been offered a seat at a KIPP Texas school. Upon acceptance, families may start their registration process for the next school year. We ask all families to accept and register within one week of receiving their offer. Families will see a countdown on their SchoolMint account when their offer expires.
Required Registration Documents Include:
- Student Birth Certificate
- Student Social Security Card, if applicable
- Updated Student Immunization Records
- Parent / Guardian Government Issued ID
- Proof of Residency
- Proof of Guardianship, if applicable
Re-Enrollment
Each year, our current families must confirm their plan to attend KIPP the following school year.
For rising students, those transitioning from elementary to middle school, and middle to high school, you do not have to reapply to KIPP through the lottery. However, you must complete the re-enrollment process, which will confirm the new school you are zoned to attend based on your current address.
The re-enrollment window is January 09 – January 31, 2023.
Visit the FAQs below for more information about the re-enrollment process.
Transfer
We believe that students, families and schools are served by consistency. As such, we always intend for returning KIPPsters to attend the same school until the student completes the highest grade level offered by that school. It is our intent to continue to serve and provide transportation to as many students as possible at their current schools. We will never require anyone to change schools. However, we recognize that family circumstances may mean that transferring schools is preferable for the student. The transfer window for SY23-24 is open as of January 09, 2023.
Orientation
Each summer, our schools host multi-day events to ensure our families and students are set-up for success to start the school year strong. Please hold the date provided by your school to learn about the child nutrition program, confirm your bus stop and bus schedule, turn in all immunization paperwork, update contact information, and much more.
Call To Apply!
Contact your regional recruitment representative for help submitting your application or with any questions you may have.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes KIPP Texas different?
At KIPP, teachers, students, and families are all united around the same goal—college graduation. Through our collective hard work and commitment, KIPP students complete college at a rate that is comparable to the national average for all students and four times higher for students from low-income households. Our success is driven by:
- High Expectations: KIPP has clearly defined high expectations for academic achievement and conduct that create and reinforce a culture of accomplishment and support.
- Strength of Character: Success in life depends on more than academic learning. We help students foster character strengths that are essential for their own success. We empower our students to express their voice with power and to improve the world around them.
- Highly Skilled Teachers and Leaders: Great schools require great teachers and school leaders. We empower our school teams and invest in leadership and training.
- Safe & Structured Environments: Physical and emotional safety is necessary for students to feel comfortable taking risks and learning from their successes and their mistakes. Our schools provide a safe, structured, and nurturing environments with minimal distractions so our students love school and maximize their learning.
- KIPP Forward: KIPP schools ensure each student has the skills and confidence to pursue any path that leads to their highest aspirations. Our counselors support students to choose and prepare for a right-fit college or education path and a meaningful career.
Are KIPP Texas schools public schools?
Yes, our schools are tuition-free, open-enrollment, college-preparatory public charter schools.
What grades are available for the 2023-2024 school year?
- KIPP Texas – Austin will offer Pre-K3 to 12th grade during the 2023-2024 school year in 11 schools. See the school map.
- KIPP Texas – Dallas Fort Worth will offer Pre-K4 to 12th grade during the 2023-2024 school year in seven schools located in East and South Dallas. See the school map.
- KIPP Texas – Houston will offer Pre-K3 to 12th grade during the 2023-2024 school year in 34 schools located throughout the city. See the school map.
- KIPP Texas – San Antonio will offer Pre-K4 to 12th grade during the 2023-2024 school year in seven schools located in West and Central San Antonio. See the school map. (Pre-K4 is only available at KIPP Somos Primary starting in the 2023-24 school year)
For more information on our Pre-K programs, please visit kipptexas.org/pre-k/.
How do I apply for my student to attend KIPP Texas?
Fill out the online application here or by contacting the regional Student Recruitment & Enrollment Team.
KIPP Texas-Austin
Email: applyaustin@kipptexas.org
Phone: (512) 953-7107
KIPP Texas–Dallas-Forth Worth
Email: apply@kippdfw.org
Phone: (214) 448-5866
KIPP Texas-Houston
Email: applyhouston@kipptexas.org
Phone: (218) 879-3051
KIPP Texas-San Antonio
Email: applySA@kipptexas.org
Phone: (210) 880-8080
What is SchoolMint?
SchoolMint is our online enrollment system. We use this tool to manage and track your application throughout the student enrollment process. You’ll use your account to:
- Manage school applications for all of your children.
- If offered a seat, accept the offer and complete all documents required for registration.
- If waitlisted, check the waitlist position for all of your children .
- Once enrolled at KIPP Texas, SchoolMint is also the account where you will complete the annual re-enrollment process each year.
When is the deadline to apply for the 2023-2024 school year?
Applications must be received by February 17, 2023 to be included in the lottery. Applications received after February 17, 2023 will be placed on the waitlist in the order in which they are received.
When will I find out if my student’s application was selected in the lottery?
After the lottery occurs on March 6, 2023 families will be notified via phone, mail, and/or email. There is no lottery event that parents must attend. Please fill out the application, double check your child’s birthday and the grade they will enter for the next school year, and the application will be properly processed as expected pre- and post-lottery.
Are there admissions requirements at KIPP schools?
No, there are no academic or behavioral requirements for enrollment, Pre-K-12.
What happens after I submit an application?
All applications received by February 17, 2023, will be placed in a lottery. If the number of children interested in a specific grade exceeds the number of seats available for that grade, names will be drawn through a lottery on March 6, 2023. Applications that are not selected in the lottery will be placed on a waitlist for that school year. If spaces become available, they will be filled from the applications on the waitlist. You will receive continuous email updates through the lottery, until the start of the new school year.
