Welcome to Kindergarten at KIPP Texas

Our joyful, academically excellent Kindergarten programs set a foundation of strong academic and social skills for a bright future. Starting Kindergarten puts students on a path toward long-term success in grades 1 – 12, college, and beyond.

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Introduction to Kindergarten



We help our littlest KIPPsters love learning from day one – building joyful learning experiences that set the foundation for rigor and higher literacy, math, science and social studies skills.


Our students build knowledge by participating in enrichment courses throughout the week. These courses vary by school and can include art, music, dance, technology, etc.


Unique small group learning time and individualized learning pathways help students accelerate at every level of achievement - from foundational skills to critical thinking.

A Day In the Life of a KIPP Texas Kindergartner


“The teachers, they’re so amazing and wonderful to my children. I’m so proud and so happy that we are a part of the KIPP Texas Family!”

Patience E.

KIPP Texas Parent

Why Attend Kindergarten at KIPP Texas?


Research shows that high-quality early learning is connected to school readiness and later life outcomes. KIPP students are more likely to be promoted to the next grade and graduate high school. Choosing a high-quality Kindergarten program for your child now makes a difference in their future!

Foundation for Future Success in Grades 1-12


Becoming a KIPPster

We teach your child what it means to be a KIPPster! We are here to teach students how to love learning, interact with teachers and peers, and build their confidence for future success.

Social-Emotional Learning

We believe in personalized learning approaches that address each child’s individual needs. As children become students for the first time, we emphasize important lessons on social-emotional awareness and reflection that support the growth of the whole child.

Proven Impact

In both English and math, KIPP Texas Public School students surpassed the national targets across Kindergarten, 1st grade, and 2nd grade!*

*NWEA MAP Assessment

Our Joyful Kindergarten Programs


KIPP Texas offers high-quality Kindergarten programming across all our regions. Review frequently asked questions below.

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Frequently Asked Questions


Programs

Are KIPP Texas Kindergarten programs tuition free?

All of our Kindergarten programs are tuition free.

Once I enroll my child in Kindergarten at KIPP Texas, do we have to attend school?

The expectation is that once you enroll in school, you are required to attend school. Texas Compulsory Attendance: Children ages 6-18 (up to the student’s 19th birthday) are required to attend school. Compulsory attendance also applies to students below the age of 6 if the student voluntarily enrolled in Prekindergarten or Kindergarten. Learn more in the KIPP Texas Student/Parent Handbook.

What makes Kindergarten experiences unique at KIPP Texas?

Our primary elementary academic model is designed to ensure our Little KIPPsters develop a love of learning from the very start. We do this by creating a safe and joyful learning environment for each student. Students spend time daily engaging in Social-Emotional Learning starting in Kindergarten. Our teachers use programs and methods that are backed by research to ensure that we meet the academic needs of every student in literacy, math, science, and social studies. We also provide time for individualized learning support through small group instruction and blended learning. Additionally, our warm and friendly teachers ensure our students build knowledge by participating in enrichment courses throughout the day. These enrichment courses vary by campus and can include art, music, dance, technology, etc.

Are there before or after-school care programs available?

Some of our schools offer before and after-school programs. Please contact your child’s school directly to learn more.

How old does my child need to be to enter Kindergarten?

A child must be at least five years of age on September 1 of the school year to attend Kindergarten.

Curriculum

Do we test Kindergarten students before they are admitted? If so, what’s that process and why?

We do not have any academic requirements for Kindergarten students at KIPP Texas. Campuses administer a language screening for incoming Kindergarten students who did not attend Pre-K in order to provide the necessary support for emergent bilingual students. Students are tested to determine learning style and groups.

How are Kindergarten students graded?

Our teachers use a variety of assessments to share progress and evaluate learning for our Little KIPPsters. Students demonstrate their learning on assessments aligned to our K-4 curriculum in literacy, math, science, and social studies.

What are the curriculum highlights within KIPP Texas Kindergarten programs?

We believe that KIPPsters learn by doing! As such, we proudly use project-based learning to promote confidence and critical thinking for all of our Little KIPPsters. Our curriculum is focused on oral language, vocabulary and storytelling, including sounds and patterns, that set the foundation for strong fluency and comprehension. Additionally, our teachers infuse STR, Science of Teaching Reading, practices for our beginning KIPPster readers to ensure they have a strong, research based foundation for reading.

We also have a research-based curriculum that features exploration and discovery as a way of learning, enabling children to develop confidence, creativity, and lifelong critical thinking skills. In this mode of discovery, known as inquiry-based learning, KIPPsters will make real life connections about the world around them through engaging centers, books, and discussion based exploration. You may hear KIPPsters asking questions and using center tools and classroom resources to answer their questions and build their content knowledge.

Our curriculum is also designed to help educators at all levels of experience, plan, and implement a developmentally appropriate, content-rich program for children with diverse backgrounds and skill levels.

Are there extracurricular or enrichment opportunities at school?

Enrichment courses are available at every KIPP Texas primary school. Students participate in electives for at least 45 minutes each day, such as music, art, dance, or Spanish language. These specific offerings will vary by school. Extracurricular programming for Kindergarten students varies by campus.

How does the curriculum at KIPP Texas address the social-emotional needs of students?

We believe in personalized learning approaches that address each child’s individual needs. KIPP Texas Kindergarten students participate in social-emotional learning (SEL) time daily – 30 mins per day. These lessons cover the different ways to express emotions, self-awareness and reflection on emotional needs.

Classrooms

What is the average Kindergarten teacher-to-student ratio?

The average KIPP Texas class size is 25 Kindergarten students to one adult.

Daily Processes

How will KIPP Texas keep my student safe while at school?

We have heightened our security at each one of our campuses.

  • Doors are to remain locked during each class period.
  • Photo ID’s are required for any visitors arriving on campus.
  • Security guards are in place at each of our schools.
  • Campus perimeter checks are required 3x per week.
  • All front entrance doors are locked at all times.

Does KIPP Texas offer meals to Kindergarten students?

All Kindergarten students receive free breakfast, and all KIPP Texas primary schools offer free lunch. This is subject to school eligibility, and families must still return a household income application for schools to continue receiving funding.

Is transportation provided for Kindergarten students?

Transportation is available to Kindergarten students, but bus routes vary by school. For more details and to identify the best bus stop for your family please go to https://kipptexas.org/transportation/.

What are the arrival and dismissal procedures for Kindergarten students?

Every school will provide specific arrival and dismissal procedures based on the demands, layout, and access of the entry ways.

In support of the procedures to prepare all students for a safe dismissal, there will be a cut-off time for early pickup prior to dismissal time. For questions about arrival and dismissal procedures, please contact your school directly.

Do you have a typical Kindergarten class schedule?

Here is a sample of a typical Kindergarten classroom schedule:

  • 7:30am: Breakfast Morning Meeting
  • 8:00am – 9:30am: Reading
  • 9:30am – 10:30am: Literacy Small Group Instruction
  • 10:30am – 11:00am: Lunch
  • 11:00am -12:30pm: Math
  • 12:30pm – 1:00pm: Recess
  • 1:00pm – 2:00pm: Language Arts and Small Group Instruction

Where can I find the academic calendar for my child’s school?

You can click on this link to access all of our academic calendars.

Contact


Questions about the Kindergarten program in your region? Contact your regional Student Recruitment and Enrollment manager for more information or fill out the form below.