How can I stay informed about key dates and exciting news at KIPP Texas?
Stay up-to-date on KIPP Texas’ news and highlights by following us on Facebook | Instagram | YouTube.
How do I apply to KIPP if I live in Spring Branch ISD?
If you live in Spring Branch ISD and wish to apply to KIPP Courage College Prep, please go to the Spring Branch ISD lottery site, located here. If you have questions, please call (713) 251-3800.
How does the waitlist work?
If the number of children interested in a specific grade at a KIPP Texas school exceeds the number of seats available for that grade, names are drawn through a random, automated lottery process. If there are not enough open seats available, children will be placed on a waitlist. If and when seats become available at each KIPP school, we will notify families in the order of the waitlist.
Waitlists are dynamic! If a student is called off any of our waitlists and accepts, and if that student has a sibling on the waitlist, the sibling is moved up the waitlist with other new to KIPP siblings. This puts siblings ahead of any non-sibling waitlist students.
What should I expect? SchoolMint keeps track of where your student is on the waitlist. To see the status of your child, log into your account here. Be aware that your student’s position on the waitlist may be affected by other students who accept a position and also have siblings on the waitlist. As explained above, waitlist siblings of accepted students are moved ahead of non-sibling waitlist students.
What if I applied after the application deadline? Applications received after February 17, 2023 will be placed on the waitlist in the order in which they are received.
I am having trouble submitting the application on SchoolMint. What can I do?
Contact us!
- Austin – enrollment@kippaustin.org or (512) 953-7107
- Dallas-Fort Worth – enrollment@kippdfw.org or (214) 448-5866
- Houston – applyhouston@kipptexas.org (281) 879-3051
- San Antonio – applySA@kipptexas.org or (210) 880-8080
Or try to resolve it yourself.
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Does KIPP Texas offer fine arts and athletics?
Although options vary by school, KIPP Texas schools offer a wide variety of fine arts and athletics. Please contact a KIPP school near you for more information.
Will transportation be offered?
Transportation options vary by school. For more details and to identify the best bus stop for your family please go to https://kipptexas.org/transportation/.
Who is eligible for free Pre-K at a KIPP Texas Public School?
To be eligible for enrollment in a free Pre-Kindergarten class, a child must be at least three years of age on or before September 1 of the current school year (if a 3-year old program is available) or four years of age on or before September 1 of the current school year (if only a 4-year old program is available) and meet at least one of the following eligibility requirements:
- Is unable to speak and comprehend the English language; or
- Is educationally disadvantaged (which means a student eligible to participate in the national free or reduced-price lunch program); or
- Is homeless, as defined by 42 U.S.C. Section 1143a, regardless of the residence of the child, of either parent of the child, or of the child’s guardian or other person having lawful control of the child; or
- Is the child of an active duty member of the armed forces of the United States, including the state military forces or a reserve component of the armed forces, who is ordered to active duty by proper authority; or
- Is the child of a member of the armed forces of the United States, including the state military forces or a reserve component of the armed forces, who was injured or killed while serving on active duty; or
- Is or ever has been in the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services (foster care) following an adversary hearing held as provided by Section 262.201, Family Code; or
- Is the child of a person eligible for the Star of Texas Award as: a peace officer under Section 3106.002, Government Code; a firefighter under Section 3106.003, Government Code; or an emergency medical first responder under Section 3106.004, Government Code.
For more information on our Pre-K programs, please visit kipptexas.org/pre-k/.
How can I prepare for completing the Re-Enrollment documents?
Is your child going into Kindergarten or 7th grade next year? If so, you will be required to upload an updated vaccine record that includes the appropriate age-level immunizations. If you do not have this, we recommend that you reach out to your child’s doctor or check your child’s online medical file (e.g. MyChart, if you use Texas Children’s). You will not be able to continue to the next step of the re-enrollment process without this record. If vaccinations are still needed and you are looking for a provider, please contact your school’s health team for more information.
Did you move during this school year? If you moved, please contact your child’s school to provide them with your updated address. You will need to also upload a current utility bill, mortgage statement, or lease.
Is your parent/guardian ID expired? We require a photo of a current parent or guardian ID. Please make sure your ID, drivers license, or visa is not expired.
Are you planning to not return next year? If you select that your child is not returning to KIPP next year, you will receive an email from us to help us learn what led you to this decision and how could better support you and your child. Please keep in mind that if you select that you are not returning, your child’s spot may be released to a new KIPPster via the lottery process.
What if I’m moving to another city outside of Texas? Great news! KIPP spans across 31 different regions in the United States. We would love to support you and your family in the transfer application process, if a KIPP school is located in your new hometown. For additional information and to find other KIPP regions, visit www.kipp.org or contact us at Enroll.Help@kipptexas.org {add subject: Moving to another city outside of Texas to the link}.
What if I’m moving to another city within Texas (in or near Austin, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio)? You will be able to apply for a transfer starting January 09, 2023. All families applying for transfers must fill out the re-enrollment documents. You will need to select that your child is returning AND complete re-enrollment. If your transfer is granted we will move your registration over to the new school before the 2023-2024 school year begins. If you select that you are not returning, you risk your child’s seat being filled by a new KIPPster via the lottery process.
Bus Transportation: The re-enrollment documents include all of the yellow bus stops available for your school, and allow you to select a bus stop for your child. It is our goal to offer the best transportation services to our students! If a bus stop is not available in your area please submit a “Bus Stop Request Form” to your school’s front office, which will be reviewed by our transportation department.